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
The war has killed more than 20,000 Black Sea dolphins since the start of 2026 alone
The war has killed more than 20,000 Black Sea dolphins since the start of 2026 alone

From 2022, the number of animals killed could exceed 100,000

The relaxation of the EU ETS, demands from industry, and forest fires: a round-up of EU economic news
The relaxation of the EU ETS, demands from industry, and forest fires: a round-up of EU economic news

The heatwave is already forcing investors to rethink their approach to risk management, yet the industry still wants to pay less for emissions

Forest fires in the EU have already destroyed more than 17,000 hectares of land in recent days
Forest fires in the EU have already destroyed more than 17,000 hectares of land in recent days

The authorities are forced to close roads and set up shelters for people at risk from natural disasters

Wind turbines are being installed on the Runa mountain pasture in the Carpathians, despite promises from the Ministry of Economy — activists
Wind turbines are being installed on the Runa mountain pasture in the Carpathians, despite promises from the Ministry of Economy — activists

The destruction of high-altitude meadows continues, and some of the sites where rare plants used to grow have already been destroyed