Asia is warming almost twice as fast as the rest of the world, putting millions of people at risk, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in its State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report. The continent just had its hottest or second-hottest year on record in 2024. Heatwaves dragged on for weeks across huge areas.
The problem has been getting worse for years. Higher temperatures are messing with weather patterns, heating up the oceans, and making mountain regions unstable. The damage keeps spreading.
Ocean temperatures broke records in 2024, creating underwater heatwaves that wiped out sea life and hurt fishing communities. Sea levels in the Pacific and Indian Oceans rose faster than the global average, putting more coastal areas in flood danger. Glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan mountains melted so quickly they formed risky glacial lakes that threaten water supplies for billions of people. Violent storms, floods, droughts, and cyclones killed people and destroyed communities across the region.
Nepal has found ways to fight back. The country built better early warning systems and trained communities to prepare for climate disasters. Local officials say people can protect themselves when they get advance warning about what’s coming.
The report calls for quick investment in flood defenses, warning systems, and tougher infrastructure to protect Asia’s future. Without action now, the heating will only get worse.
