Climate Change Vulnerability in Asia

Climate change impacts all global regions, with Asia experiencing unique vulnerability. The continent is affected by heat waves, floods, erratic monsoons, melting glaciers, and sea-level rises. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reports Asia is warming twice as fast as the global average, exacerbated by its large landmass of 44.58 million square kilometers.

Key Findings from the WMO Report

• Temperature Increases: Land temperatures in Asia are higher than in oceans, causing marine heat waves. 
  • Indian and Pacific Oceans temperatures reached record highs last year.
  • Asian ocean temperatures rose at 0.24°C per decade, nearly double the global average of 0.13°C.
• Natural Disasters: Vulnerable communities in South and Southeast Asia face sea-level rises. 
  • Floods occurred in Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
  • Heatwaves in China and Central Asian countries.
  • Typhoons in Southeast Asia and a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala.

Economic and Agricultural Impact

Climate conditions affect outdoor labor and labor-intensive economies in Asia. While agricultural productivity has increased, climate change hinders progress, threatening food and water security.

• Rice Vulnerability: Droughts, increasing salinity, and soil damage threaten rice, a staple crop, as highlighted by the IPCC.

Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

Most Asian countries have global warming mitigation plans, yet adaptation to erratic weather is increasingly necessary. The WMO report emphasizes the importance of early warning systems to manage multiple hazards such as floods, landslides, and wildfires.