Asia leads global disasters: WMO report

In 2023, Asia retained its unenviable title as the most disaster-prone region worldwide, bearing the brunt of weather, climate, and water-related calamities. Floods and storms led the charge, causing substantial casualties and economic losses, while the impact of heatwaves intensified, according to a fresh report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Climate indicators escalate

The "State of the Climate in Asia 2023" report underscores the alarming acceleration of crucial climate change indicators like surface temperature, glacier retreat, and sea level rise. These trends spell significant repercussions for societies, economies, and ecosystems across the region.

Record-breaking anomalies

Sea-surface temperatures in the north-west Pacific Ocean hit record highs in 2023, and even the Arctic Ocean grappled with a marine heatwave. Notably, Asia's temperature surge outpaces the global average, nearly doubling since the 1961-1990 period.

WMO's stance

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo painted a sobering picture, emphasizing how numerous countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023. The onslaught of extreme conditions—from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms—was exacerbated by climate change, profoundly impacting lives and the environment.

Disaster statistics

According to the Emergency Events Database, Asia weathered a total of 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological hazards in 2023. Over 80% of these were flood and storm-related, resulting in over 2000 fatalities and affecting nine million people directly.

Vulnerable countries hit hard

Vulnerable nations bore the brunt yet again in 2023. For instance, tropical cyclone Mocha, the strongest in the Bay of Bengal in a decade, wreaked havoc on Bangladesh and Myanmar. Early warnings and improved preparedness mitigated the loss of thousands of lives.

Bridging the gap

The "State of the Climate in Asia 2023" report aims to bridge the chasm between climate science and disaster risk through evidence-based policy proposals. ESCAP and WMO, in collaboration, pledge to elevate climate ambition and expedite policy implementation, ensuring no one is left behind in the evolving climate crisis.

Call for action

Despite approximately 80% of WMO members in the region providing climate services for disaster risk reduction, less than 50% offer climate projections and tailored products crucial for informed risk management and adaptation. This underscores the urgent need for concerted action to address climate change impacts effectively.

Regional initiatives

Released during the 80th session of the Commission in Bangkok, Thailand, the report reflects WMO's commitment to prioritizing regional initiatives and informing decision-making. It draws on inputs from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, United Nations partners, and a network of climate experts.

Temperature trends

Asia experienced its second-highest annual mean near-surface temperature in 2023, surpassing the 1991–2020 average by 0.91 °C and the 1961–1990 average by 1.87 °C. Particularly elevated temperatures were observed from western Siberia to central Asia and from eastern China to Japan, with both Japan and Kazakhstan marking record warm years.