Intense weather conditions are escalating - is preparedness sufficient in Asia?
In recent years, the escalating climate crisis has become increasingly evident in Asia, with sources of pollution such as wildfires, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust intensifying, further degrading air quality. This degradation has far-reaching effects, particularly in Southeast Asian cities, which are among the five most polluted in the world.
Transboundary haze events, particularly those originating from Indonesia's wildfires, pose a significant threat to neighbouring countries. The Global South, including Asia, faces disproportionate impacts from the combination of extreme weather and air pollution, leaving a US$815 billion gap in the region's disaster preparedness needs.
The consequences of this crisis are compounding. Increased respiratory illnesses, reduced productivity, and strained healthcare systems are just a few of the challenges that the region is facing. By 2050, heatwaves could result in economic costs totalling US$12.5 trillion and 14.5 million additional deaths globally, making it a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.
Asia is heating up faster than the global average, with temperatures rising at an alarming rate. High humidity levels in the region exacerbate heat stress, increasing the prevalence of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that nine out of 15 nations most affected by extreme weather are in Asia and the Pacific.
Climate change is also responsible for a 6-per-cent hike in food prices in the Philippines over the last decade. Each percentage increase in the average annual temperature raises food producer prices by 1 to 2 per cent across Southeast Asia, according to a study by the Asean Food and Beverage Alliance (AFBA) and the Food Industry Asia.
United Nations secretary-general António Guterres has described the current situation as a "climate breakdown in real-time". To address this crisis, Southeast Asian nations are implementing heat action plans, which include urban cooling initiatives, heat shelters, and public awareness campaigns.
However, the financing of the required annual $1.1 trillion for climate protection measures and climate-resilient infrastructure in Asia remains a challenge. The responsibility to ensure this financing presumably lies with international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), which supports climate and ecological sustainability projects including water resilience, alongside development banks and multilateral coalitions focused on climate financing and clean air initiatives.
Despite these efforts, Asia still lacks an additional US$800 billion in climate financing. Air pollution significantly shortens lifespans and imposes substantial economic costs, according to the Energy Policy Institute and the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index.
Heatwaves are responsible for 489,000 annual fatalities globally, making it crucial to prioritise climate action. The world has just experienced the hottest year and the hottest decade on record, underscoring the urgency of the situation. It is predicted that 2024 will be the first calendar year to push the Earth past a critical 1.5°C warming threshold.
In conclusion, the climate crisis in Asia is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The escalating pollution levels, extreme weather events, and their detrimental effects on health, economy, and food production highlight the need for concerted efforts from governments, international organisations, and the private sector to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Asia.
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