Deadly Asian floods are no fluke. They're a climate warning, scientists say
Summary
Southeast Asia is experiencing unprecedented severe floods and storms this year, leading to over 1,400 deaths and widespread devastation across multiple countries, driven by climate change and unprepared governments.
Key Points
- Southeast Asia has suffered deadly floods and landslides in 2024, with over 1,400 deaths and thousands missing.
- Climate change, including record rises in carbon dioxide and warming seas, has intensified storms and extended flood seasons in the region.
- Governments in the region are overwhelmed and unprepared, focusing more on disaster response than proactive preparation.
- Countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia face billions in losses, while climate finance remains insufficient.
- At COP30, countries pledged increased climate adaptation funding and climate finance by 2035, although the amounts fall short of developing nations' requests.
