The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that Asia is heating almost twice as fast as the global average. Its latest State of the Climate in Asia report states that 2024 was one of the region’s hottest years on record, with severe heatwaves, glacier loss, and marine heat extremes. India faced over 450 heat-related deaths, and lightning killed 1,300 people. If trends continue, water supply and ecosystems across Asia may face long-term damage.

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• Asia warming nearly 2× faster than global average
• 2024: warmest or 2nd-warmest year in Asia since records began
• India hit by deadly heatwaves, over 450 died from heat, 1,300 from lightning
• Kerala’s Wayanad saw landslides killing 350+ due to intense rains
• 23 of 24 glaciers in high-mountain Asia lost mass in 2023–24
• Himalayas saw extreme heat, low snow; glaciers shrinking fast
• 10 major Asian rivers at risk, including Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus
• Rivers serve 25% of global population—future water scarcity possible
• Marine heatwaves worst since 1993, impacted most Asian ocean areas
• WMO warns economic, ecological losses will intensify without urgent action