Key data indicate continuous global warming: blue paper

Key data indicate a continuing trend of warming in the climate system, according to a blue paper on climate change issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) on Friday.

The CMA issued the Blue Paper on Climate Change in China 2025 at a press briefing held in Beijing on Friday morning.

The blue paper systematically presents the new facts and trends of climate change around the world and in China with detailed monitoring data from various aspects including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere.

The paper notes that the concentration of major greenhouse gases has been increasing year by year. In 2023, the global average concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere all reached their highest level since observational records began.

Global ocean warming has significantly accelerated, with global sea surface temperature and ocean heat content hitting record highs, says the blue paper.

From 1958 to 2024, the heat content of global oceans (upper 2,000 meters) showed a trend of significant increasing, reaching a record high level in 2024, and the ocean warming trend has accelerated noticeably since the 1990s, according to the blue paper.

The report says that the global average sea surface temperature in 2024 was 0.39 degrees Celsius higher than usual, which was the highest since 1870.

"Comprehensive observations of the climate system and multiple key indicators show that the warming trend of the climate system is continuing. The global average land surface temperature in 2024 was the highest since meteorological observation records began, and the annual average temperature in Asia was tied with that in 2020 as the highest since 1901. Since the 1990s, global ocean warming, glacier melting and sea level rise have accelerated significantly. As a sensitive and mostly affected area of global climate change, China has seen its annual average temperature notably up since the early 1960s, with an average increase of 0.31 degrees Celsius every decade," said Wang Pengling, deputy director of the climate change monitoring and prediction office of the National Climate Center.

Biosphere monitoring data show that China's overall vegetation coverage has increased steadily, with improving ecological and climatic conditions, says the blue paper.

Key data indicate continuous global warming: blue paper

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.

Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.

The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.

A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.

Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.

Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.

A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.

Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.

Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen