June 24, 2025: Asia faced one of its warmest years in 2024, temperatures 1.04°C above baseline
Glacier melting in Himalayas, Tian Shan threatens freshwater sources
Sea surface temperatures and sea levels rose, risking floods in coastal Asia
With the world already struggling to find ways to effectively address climate change, a new report on the global crisis has sounded concerns, especially for Asian, with fresh water sources and coastal areas seriously threatened.
The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) "State of the Climate in Asia 2024" report has highlighted alarming climate changes across Asia recently, saying the continent has heated up twice as fast as the rest of the world.
The report reveals that the continent is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, saying in 2024, Asia experienced one of the warmest years on record.
According to the report, the continent is warming nearly twice as quickly as the global average, with average temperatures rising by 1.04 degrees Celsius above the baseline for 1991 to 2020. The rapid temperature rise has accelerated glacier melting in key mountain ranges, including the Himalayas and the Tian Shan mountain range in Central Asia, threatening vital freshwater sources and ecosystems.
SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE RISE RISKS COASTAL AREAS
According to the State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, sea-surface temperatures in the region have also soared to record highs. Due to the record-high temperatures, sea levels along Asia’s Pacific and Indian Ocean coastlines rose faster than the global average. These trends have heightened the vulnerability of millions living in coastal areas of the continent, including India.
They are increasing risks from flooding and storm surges. The continent also saw a sharp increase in extreme weather events throughout 2024.