Asia More Vulnerable To Increasing Climate Change Effects: WMO

News Desk

United Nations: Extreme weather events, including large-scale floods, droughts and other effects of climate change, are on the rise throughout Asia and are likely to have an impact on food security and the continent’s ecosystems, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

According to the WMO State of the Climate in Asia 2022 report, there were 81 weather, climate, and water-related disasters in Asia in 2022, of which over 83 percent were flood and storm events.

Most of the oceanic area of Asia has recorded increasing ocean heat content in the upper layer of the ocean (0-700 m) since 1993. On average, in 2022, the upper ocean layer in the region recorded its fifth warmest year on record.

Extreme weather and climate change impacts are increasing in Asia. Melting ice and glaciers and rising sea levels threaten more socio-economic disruption in future, according to our latest #StateOfClimate report.

🔗 https://t.co/k1w98S2G8O pic.twitter.com/ODl8F5ccoq

— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) July 27, 2023

The report was released during a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Pakistan’s Devastating Losses

Pakistan experienced devastating flooding associated with extreme precipitation in July and August 2022. The country received 60 percent of its normal monsoon rain within just three weeks of the start of the monsoon season.

Over 33 million people– nearly 14per cent of the population–were impacted; over 1,730 people perished; and nearly 8 million people were forced to leave their homes. The floods not only had an immediate effect on the populace but also severely damaged important buildings, homes and livestock.

Disaster-Prone Region

Asia is also the world’s most disaster-prone region, stated the agency’s report. In 2022, there were more than 80 disasters on the continent, mainly floods and storms which killed upwards of 5,000 people and affected 50 million more. Moreover, overall economic damage exceeded $36 billion.

WMO Secretary General Petteri Taalas noted that last year, many areas in Asia experienced drier-than-normal conditions and drought.He highlighted the case of China, where prolonged drought conditions affected water availability and the power supply. The estimated economic losses were over $7.6 billion.

Most glaciers in the High Mountain Asia region suffered intense mass loss as a result of exceptionally warm and dry conditions in 2022, Petteri stated, adding that this will have a significant impact on ecosystems, water security, and future food production.

Agriculture, which is central to all climate adaptation plans, will be impacted by the anticipated rise in the frequency and severity of extreme events over most of Asia.