Climate change is rapidly accelerating in Asia, leading to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events that have profound impacts on societies, economies, and human lives. This grim reality is highlighted in the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate in Asia report.

Temperature records were shattered across Asia in 2023, with temperatures averaging 0.91°C above the 1991-2020 reference period, making it the second-hottest year on record for the continent. Japan and Kazakhstan experienced their warmest year ever recorded.

A historic heatwave swept across Asia in April and May, bringing unprecedented high temperatures to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and China. Beijing endured weeks of temperatures above 40°C (104°F), with a peak of 52.2°C (126°F) in Xinjiang.

The report also noted a marine heatwave in 2023 that drove sea surface temperatures in the Arctic Ocean to record highs. Regions like the Arabian Sea and the Laptev Sea are experiencing sea surface warming at rates more than three times faster than the global average.

Natural disasters have had devastating consequences in Asia. Nearly half of all climate and natural disaster-related deaths over the past five decades occurred in Asia, with tropical cyclones claiming the most lives. In 2023 alone, the continent experienced 79 water hazard-related disasters, causing over 2,000 fatalities and directly affecting 9 million people.

Economically, the impact is substantial. The Philippines and the US face significant annual economic losses—3% and 0.38% of GDP, respectively—due to floods, tropical cyclones, and severe thunderstorms driven by climate change.

To address these challenges, the WMO stresses the importance of strong early warning and disaster risk reduction systems as critical climate mitigation strategies for Asia. These measures have already saved thousands of lives and can help prevent future economic, social, and health crises exacerbated by climate change.

Meanwhile, parts of Central and South Asia experienced below-average precipitation, leading to major droughts in China’s southwestern provinces and other regions.

Deadly floods and storms have been widespread. Over 80% of extreme events were linked to floods and storms, causing hundreds of fatalities across India, Pakistan, Nepal, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

The melting of glaciers in central-south Asia, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas and the Tian Shan, has accelerated due to record-breaking temperatures and dry conditions. A study predicts that 68% of the world’s glaciers could disappear at the current warming rate, significantly contributing to sea level rise, particularly affecting Asia.

The report also notes that the past nine years have been the hottest on record globally, with 2023 topping the rankings. The return of El Niño in recent years has contributed to these record temperatures.

In summary, urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Asia and globally. Effective early warning systems, disaster risk reduction measures, and concerted efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions are essential to protect lives, economies, and ecosystems from the worsening effects of climate change.