Introduction

Asia, which houses more than half of the world’s population and is the largest continental landmass, is confronting an accelerating climate emergency. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released its report titled “State of the Climate in Asia 2024,” which presents a stark outlook—Asia is warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average. The region is experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, rising sea levels, glacial melt, and extreme weather phenomena, all of which have significant humanitarian and economic repercussions.

Key Findings of the WMO Report

Record Temperatures in 2024: Asia experienced its hottest year ever recorded, with several countries suffering extended periods of extreme heat. Heatwaves in the ocean have also expanded, adversely affecting marine biodiversity and threatening food security.

Warming Rate Twice the Global Average: While the worldwide temperature is rising by approximately 0.13°C per decade, Asia’s landmass is warming at a rate of 0.24°C per decade. This faster increase is particularly visible over land due to its lower heat capacity compared to oceans.

Glacial Retreat and Hazards: Out of 24 glaciers monitored in the Himalayas and Tian Shan mountains, 23 have lost mass, heightening the risk of disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslides. This puts the water supply for millions in South and Central Asia at risk.

Rising Sea Levels: Sea levels are climbing more rapidly in Asia than the global average, threatening heavily populated coastal areas. This phenomenon also disrupts marine currents, fish migration patterns, and coastal ecosystems.

Increase in Extreme Weather: The report highlights a marked rise in climate-related disasters, including floods in Pakistan and Kazakhstan, typhoons in Southeast Asia, landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, heatwaves across China and Central Asia, and unusually heavy rainfall in the Gulf countries like UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Iran.

Root Causes Behind Asia’s Climate Vulnerability

Fossil Fuel Dependence: Large Asian economies such as China, India, and Indonesia continue to rely heavily on coal and oil, leading to record emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

High Population Density: The continent’s dense population contributes to increased consumption, urban sprawl, and larger carbon footprints. Megacities like Delhi, Beijing, and Jakarta face the creation of urban heat islands.

Geographic Factors: Asia’s diverse geography—comprising mountains, floodplains, coasts, deserts, and islands—makes it vulnerable to a variety of climatic threats. Its extensive coastline is directly threatened by ocean warming and rising sea levels.

Unsustainable Land Use Practices: Rapid deforestation, conversion of land for agriculture and infrastructure, loss of wetlands, and groundwater depletion all reduce the region’s resilience to climate impacts.

Social, Economic, and Ecological Consequences

Impact on Human Health and Livelihoods: Prolonged heatwaves have led to more cases of heatstroke, water shortages, and reduced agricultural yields. Vulnerable groups such as farmers, daily wage workers, and urban poor are especially at risk.

Water Security Concerns: Melting glaciers threaten the water flow of important rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Amu Darya, jeopardizing drinking water supplies and irrigation systems.

Economic Damage: Climate-related disasters caused billions of dollars in damages during 2023–24, with insurance companies facing increasing claims and some areas becoming difficult to insure.

Disruptions in Agriculture: Irregular rainfall and flooding are damaging crops and altering traditional planting seasons. Ocean warming is also causing fish stocks to shift, affecting fishing communities.

Biodiversity Loss: Species inhabiting coral reefs, the Himalayas, and tropical forests face existential threats from temperature changes and habitat degradation.

Current Measures for Mitigation and Adaptation

Paris Agreement and NDCs: Asian countries are signatories of the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, though most are currently not on track to meet their targets.

Early Warning Systems (EWS): The WMO emphasizes the need for enhanced multi-hazard early warning systems. India’s Heat Action Plans and Bangladesh’s coastal cyclone shelters are examples of such efforts.

Transition to Green Energy: While renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro are expanding in countries like India and China, fossil fuels remain the primary energy sources. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) supports scaling up solar energy use in developing Asian countries.

Regional Cooperation: There is a call for stronger collaboration through regional groups like SAARC and ASEAN to improve disaster management, share resources, and mobilize climate finance.

Community-Based Adaptation: Local communities are adopting grassroots measures such as rainwater harvesting in arid zones, mangrove reforestation along coasts, and cultivating climate-resilient crop varieties in drought-prone regions.

Way Forward

Speed Up Decarbonization: There is a need for a rapid transition from coal and oil to renewable energy sources, supported by investments in energy storage, green hydrogen, and electrification of transport.

Strengthen Climate Governance: Climate institutions should be empowered and emission regulations strictly enforced across industries, vehicles, and agriculture.

Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: Urban development must focus on flood-resistant housing, cool roof technologies, and climate-proof transportation infrastructure.

Protect and Restore Ecosystems: National climate strategies should include afforestation, wetland restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

Ensure Inclusive Climate Action: Vulnerable groups—tribal populations, coastal residents, women, and children—must be protected through social safety nets, education, and climate-resilient employment opportunities.

Enhance Climate Financing: Developed nations should fulfill their pledge to provide $100 billion annually in climate finance. Expanding climate risk insurance and disaster recovery funds is essential for Asian countries.

Conclusion

The WMO’s “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report serves as a critical warning for the continent. With Asia warming faster than any other region, it faces the brunt of the global climate emergency. The future of Asia’s climate depends on urgent, bold, and coordinated efforts involving governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals. With the right investments, innovations, and partnerships, Asia can both reduce climate risks and become a leader in climate resilience worldwide.