JAKARTA | Deraphukum.click | CNBC Indonesia – The United Nations (UN), through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has issued a serious warning regarding the threat of climate change in Asia, including Indonesia. In its latest report titled State of the Climate in Asia 2023, WMO outlined that the disasters occurring throughout 2023 serve as a warning of even greater threats in the future.
The report highlights the acceleration of key climate change indicators, such as rising surface temperatures, glacier melting, and rising sea levels. Asia is identified as the most affected region, experiencing warming nearly twice as fast as the global average since 1961–1990.
Climate Disasters in Asia in 2023
The year 2023 recorded unprecedented natural disasters, mostly triggered by hydrometeorological phenomena such as floods, storms, and droughts. WMO reported 79 major disasters in Asia, with over 80% consisting of floods and storms, claiming more than 2,000 lives and directly impacting nine million people.
“The conclusions of this report are a stark reminder of the significant risks ahead,” said Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, in a statement.
Extreme disasters, such as Tropical Cyclone Mocha that hit Bangladesh and Myanmar, exemplify the growing intensity of such events. This cyclone, the strongest in the Bay of Bengal in the last decade, underscores the unavoidable increase in disaster severity. However, early warning systems managed to save thousands of lives, although the social and economic impacts remain significant.
Indonesia in the Crosshairs
As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The WMO report noted that sea levels in Indonesian waters are rising at a rate of 3.4 ± 0.33 mm per year, higher than the global average.
A study by USAID in 2016 estimated that 2,000 small islands in Indonesia could be submerged by 2050 if this trend continues. Furthermore, approximately 42 million people are at risk of losing their homes.
“Preparedness is absolutely essential, especially in coastal areas that are on the front lines of climate change impacts,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, who contributed to the report.
Heatwaves and Droughts
Extreme heat also emerged as another significant threat in Asia in 2023. Although no deaths from heatwaves were reported, the risks to public health remain substantial. Record-breaking heatwaves in several countries have added pressure on ecosystems, while prolonged droughts threaten food security.
Urgent Mitigation Measures
The State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report emphasizes the need for global awareness to address the threats of climate change. Governments, communities, and businesses must collaborate to strengthen mitigation and adaptation efforts. Concrete actions, such as developing renewable energy, preserving forests, and enhancing early warning technology, are urgently needed.
Asia, including Indonesia, faces major challenges. However, with the right actions and collective awareness, these threats can be managed for a more sustainable future.(Nursalim Tinggi Turatea).
