The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report highlighting Asia as the region most affected by climate change-related hazards in 2023. According to the report, floods and storms were the primary causes of casualties and economic losses, with heatwaves exacerbating the severity of these events.

Asia experienced temperature rises averaging nearly 2 degrees Celsius above the 1961-90 average, surpassing the global warming trend. Many countries in the region saw their hottest year on record, accompanied by extreme conditions such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, and storms.

The report revealed that 79 disasters associated with water-related weather hazards were reported in Asia last year, with floods and storms comprising 80 percent of these incidents. These disasters resulted in over 2,000 deaths and affected nine million people directly.

Hong Kong witnessed record-breaking rainfall of 158.1mm in one hour due to a typhoon, marking the highest rainfall since records began in 1884. Additionally, the report noted significant glacier mass loss in high mountain regions of Asia, attributed to unprecedented high temperatures and dry conditions.

The Himalayas, Hindu Kush mountain ranges, and southwest China experienced below-normal precipitation levels, exacerbating drought conditions. Meanwhile, regions from western Siberia to Central Asia, and from eastern China to Japan, recorded unusually high average temperatures, with Japan experiencing its hottest summer on record.

Recent severe floods in southern China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan underscore the urgent need for improved disaster risk reduction strategies. The WMO emphasized the importance of national weather services in providing tailored information to officials to mitigate risks effectively.

Celeste Saulo, WMO chief, stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts are fundamental necessities. Peter Newman, a sustainability professor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for rapid action to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 to mitigate the worsening climate crisis.

The report serves as a stark reminder of the escalating climate challenges faced by Asia and underscores the critical importance of immediate and concerted efforts to address climate change and its impacts.