India's coast is at risk as ocean temperatures rise fast
What's the story
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the stability of India's coast is under growing threat from persistent ocean warming. The northern Arabian Sea and Pacific waters are warming at a rate of 0.24°C per decade, much higher than the global average. The WMO's "State of the Climate in Asia 2024," released on Monday, highlights these alarming trends and their implications for coastal populations and low-lying areas.
Regional impact
Sea level rise above global average
The report also points out that the Indian Ocean coast has witnessed a sea level rise above the global average. Further, Asia's average temperature in 2024 was around 1.04°C higher than the 1991-2020 baseline, with region warming more than twice as fast as global average.
Climate extremes
Changes in key climate indicators
The report also highlights marine heatwaves have affected a record area of the ocean, with extreme sea-surface temperatures. These temperatures are crucial as they affect weather and climate patterns, including India's southwest monsoon. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the importance of these changes, saying, "The State of the Climate in Asia report highlights changes in key climate indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass and sea level, which will have major repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region."
Environmental impact
Glacial melting and extreme rainfall events
The report also notes that reduced winter snowfall and extreme summer heat have led to significant glacial melting. This has resulted in 23 out of 24 glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan suffering mass loss. This may increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides, threatening water security in Asia. Extreme rainfall events have also caused heavy casualties across many countries in the region.
Oceanic changes
Marine heatwaves impacted the largest area of ocean
The report also highlights that marine heatwaves have impacted the largest area of the ocean since records began in 1993. The northern Indian Ocean, as well as waters near Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea, were particularly affected. The rate of sea-level rise in these regions is higher than the global mean rate from January 1993 to November 2024.