Climate and Weather Hazards in Asia: A Growing Concern
Asia emerged as the most disaster-hit region from climate and weather hazards in 2023, according to the United Nations. Floods and storms were identified as the primary causes of casualties and economic losses in the region.
Rapid Warming Trends in Asia
The World Meteorological Organization highlighted that global temperatures reached record highs in the previous year, with Asia experiencing a particularly rapid pace of warming. The impact of heatwaves in Asia has intensified, leading to concerns about future water security due to melting glaciers.
Temperature Trends and Glacial Retreat
Asia’s temperatures in 2023 were nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average, surpassing the global average. The region witnessed the second-highest annual mean near-surface temperature on record, with significant temperature anomalies in various parts of Asia.
- Western Siberia to central Asia and eastern China to Japan reported particularly high average temperatures.
- Japan experienced its hottest summer on record.
- Precipitation patterns varied, with below-normal levels in the Himalayas, Hindu Kush mountain range, and southwest China.
Impact on Glaciers and Sea Levels
The High-Mountain Asia region, including the Tibetan Plateau, has seen a rapid retreat of glaciers, with a significant loss of ice mass. Sea-surface temperatures in the northwest Pacific Ocean reached record highs in 2023, indicating the ongoing impact of climate change on the region.
Water-Related Disasters and Urgent Actions
Asia faced 79 disasters associated with water-related weather hazards in 2023, predominantly floods and storms. These events resulted in over 2,000 deaths and affected nine million people directly. Urgent actions are needed to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts and improve resilience in the face of escalating climate challenges.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate is not merely an option, but a fundamental necessity,” emphasized WMO chief Celeste Saulo, stressing the critical need for immediate and coordinated responses to address the climate crisis.
