Japan and South Korea record hottest summers in history
Al JazeeraSEP 2
Japan, South Korea Record Hottest Summers Ever
Above: People with umbrellas walk in the scorching sun in Tokyo on Sept. 1, 2025. Image copyright: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Climate-concerned narrative
These record-breaking temperatures are undeniable evidence of accelerating climate change, highlighting the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel emissions. The data shows human activities have made extreme heat events at least five times more likely, with devastating consequences for public health and ecosystems. Japan alone saw over 84,000 heat-related hospitalizations, while traditional seasonal patterns, such as the cherry blossoms and the snowcap on Mount Fuji, have been fundamentally disrupted.
Climate-skeptic narrative
The recent temperature records can be attributed to natural climate variability driven by longstanding weather patterns, including the North Pacific and Tibetan high-pressure systems. These systems have historically influenced the region, producing periodic heat waves. While significant, such events are part of normal fluctuations within Earth's complex climate system. These temperature anomalies alone do not necessarily indicate an unprecedented crisis or justify sweeping economic changes.
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Editor's Note
This story currently has limited reporting from right sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.