WMO State of the Climate in Asia 2024: India’s Sea Level Rise
Why in the news
The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report found India’s eastern and western coasts rising faster than the world average, raising risks for infrastructure, livelihoods and ecosystems.
Key facts
| Region | Sea level rise (mm/year) |
|---|---|
| Arabian Sea | 3.9 ± 0.4 |
| Bay of Bengal | 4.0 ± 0.4 |
| Global average | 3.4 |
- Coast: low-lying areas within 50 km of the sea face submergence and displacement.
- Glaciers: 23 of 24 Central Himalayan glaciers retreating; GLOF risk rising.
- Heat and lightning in India (2024): over 450 heat deaths; lightning killed 1,300, including 72 in one July 10 event across five states.
- Asia: warming twice the global rate; Wayanad landslide killed over 350 after 500 mm of rain in 48 hours.
Causes of sea level rise
- Thermal expansion of warmer water; melting ice sheets and glaciers (Greenland, Antarctica); fossil-fuel CO2; shifting ocean currents.
Consequences
- India: coastal erosion, lost fishing, farming and tourism income, damaged ports and power plants, climate migration.
- Asia: threat to island nations such as the Maldives, urban heat islands, farm stress, more heat illness and dengue or malaria.
Way forward
- Resilient coastal infrastructure, mangrove restoration; stronger NDCs and net-zero pathways; early warning systems; cooperation under UNFCCC.
Exam angle
- Report publisher: WMO. Global sea level rise cited: 3.4 mm/year.
- Full form: GLOF, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood.