Kathmandu, June 25, 2025 - A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) paints a troubling picture: Asia is heating up at nearly twice the global average rate, triggering cascading impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. The State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, released Monday, underscores the urgency for decisive climate action across the continent.
Rising Temperatures, Escalating Risks
Asia’s average temperature in 2024 was 1.04 °C above the 1991–2020 baseline, making it one of the hottest years in recorded history. This warming trend, nearly double the global rate, is reshaping the region’s climate, exacerbating natural disasters, and straining vital resources.
Sea surface temperatures also hit record highs, while marine heatwaves affected an area as vast as 15 million square kilometers, disrupting fisheries, threatening coral reefs, and destabilizing coastal economies.
Mountains Melting, Oceans Rising
Glaciers across the Himalayas and Tian Shan suffered significant mass loss, with 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers retreating in 2024. This accelerates the risks of glacial lake outburst floods and long-term water scarcity for millions.
Simultaneously, sea-level rise along Asia’s coasts surpassed the global average, intensifying vulnerabilities for coastal communities.
A Year Marked by Extreme Weather
The report highlights a surge in catastrophic weather events in 2024:
Prolonged heatwaves shattered records in Japan, South Korea, and China.
Myanmar recorded its highest-ever temperature of 48.2 °C.
Cyclone Yagi wreaked havoc in Southeast Asia, while Central Asia faced its worst floods in 70 years, displacing over 118,000 people.
Nepal and India endured deadly floods and landslides, inflicting heavy casualties and economic losses.
Hope Through Adaptation
Amidst the challenges, there were glimmers of hope. Early warning systems and proactive disaster management in countries like Nepal protected over 130,000 lives. The WMO emphasized that investments in meteorological services and community resilience are critical for adapting to the evolving climate landscape.
A Call for Urgent Action
The findings are a wake-up call for policymakers, industries, and communities. Climate extremes are not just environmental issues—they pose grave threats to food security, water resources, and economic stability. The WMO warns that without accelerated adaptation measures, the damage could become irreversible.
Asia’s warming trajectory serves as both a stark warning and an opportunity. By scaling up climate action now, the region can mitigate the worst impacts and build a more resilient future.
