Asia faces a harrowing reality as the latest WMO report reveals a surge in extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for climate action to protect lives and livelihoods.
The latest findings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shed light on Asia’s alarming vulnerability to climate-related disasters, painting a grim picture of the region’s climate challenges.
According to the ‘State of the Climate in Asia 2023’ report, Asia has experienced a rapid warming trend, surpassing the global average and nearly doubling since the 1961-1990 period. This warming trend has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, placing millions of lives at risk.
In 2023 alone, Asia bore the brunt of 79 extreme weather events, including floods, storms, and other water-related hazards. These disasters affected over nine million people and claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals directly. Shockingly, over 80% of the reported hydrometeorological hazards in Asia were flood and storm-related, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to these calamities.
Tragically, the toll of these disasters extends beyond mere numbers, with over 60% of the 2,000 reported deaths attributed to flooding and over 15% to storms. The devastation caused by these events is not only measured in lives lost but also in the economic damage inflicted on communities and livelihoods.
Storms emerged as the primary culprit, affecting the largest number of people and causing the most significant economic repercussions throughout 2023. The consequences of these disasters ripple through societies, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and disrupting lives and economies.
As Asia grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent action is imperative to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and protect vulnerable communities. The findings of the WMO report serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts at local, regional, and global levels to address the climate crisis and safeguard the future of the planet.
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