The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its “State of the Climate in Asia 2023” report, highlighting significant climatic challenges faced by the region in the past year.
Key Findings of the WMO Report
- Heatwaves Intensity: Notable increase in the severity of heatwaves across Asia in 2023.
- Underreported Fatalities: Heat-related deaths were significantly underreported.
- Predominant Extreme Events: Approximately 80% of extreme weather events were floods and storms, causing most deaths and financial losses.
- Drought Frequency: Persistent droughts in Southwest China, occurring nearly every month.
- Glacial Retreat: Continued mass loss in at least 20 out of 22 glaciers examined.
- Reduced Snow Cover: Decline in snow cover extent compared to the 1998-2020 average.
- Sea Temperature Rise: Sea surfaces in Asia warming at a rate more than triple the global average for sea surface temperatures.
- Marine Heatwaves: Extended marine heatwaves observed, lasting several months.
Indian scenario:
- Severe Heatwaves: Recorded from April to June, resulting in at least 110 fatalities.
- Monsoon Variability: Below average rains during the summer-monsoon season; however, subsequent floods and storms led to over 600 deaths across India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
- Tropical Cyclones: Six cyclones causing extensive damage in the Indian subcontinent.
- Sea Level Rise: Sea level rise in Bay of Bengal in 2023 was the second-highest in the region, 30% above the global average.
- Regional Temperature Impact: The rise in temperatures most affected the northern and eastern regions of India.
- Localized Events: Noteworthy incidents include heat-related deaths in Uttar Pradesh and a glacial lake outburst in Sikkim causing severe flooding and economic damage.
Recommendations
- Infrastructure Resilience: Need to strengthen critical infrastructure like healthcare, transportation, and power grids through climate-proofing measures.
- Building Standards: Upgrade of building codes and standards to accommodate changing climate conditions.
- Urban Heat Management: Address rising urban heat stress effectively.
Ref:Source
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