The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released a report titled "The State of the Climate in Asia 2023," which provides a sobering assessment of the impact of climate change on the Asian continent. The report underscores the urgent need for robust climate action to mitigate the devastating effects of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental changes across the region.
Asia experienced a staggering 79 extreme weather events in 2023, affecting over nine million people and resulting in over 2,000 deaths. Floods and storms caused the highest number of casualties and economic losses in the region. This underscores the vulnerability of Asia as the most disaster-prone region in the world.
India, in particular, faced a myriad of climate-related challenges, including severe heatwaves, rainfall-induced floods, glacial lake outbursts, and tropical cyclones. These events resulted in significant loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and disruption to livelihoods. The report highlights the urgent need for adaptation and resilience-building measures in the face of increasingly frequent and intense climate-related disasters.
The report also highlights that Asia has warmed faster than the global average, with the annual mean near-surface temperature in 2023 being the second-highest on record. The melting of glaciers in the High Mountain Asia region poses a significant threat to the region's water resources and ecosystems. Additionally, below-normal precipitation across much of Asia exacerbates the risk of water scarcity and drought.
Despite overall less precipitation, flood and storm events accounted for over 80% of reported hydrometeorological hazards in Asia. Floods were the leading cause of death in reported events, particularly in countries like India, Yemen, and Pakistan. This underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and early warning systems to minimize the loss of life and property.
In response to the growing threat of climate change, both India and the global community have undertaken various initiatives to mitigate its impacts. India's initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), and National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC) aim to address climate change at the national level. Globally, initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund and the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) seek to mobilize international cooperation and support for climate action.
In conclusion, the WMO report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the impacts of climate change in Asia and beyond. By implementing robust mitigation and adaptation measures, countries can work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
