Extreme heat is slamming the world's three biggest economies all at once
CNNNov 27, 2022
The Facts
On Friday, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C (104°F), Beijing issued a red warning, the highest warning level in its classification system.
The warning comes as the city of millions saw temperatures rise to 41.1°C (106.0°F) on Thursday. The scorching temperature is the second-highest in Beijing's recorded history, coming in just under 41.9°C (107.42°F), set on July 24, 1999.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
In 2022, China saw a prolonged period in which temps skyrocketed over 37°C/100°F, reaching as high as 45°C/113°F. The brutal heat's cascading effects spurred wildfires and led to the shuttering of major industries to conserve power. Agriculture wilted and shoes literally melted on the sidewalks. China's answer was to burn more coal to fuel cooling strategies, no doubt exacerbating climate change that will lead to more extreme heat down the road. Simply put, the PRC must plan ahead and scout better and more eco-friendly solutions.
Pro-China narrative
Of all the world's nations facing extreme heat, China is the most prepared. The country has been quick to learn from previous experiences with power shortages and has since mitigated the risks by investing in new gas-fired power plants and more efficient transmission lines. According to experts, its future-proofing will prove fruitful for the country as temperatures continue to soar. Other world governments, including the US, would do well to learn from the PRC's experience and leadership in extreme heat preparation and mitigation efforts.