Asia experienced the most severe impacts of climate change in 2024, with floods and storms leading to significant casualties and economic losses, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report, released by the United Nations weather agency, underscores the increasing severity of heatwaves and other extreme weather events driven by global warming.
In 2024, Asia faced an array of climate-induced challenges, with temperatures rising nearly 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1961-1990 average. This rapid warming has outpaced the global average, resulting in unprecedented heat and extreme weather conditions. Many countries in the region recorded their hottest year on record, with a succession of extreme events such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, and storms.
Celeste Saulo, WMO Chief, highlighted the exacerbation of weather extremes due to climate change, describing the findings as “sobering.” The report identified 79 significant water-related disasters in Asia last year, with 80 percent comprising floods and storms. These events resulted in over 2,000 deaths and directly affected nine million people.
Floods were the most deadly among reported disasters in 2023, causing the highest number of fatalities by a substantial margin. For instance, Hong Kong experienced its highest rainfall on record with 158.1mm (6.2 inches) falling in one hour on September 7, due to a typhoon. Additionally, high mountain glaciers in Asia saw significant mass loss due to record-breaking high temperatures and dry conditions. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountain ranges experienced below-normal precipitation, and southwest China faced a persistent drought.
The report documented extreme temperatures from western Siberia to Central Asia and from eastern China to Japan. Japan experienced its hottest summer on record, underscoring the widespread impact of climate change across the continent.
Recent weeks have seen severe floods affecting several Asian countries. Southern China had to evacuate over 100,000 people due to heavy rains and floods, which resulted in at least four deaths. Similarly, Afghanistan and Pakistan declared states of emergency after heavy rains and flash floods claimed at least 100 lives.
The WMO stressed the urgent need for enhanced national weather services across Asia to provide tailored information for disaster risk reduction efforts. Saulo emphasized the necessity of immediate action, stating that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changing climate is a fundamental requirement.
Peter Newman, a sustainability professor at Curtin University, described climate change as a “war we are inducing onto ourselves.” He highlighted the critical need to achieve net-zero emissions to mitigate further damage from climate-induced disasters. Newman referred to the recent floods as a “terrific wake-up call,” noting that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been predicting such changes for years, but they have materialized quicker than expected.
Research indicates that climate change will continue to drive extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, across the Northern Hemisphere and beyond. Christiana Figueres, a former U.N. climate agency chief, described the current situation as a “worldwide heat wave,” emphasizing the urgent need for global action. The continuous burning of fossil fuels has led to increased carbon emissions, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and raising global average temperatures by nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) since the Industrial Revolution. This warming trend makes heatwaves more frequent and dangerous.
Attribution studies have shown that climate change significantly increases the likelihood of extreme heat events. For example, the April heatwave in South Asia, which saw temperatures in Kolkata, India, soar to 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), was 45 times more likely due to climate change.
Even if emissions were halted today, existing levels would ensure that climate change continues to push temperatures upward for decades. To limit further warming, emissions must be halved by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. However, current trajectories suggest the world is on track for a 2.7 degrees Celsius (4.9 degrees Fahrenheit) increase by 2100, exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold considered critical for avoiding catastrophic impacts.
The widespread and severe heatwaves experienced in 2024 highlight the pressing need for action. Governments, businesses, and individuals must take immediate steps to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts. Transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and protecting natural ecosystems are essential strategies for a sustainable future.
The impact of climate change extends globally. During the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, pilgrims faced extreme heat, while India and China continue to grapple with frequent and intense heatwaves. These events underscore the necessity for a coordinated global response to address and mitigate the far-reaching effects of climate change.
