The latest report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service underscores the severity of global warming, with 2023 standing out as the warmest year on record. This period from February 2023 to January 2024 marked an unprecedented streak of 12 consecutive months with temperatures surpassing those of the pre-industrial era by 1.5 degrees Celsius, a worrying milestone indicating the acceleration of climate change.
The sequence from 2015 to 2023 witnessed successive years of record warmth, with the El Niño event of 2023 expected to exacerbate conditions further into 2024. El Niño phenomena traditionally contribute to significant spikes in global temperatures, amplifying the intensity of heatwaves, atmospheric disturbances, and oceanic anomalies, thus heightening the complexity of disaster risks worldwide.
The manifestation of 1.5-degree warming has manifested in a myriad of climate-related disasters, ranging from heatwaves and droughts to floods and cyclones. These events have not only occurred with increased frequency but have also exhibited a greater magnitude and impact, with cascading consequences for ecosystems, infrastructure, and human livelihoods.
Heatwaves, in particular, have gripped numerous Asian nations, with 2023 witnessing unprecedented temperatures. A study by the World Weather Attribution found that the likelihood of such extreme heat events in countries like India and Bangladesh has increased significantly due to climate change, emphasizing the direct link between rising temperatures and extreme weather occurrences.
The warming of oceans and the atmosphere has fueled the intensification of tropical cyclones, leading to more frequent and severe storms. Notable cyclones in 2023, including Mocha, Biparjoy, Typhoon Doksuri, and tropical storm Jasper, exemplify this trend, with their trajectories and intensities reflecting the influence of heightened global temperatures.
Coastal cities face escalating risks from climate-related hazards, with events like Cyclone Michaung inundating megacities such as Chennai and Typhoon Doksuri causing unprecedented flooding in Beijing. These events underscore the vulnerability of urban centers to the impacts of climate change, necessitating urgent adaptation and resilience measures.
The monsoonal flooding experienced across South-East and South and South-West Asia during the 2023 southwest monsoon season further highlights the multifaceted nature of climate-related disasters. Deviations from typical monsoon patterns, coupled with interactions between atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial systems, have exacerbated the frequency and severity of flooding and landslides in the region.
The economic toll of climate change is significant, with the Asia-Pacific region bearing a disproportionate burden of natural disasters. In 2023 alone, the region experienced 145 reported natural hazard events, resulting in thousands of deaths, millions of affected individuals, and economic damages exceeding $45 billion. Projections indicate that under a 1.5-degree warming scenario, potential losses from disasters could soar to nearly $1 trillion, representing a substantial share of regional GDP and exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities.
Despite these challenges, 2023 also witnessed significant advancements in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts. Initiatives such as the midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the establishment of the G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the creation of funds and networks dedicated to addressing loss and damage from climate change demonstrate a growing recognition of the need for concerted action at local, national, and international levels.
Looking ahead, ESCAP’s regional strategy on empowering transboundary solutions and enhancing resilience through subregional cooperation will be crucial in addressing the escalating risks posed by climate change. While the warmest year on record serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action, the opportunities presented in 2024 offer hope for a more resilient and sustainable future.
