A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed that floods and storms were the primary causes of climate-related hazards in Asia in 2023. This region has been disproportionately affected by climate change, with these events resulting in significant deaths and economic losses.
Flooding emerged as the leading cause of fatalities, with over 80% of water-related disasters being attributed to floods and storms. The report emphasizes the vulnerability of Asian countries to natural hazards.
A key observation is the rapid increase in key climate change indicators, including temperatures, precipitation, glacier retreat, and sea level rise. These changes have far-reaching consequences for societies, economies, and ecosystems.
The report also highlights the impact of extreme heat and melting glaciers in Asia. Record-breaking temperatures were observed across the continent, especially in western Siberia, central Asia, eastern China, and Japan. In China, severe drought conditions were also prevalent.
The WMO emphasizes the need for improved disaster risk reduction measures and tailored weather information for policymakers. It stresses that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change is no longer an option but a necessity for Asian nations.
