Why is News :
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its State of Climate in Asia 2024 report, warning that Asia is warming nearly twice the global average, with severe and deadly consequences for human lives, biodiversity, and economies.
Key Findings of the Report
Asia’s Temperature Spike
- 2024 was the warmest or second warmest year on record in Asia.
- Regional average: +1.04°C above the 1991–2020 mean.
- The warming rate (1991–2024) was almost double the rate from 1961–1990.
Heatwaves and Marine Heatwaves
- Prolonged heatwaves impacted large parts of East Asia (April–November).
- Marine heatwaves hit a record high, impacting ~15 million sq km, especially in the Northern Indian Ocean, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and waters around Japan.
- Sea-surface warming in Asia is nearly 2x the global average.
Impact on India
- 450+ deaths due to heatwaves (temperatures up to 50°C in some places).
- 1,300 deaths from lightning events.
- Cyclone Asna caused floods in Gujarat and killed ~50 people.
- Remal, Fengal, Dana made landfall over eastern India & Bangladesh.
Tropical Cyclones
- Asia faced 29 tropical cyclones in 2024.
- Cyclone Yagi was the strongest and deadliest, affecting the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries—causing multi-billion-dollar losses.
Glacier Melt in High Mountain Asia
- 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers lost mass.
- Urumqi Glacier No. 1 recorded its highest mass loss since 1959.
- Reasons: Reduced winter snowfall, extreme summer heat.
Rainfall Extremes
- Arabian Desert, Balochistan, parts of Japan, Myanmar, and even Siberia saw above-normal rainfall
- Some regions in Western Asia received more daily rainfall in April than their long-term annual average.
Global and Regional Implications
- Climatic Repercussions: Rapid warming threatens food security, water resources, glacial ecosystems, and coastal zones.
- Disaster Risk: More frequent multi-hazard events—cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
- Socioeconomic Impact: Vulnerable populations face intensified poverty, displacement, and livelihood shocks.
| Quotes for Essay/Ethics/GS2 “Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll.” — Prof. Celeste Saulo, WMO Chief |
| UPSC Relevance : GS1: Climate Geography, Physical Geography (Glaciers, Heatwaves)GS2: Governance (Disaster Preparedness), International Reports GS3: Environment & Climate Change, Disaster Management Possible Mains Questions Q. “Asia is warming twice as fast as the global average.” In light of WMO’s 2024 report, assess the regional implications of climate change for India and South Asia. |