Officially recognized as the world’s most disaster-prone region, Asia

According to a recently released report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Asia experiences more climate, weather, and water-related disasters than any other region on Earth. The report, titled the 2023 State of the Climate in Asia, highlights the increasing risks faced by the region due to the intensification of climate change. From heatwaves to flooding and storms, the impacts of climate change are becoming more severe worldwide, with Asia being particularly vulnerable due to its faster rate of warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

The report underscores the detrimental effects of climate change on societies, economies, and the environment. There were 79 water-related disasters in Asia in 2023, primarily consisting of floods and storms that affected millions of people and caused the death of at least 2,000 individuals. The warming world leads to increased moisture in the air, resulting in more intense downpours, while warming oceans provide tropical storms with more energy, leading to more destructive storms. Record sea surface temperatures in Asia and rising sea levels further exacerbate the vulnerability of coastal communities to flooding.

For developing countries in Asia like India, Pakistan, and Nepal, the impacts of extreme floods and storms are devastating. In 2023, these countries experienced significant loss of life due to climate-related disasters. Climate activist Harjeet Singh emphasizes the urgent need for international solidarity and financial support from wealthier nations to help vulnerable countries in Asia build resilience and effectively respond to the unequal impacts of climate change.