- Although 2024's passing the 1.5°C threshold does not actually violate the Paris Agreement, which considers long-term trends, it does send a stark message: the climate crisis is accelerating, and time is rapidly slipping away.
- The WMO issues a global call: bold, timely action is needed to reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation plans, and support early warning systems — especially in vulnerable areas like Asia and Africa. Failure global action threatens to have the planet racing towards a point of no return.
The World Meteorological Organization (WHO) reports that Japan just established its record high heat ever — a blistering 41.2°C in the city of Tamba. One-time record for extreme heat is an integral part of a greater climate crisis sweeping across Asia and the globe.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report affirms that Asia is warming at nearly two times the global rate.
The stakes are alarming: escalating weather extremes, growing threats to ecosystems, and increasing risks to public health and regional economies.
In 2024, record-breaking heatwaves dried up wide areas of the continent, and record sea temperatures drove intense marine heatwaves in the Pacific and Indian Oceans — imperiling coral reefs and wildlife.
Coastal sea levels are also rising faster than the global average in these regions, endangering Bangladesh to the Philippines coastal communities with escalating risk of submergence and storm surges.
The shrinking of glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan mountain ranges is equally alarming.
The glaciers are critical fresh water reserves for tens of millions, but their increased melts are now increasing the probability of glacial lake floods, landslides, and long-term water scarcity.
Other parts of Asia were hit by devastating rains, lengthy droughts, and strong tropical cyclones, which all contributed to triggering displacement, crop damage, and loss of lives and livelihood.
In spite of such threats, the WMO points to encouraging action being taken — like in Nepal, where enhanced early warning systems and preventive disaster management are assisting communities to better cope with extreme weather.
Such action indicates that climate resilience is achievable, but needs immediate and ongoing investment.
Asia's worsening climate emergency is part of an international tipping point. The WMO confirmed that 2024 was the planet's hottest year on record.
The Earth's global average near-surface temperature for the first time in history hit 1.55 ± 0.13°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900) — surpassing the critical 1.5°C goal for a calendar year.
This was no accident. The increase in heat was caused by human-caused climate change, exaggerated by a strong El Niño and unregulated greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts were extreme: from lethal heatwaves and droughts to severe flooding and more powerful cyclones.
Our oceans, which absorb over 90% of the planet's excess heat, are also stratifying and warming. That is stifling oxygen and nutrient supply, endangering marine life and disrupting fisheries upon which millions depend.
Although 2024's passing the 1.5°C threshold does not actually violate the Paris Agreement, which considers long-term trends, it does send a stark message: the climate crisis is accelerating, and time is rapidly slipping away.
The WMO issues a global call: bold, timely action is needed to reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation plans, and support early warning systems — especially in vulnerable areas like Asia and Africa. Failure global action threatens to have the planet racing towards a point of no return.
