State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2024
- 2024 was hottest year on record in SW Pacific
- Sea surface temperatures were highest on record
- Marine heatwaves stretched for 40 million km²
- Sea level rise threatens entire islands
- Tropical glaciers in Indonesia head for extinction
- Philippines faced unprecedented tropical cyclones
The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2024 report warns that unprecedented ocean warming, sea level rise, and extreme weather are endangering lives, ecosystems, and economies across the region—especially in coastal and island communities.
2024 saw record sea-surface temperatures and near-record ocean heat content, with marine heatwaves affecting over 10% of the global ocean. On land, extreme heat, intense rainfall, and a historic cyclone season caused devastating impacts, while Indonesia’s last tropical glacier nears extinction.
The report highlights the importance of strengthened early warning systems, featuring success stories from the Philippines and Fiji that demonstrate how anticipatory action and community-led responses can protect lives and preserve cultural heritage. It calls for urgent investment in adaptation, early warnings, and climate-resilient development.
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About the State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific series
The WMO State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific report series provides an annual overview of the region’s changing climate and its far-reaching impacts. Each report highlights key trends in temperature and precipitation, offering insight into how long-term warming and rainfall patterns are evolving. It also tracks extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, and heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
