Asia is heating up at nearly twice the rate of the global average, putting billions of people at risk. The latest State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals alarming trends, from record-breaking heatwaves to accelerating glacier melt and rising sea levels. This growing climate emergency is already having a devastating impact on economies, ecosystems, and human lives across the continent.
Key Findings from the WMO Climate Report 2024
1. Record-Breaking Temperatures
- 2024 was the warmest or second-warmest year on record in Asia.
- Heatwaves in East Asia lasted from April to November, breaking temperature records month after month.
- Myanmar hit 48.2°C, setting a new national heat record.
2. Rising Sea Surface Temperatures
- Asia’s sea surface warming rate is nearly double the global average, increasing by 0.24°C per decade.
- 15 million square kilometers of Asia’s oceans were affected by marine heatwaves — that’s about 1/10th of the Earth’s entire ocean surface.
3. Melting Glaciers in the ‘Third Pole’
- 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers in High-Mountain Asia lost significant mass in 2023-2024.
- The melting threatens regional water supplies and increases risks of glacial lake outburst floods.
4. Extreme Weather Disasters
- Floods in Central Asia were the worst in 70 years, displacing over 118,000 people.
- UAE recorded 259.5 mm of rain in just 24 hours, one of the heaviest events since 1949.
- Droughts in China affected nearly 5 million people, causing losses exceeding $400 million.
Impact on People, Ecosystems, and Economies
The consequences of this rapid warming are already visible:
| Impact Area | Key Effects |
|---|---|
| Water Security | Threatened by glacier melt and drought |
| Agriculture | Crop failures, rising food insecurity |
| Economy | Billions in losses from floods and droughts |
| Ecosystems | Coral bleaching, loss of biodiversity |
| Health | Increased risks of heat-related illnesses |
