Asia warming at twice the global average; Sea surface temperature record high in 2024; Marine heatwaves worst on record; Glacier melt accelerated; Floods and droughts destroyed lives and livelihoods
Asia is currently warming nearly twice as fast as the global
average, fuelling more extreme weather and wreaking a heavy toll on the region’s economies, ecosystems and societies, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report says that 2024 was the warmest or second warmest year on record (depending on the dataset), with widespread and prolonged heatwave and the warming trend between 1991–2024 was almost double that during the 1961–1990 period.
“In 2024, heatwaves gripped a record area of the ocean. Sea surface temperatures were the highest on record, with Asia’s sea surface decadal warming rate nearly double the global average.
“Sea level rise on the Pacific and Indian Ocean sides of the continent exceeded the global average, heightening risks for low-lying coastal areas. Reduced winter snowfall and extreme summer heat were punishing for glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan.,” according to the latest climate report.
The State of the Climate reports are flagship reports of WMO and provide policy-relevant information for national and regional decision-making.
According to the report, as many ast 23 out of 24 glaciers suffered mass loss, leading to an increase in hazards like glacial lake outburst floods and landslides and long-term risks for water security. “Extreme rainfall wreaked havoc and heavy casualties in many countries in the region, and tropical cyclones left a trail of destruction, whilst drought caused heavy economic and agricultural losses,” it added
“The State of the Climate in Asia report highlights the changes in key climate indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass and sea level, which will have major repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region. Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
“The work of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and their partners is more important than ever to save lives and livelihoods,” she said.
