Asia Warming Twice as Fast as Global Average: WMO Report 2024.

What Happened?

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its annual report titled “State of the Climate in Asia 2024”.
• The report reveals that Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, making 2024 one of the most climate-stressed years for the continent.
• Temperature anomalies, extreme weather events, and glacier loss in Asia are accelerating faster than anticipated.

Key Findings of the WMO Report

Causes of Accelerated Warming in Asia

• Urban heat islands and rapid urbanization
• Deforestation and declining carbon sinks
• High concentration of short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon
• Monsoon variability and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects
• Increased fossil fuel consumption by emerging economies

India-Specific Implications

1. Agriculture: Heatwaves and erratic rainfall have already disrupted sowing patterns of wheat, rice, and pulses.
2. Water Security: Glacial retreat in the Himalayas threatens perennial rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
3. Disaster Frequency: More urban flooding (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai), landslides (Uttarakhand), and cyclones (Bay of Bengal).
4. Livelihoods: Coastal and hill communities are under severe risk due to climate displacement and changing ecosystems.

Global & Regional Efforts

• Paris Agreement: Urges nations to cap global temperature rise below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C).
• Global Framework on Climate Services for Asia: Proposed by WMO for regional collaboration.
• India is part of the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, and National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).

UPSC Relevance

Prelims:

• WMO and its reports
• El Niño and La Niña impacts
• Himalayan glacial systems and their role in Indian monsoon

Mains GS Paper III:

• Climate Change and its regional impact
• Disaster management and adaptation strategies
• India’s climate policy and INDC targets