Latest Developments in Global Climate Change - Issue 98

Latest Developments in Global Climate Change

CHAN Man-yee, Eliza

According to the latest “State of the Climate in Asia” report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 is one of the two warmest years on record in Asia, with the rate of warming almost twice the global average. In addition, the sea surface temperature in Asian waters has also reached a historic high, with a ten-year warming rate close to twice the global average. Last year, the area affected by ocean heatwaves in Asia also reached a record high. Extreme heat events have affected many regions in Asia, including a severe heatwave that resulted in over 450 deaths nationwide in India in 2024.

Temperature trends in different regions
(Source: “State of the Climate in Asia in 2024”, WMO)