The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported a record surge in global temperatures last year, with Asia experiencing an alarming rise.
Intensified Impact of Heatwaves
The WMO highlighted the exacerbation of heatwaves in Asia, posing severe threats to water security through glacier melting.
Acceleration of Warming in Asia
Temperatures in Asia soared nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average, outpacing the global average, according to the WMO.
Sobering Findings
Celeste Saulo, WMO chief, described the report’s revelations as “sobering,” noting that many Asian countries witnessed their hottest year on record accompanied by extreme weather events.
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Consequences for Asia
The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report underscored the accelerating pace of climate change indicators, predicting profound consequences for societies, economies, and ecosystems in the region.
Asia: Most Disaster-Prone Region
Despite mitigation efforts, Asia remained the most disaster-prone region worldwide in 2023, facing numerous weather, climate, and water-related hazards, the WMO highlighted.
Regional Climate Patterns
The report revealed varied precipitation patterns across Asia, with concerns over water scarcity intensified by below-normal rainfall in the Himalayas and drought conditions in southwest China.
Glacier Retreat and Ocean Temperatures
Significant glacier retreat in the High-Mountain Asia region and record-high sea-surface temperatures in the northwest Pacific Ocean added to climate concerns, according to the report.
Call for Urgent Action
The urgent need for action was stressed in light of devastating water-related weather hazards, underlining the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
