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23 Jun 2025 | Press releases

State of the Climate in Asia 2024 – ICIMOD response to WMO flagship report

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The mean trends in decadal temperature rise as seen for four periods across major regions. After Europe, Asia has had the second biggest jump in temperature trends, warming at twice the global average. Source: WMO

Headline findings for the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayas

The WMO flagship provides a continent-wide update, but climate trends and extreme events from the Hindu Kush Himalayas feature prominently.

Below is a summary of the HKH-specific key findings:

Precipitation:

Cryosphere:

Snow Cover:

Sea surface temperatures:

Extreme events

Tropical Cyclones:

Extreme precipitation and flooding:

Droughts:

Heatwaves:

Other extremes:

130 people lost their homes, school, and health facilities when a significant glacial lake outburst flood in Nepal in August triggered flash floods in Thame.

Expert Quotes – ICIMOD

Pema Gyamtsho, who is leading ICIMOD’s delegation to the Bonn meetings, stated, “Given Asia’s population and economic exposure to the impacts of temperature rise, it is an injustice that the devastating consequences of inaction on climate goals are hitting some of the most vulnerable communities and ecosystems on Earth.

As we’ve heard from other major convenings earlier this year, this is the last decade of action on preserving essential planetary resources including our glaciers. This can only happen if we put forward a coordinated effort with our member countries of the HKH in profiling these challenges and urge the global community – including major emitting countries to lead on action towards just transitions.”

Qianggong Zhang, Climate and environment risks Head, ICIMOD 
“This WMO report provides a crucial stocktake of the key indicators being affected by climate change in our region. For the HKH, the warming and extreme rainfall are more intense than in many other areas, alongside the challenge of glacial melt and erratic rainfall, it is equally vital that communities’ adaptive capabilities are considered. In addition to scientific analysis, investing in climate services, including knowledge and data generation and use, as well as fostering regional coping capacities, will be extremely beneficial for building the region’s resilience. ”

Sher Muhammad, Remote Sensing Specialist at ICIMOD says,
“These observations largely coincide with what is being seen across the HKH region as well. Seasonal snowmelt contributes approximately 25 % of annual river flows on average across the HKH, rising even higher in western basins—yet continual snow deficits are eroding this critical source, triggering early-summer water shortages, heat stress, and worry among downstream communities.”

Saswata Sanyal, Disaster Risk Reduction Lead, ICIMOD
“The WMO report rightly emphasizes the urgent need for anticipatory action in the face of escalating climate-induced disasters. This proactive approach is crucial for anticipating and mitigating disaster impacts before they fully unfold. ICIMOD recently joined the Intergovernmental Organizations’ Cooperation on Anticipatory Action to further ‘acting ahead of a predicted hazardous event to prevent or reduce impacts on lives and livelihoods and humanitarian needs’ across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, directly empowering communities to take necessary actions against the increasing threats of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and other water-related hazards in the region.” 

Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Lead of the Cryosphere and Water
“The 2024 monsoon had devastating impacts on communities across Nepal, from Kathmandu to the flood-prone Terai region, as mentioned in the report. In response, ICIMOD is contributing to the global EW4All initiative, aligning with its four pillars—ranging from investing in nature-based solutions to mitigating flood impacts, to ensuring localized and community-based responses. Recognising that early warning alone is not enough, ICIMOD is working to strengthen anticipatory early action and preparedness by fostering collaboration between communities and local governments. We are also working with partners to pilot gamification of training approaches —making learning more interactive, and impactful. These efforts aim to build lasting resilience in the face of increasingly flood events and multi-hazard risks that are increasing in our region.”

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