Climate Vulnerability in Asia: A Wake-up Call for International Solidarity and Action

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report highlighting the vulnerability of Asia to climate-related disasters. According to the 2023 State of the Climate in Asia, the region experiences more climate, weather, and water-related disasters than any other part of the world. The report underscores the detrimental effects of climate change on societies, economies, and the environment.

In 2023, there were 79 water-related disasters in Asia, primarily consisting of floods and storms that affected millions of people and caused at least 2,000 deaths. 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.

Developing countries in Asia like India, Pakistan, and Nepal are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events. 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.