Heatwaves, floods, and storms : WMO report reveals Asia worst affected in 2023

Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023, according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The region faced a surge in floods, storms, and heatwaves, exacerbating casualties and economic losses. The report highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change in one of the most disaster-prone regions globally.

Accelerated Warming Trends and Extreme Weather Conditions

The report revealed that Asia is warming at a quicker pace than the global average, with temperatures in 2023 soaring to nearly 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1961-90 average. 

“The report’s conclusions are sobering. Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms. Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives and the environment that we live in,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

Water-related hazards and intensifying heatwaves

This warming trend, outpacing the global average, has accelerated over the decades, posing grave threats to ecosystems, economies, and societies across the region. Countries in Asia grappled with extreme conditions ranging from scorching heatwaves to devastating floods and storms, resulting in loss of lives and extensive damage.

According to the agency, Asia witnessed a total of 79 disasters linked to water-related weather hazards last year. Among these, approximately 80 per cent were attributed to floods and storms, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and directly impacting nine million individuals. The State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report further highlighted that floods emerged as the primary cause of death in reported incidents during the year, surpassing other factors by a significant margin.

Disproportionate impact on vulnerable countries

“Yet again, in 2023, vulnerable countries were disproportionately impacted. For example, tropical cyclone Mocha, the strongest cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in the last decade, hit Bangladesh and Myanmar. Early warning and better preparedness saved thousands of lives,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which partnered in producing the report.

Moreover, heatwaves intensified across Asia, with countries like Japan experiencing their hottest year on record. China witnessed numerous high-temperature events, with some meteorological stations recording temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. India, too, grappled with severe heat waves, leading to fatalities due to heatstroke. These extreme heat events not only pose immediate health risks but also exacerbate challenges related to food security, water scarcity, and energy demand.

Alarming state of the cryosphere and rising ocean temperatures

The report also sheds light on the alarming state of the cryosphere in Asia, particularly the High-Mountain Asia region. Glaciers, vital sources of freshwater, have been retreating at an accelerating rate, threatening future water security. Permafrost thawing in high-latitude and high-altitude environments poses additional concerns, with implications for infrastructure stability and greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, rising sea surface temperatures and ocean heat have emerged as significant concerns, particularly in areas like the Kuroshio current system and the Arabian Sea. Marine heatwaves, characterized by prolonged periods of extreme heat, have become more frequent, affecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Opportunities for action

The report also highlights opportunities for action. It underscores the importance of advancing climate services to support disaster risk reduction efforts. While many countries in Asia provide data services, there is a pressing need to enhance tailored products for the disaster risk reduction community. Strengthening early warning systems, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting climate-smart agriculture are essential steps towards building climate resilience in the region.

Reference: https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/climate-change-and-extreme-weather-impacts-hit-asia-hard

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