WMO's State of Asia Report: Last year was the warmest year on record in the Asian region

The Paper's reporter Diao Fanchao

On 26 October, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the State of Asia Report 2020 (the Report). Zhang Peiqun, deputy chief engineer of the National Climate Center, said in his interpretation of the "Report" on the 27th that this is the first report released by WMO on the climate situation in the Asian region, which will help the local response to climate change and mitigate the impact of climate disasters.

The report, prepared after the WMO reform and led by WMO and the Association II (Asia), is a fundamental climate services product for the Asian region to respond to the weather, climate and water-related disasters and anomalous impacts. As a member of the Second Regional Association, the China Meteorological Administration co-led the preparation of the "Physical Facts" section of the report, which made positive contributions to the preparation of regional precipitation, cryospheres, influencing factors of climate anomalies and extreme weather and climate events, and provided the necessary information for the preparation of the chapter "Risks and Impacts".

According to the report, 2020 was the warmest year on record in the Asian region, where surface temperatures, sea surface temperatures and ocean heat levels were all greater than the global average, showing a long-term warming trend.

Climate change poses multiple risks, with climate-related disasters, particularly floods, storms and droughts, adversely affecting the productive lives of people in many parts of Asia. According to the report, in 2020, about 50 million people in the Asian region will be affected by floods and storms, and the death toll will exceed 5,000, which is lower than the average in the past 20 years. India and China were the most affected by extreme weather and climate events, causing the most damage, at $26.3 billion and $23.1 billion, respectively. Japan, Iran, Bangladesh and South Korea also suffered heavy losses.

In addition to human casualties and economic losses, the increase in climate change and related natural and biological disaster events exacerbates multidimensional risks in the Asian region, with extreme weather and climate events leading to worsening food security. The Report shows that in Asia, progress on food security and nutrition improvements has slowed and is not on track to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. It is estimated that the number of malnourished people in 2020 will be 48.8 million in Southeast Asia, 305.7 million in South Asia and 42.3 million in West Asia.

Developing and improving climate-resilient economies requires a deep understanding of climate-related risks and climate impacts based on long-term observations. The "Report" pointed out that in the context of the frequent occurrence of extreme weather and climate events, it is necessary to strengthen the basic capabilities of weather and climate monitoring, forecasting and forecasting, impact assessment, etc., to provide fine, accurate and reliable weather and climate information and products; to enhance the service capabilities for the needs of users in industry fields, and to focus on the development and provision of impact-based forecast assessment products, so that weather and climate information products can be applied to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience construction.

The report also notes that enhancing monitoring of climate drivers at the regional scale and increasing investment in climate observation and early warning systems and related services are important elements in addressing compound risks and developing climate-resilient economies and societies. Among them, investment in climate change adaptation is crucial, a high-return investment with multiple economic benefits.

"In conclusion, supporting resilience from the pandemic and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals requires a better understanding of risks, investments in renewable energy and cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring targeted and forward-looking fiscal spending." The report said.

Editor-in-Charge: Jiang Chenrui