Asia: The World’s Most Disaster-Hit Region
In 2023, Asia earned a title that is anything but an achievement: the world’s most disaster-hit region by climate-related hazards. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that Asia remained the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate, and water-related hazards.
Disasters in Asia
- Asia reported 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological events in 2023.
- More than 80% of these disasters were related to floods and storms.
- The collective death toll from these disasters was over 2,000 people.
- Nine million people were directly affected by these disasters.
Global Warming Impact on Asia
Last year, global temperatures rose to record highs, with Asia warming faster than the rest of the world. Asia recorded temperatures nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average. Additionally, Asia’s annual mean near-surface temperature was the second-highest on record, at 0.91 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average.
Rising temperatures, along with melting glaciers, pose a threat to Asia’s future water security, according to the WMO.
Climate Change Impact
Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of extreme events in Asia, impacting societies, economies, and human lives. Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, facing extreme conditions ranging from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms.
Glacier Retreat in High-Mountain Asia
The High-Mountain Asia region, centred on the Tibetan Plateau, witnessed glaciers retreating at an increasingly accelerating rate. Out of the 22 monitored glaciers in the region, 20 showed continued mass ice loss last year. This region, which boasts the largest volume of ice outside the polar regions, is experiencing significant changes due to climate change.
“It is imperative that our actions and strategies mirror the urgency of these times,” stressed WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate is not merely an option, but a fundamental necessity.”
