ISLAMABAD: A new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed that Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, significantly increasing the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
The State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report highlights alarming trends in rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and glacial melt across the continent. The findings point to an urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and policy intervention.
Key Findings:
- Rapid Temperature Rise: The average temperature across Asia in 2023 was approximately 0.72°C above the 1991–2020 average, marking it among the warmest years on record.
- Accelerated Ocean Warming: Sea temperatures in the northwestern Arabian Sea and seas east of Japan are rising over three times faster than the global average.
- Hydro-Meteorological Disasters: Asia witnessed 79 major events—primarily floods and storms—which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and impacted more than 9 million people in 2023.
- Glacial Retreat: Twenty out of twenty-two monitored glaciers in the High Mountain Asia region lost mass during 2022–2023, posing long-term threats to freshwater availability and food security.
Implications for Pakistan:
As part of the South Asian climate hotspot, Pakistan remains particularly vulnerable to the trends outlined in the WMO report. The country is already facing:
- Increased Risk of Flooding and Droughts: Extreme rainfall, glacial melt, and shifting monsoon patterns are directly impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and human settlements.
- Coastal Hazards: Rising sea levels threaten low-lying areas, including the Indus Delta and key urban coastal regions.
- Water Stress: Continued glacier loss in the north may disrupt river flows and irrigation networks vital to Pakistan’s agrarian economy.
Regional Trends:
- Heatwaves: Unprecedented spring heat across South and Southeast Asia caused school closures and crop losses.
- Marine Heatwave: A marine heatwave spanning nearly 40 million sq. km—five times the size of Australia—led to widespread sea level rise and marine ecosystem disruption.
- Asia as the Most Affected Continent: The report reaffirms that Asia remains the world’s most disaster-impacted region, further emphasizing the need for early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
WMO’s Call to Action:
The WMO has urged all Asian nations to prioritise:
- Climate adaptation and resilience planning
- Investment in early warning infrastructure
- International cooperation and climate financing
The report serves as a clear warning that climate change is intensifying at an alarming rate across Asia. Without immediate and sustained efforts, the human and economic toll will continue to rise.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
