Asia suffered the most from climate disasters in 2023

Asia suffered the most from climate disasters in 2023

Elizaveta Volkotrub

Floods and storms are a major cause of climate-related hazards in Asia

The United Nations has released a report stating that Asia was most affected by climate and weather events in 2023.

This is reported by DW.

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is the competent UN body for monitoring the state of the Earth's atmosphere and its interaction with the oceans, released a report stating that floods and storms are the main cause of climate-related hazards in Asia.

It is reported that in 2023, a total of 79 water-related disasters were recorded in Asia, more than 80% of which were floods and storms, which killed more than 2,000 people and directly affected another 9 million people.

"Floods were the leading cause of death in 2023," WMO said.

The organization emphasizes that the accelerated growth of the main indicators of climate change will have serious consequences for society, the economy and ecosystems. These indicators include average temperatures, rainfall, glacier retreat and sea level rise.

"Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of such events, which has significantly affected society, the economy and, most importantly, human lives," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

It is noted that temperatures around the world reached a record high last year, but it was Asia that warmed up particularly quickly.

"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change is not just an option, but a fundamental necessity," added Saulo.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, scientists from the German Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) found that by 2049 economic losses from climate change could reach about $38 trillion per year.

Related
By 2100, over 40% of the planet will be affected by drought – study
By 2100, over 40% of the planet will be affected by drought – study

This forecast is still quite optimistic, as it takes into account the fact that high CO₂ levels reduce evaporation from plants

Almost 60% of the policies set out in Ukraine’s National Climate Plan have been implemented
Almost 60% of the policies set out in Ukraine’s National Climate Plan have been implemented

The plan has also been updated – the climate target has been revised and the areas of decarbonisation and monitoring have been expanded

Rivers in Zakarpattia are drying up due to deforestation, off-roading and the construction of wind farms — says an environmentalist
Rivers in Zakarpattia are drying up due to deforestation, off-roading and the construction of wind farms — says an environmentalist

A separate issue is the drainage of marshes and floodplains, which is taking place due to the rapid urbanisation of Lviv and Uzhhorod

Top Ukrainian MPs promoting anti-environmental laws — according to activists
Top Ukrainian MPs promoting anti-environmental laws — according to activists

They are involved in draft legislation that poses a threat to forests, water resources and biodiversity