Introduction

According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) 2024 report, Asia recorded its warmest year in history, with heatwaves, glacial retreat, marine warming, and extreme weather events affecting millions. The continent is now warming at nearly twice the global average, threatening food, water, and energy security, and imposing immense economic and social costs. As Asia’s most populous and climate-vulnerable region, South Asia — and India in particular — are facing disproportionate consequences.

Body

• Key Climate Trends Highlighted in the WMO Report
• Causes of Accelerated Warming in Asia
• Impacts on India and South Asia
• Regional and International Comparisons
• Solutions and Policy Recommendations

Conclusion

The 2024 WMO report is a stark reminder that Asia’s climate crisis is deepening and disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. For India, the stakes are particularly high as it navigates economic development amidst escalating environmental stress. A science-backed, equity-driven, and cooperative regional approach is crucial to safeguard ecosystems, livelihoods, and future growth. Ignoring these warning signs will only intensify the human and economic toll, while urgent climate action offers a path toward resilience and shared prosperity.

UPSC Syllabus

Climate change

Why was this question asked?

Q. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November,2021. When was this idea first floated inthe International Solar Alliance (ISA)? [2021]

Introduction

According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) 2024 report, Asia recorded its warmest year in history, with heatwaves, glacial retreat, marine warming, and extreme weather events affecting millions. The continent is now warming at nearly twice the global average, threatening food, water, and energy security, and imposing immense economic and social costs. As Asia’s most populous and climate-vulnerable region, South Asia — and India in particular — are facing disproportionate consequences.

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Key Climate Trends Highlighted in the WMO Report

• Record Temperatures: 2024 was the warmest year since 1850, with persistent heatwaves across Asia. India recorded over 450 heat-related deaths.
• Accelerated Glacier Loss: 23 of 24 monitored glaciers in the Central Himalayas and Tian Shan lost mass, triggering glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslides.
• Marine Heatwaves: The largest extent of marine heatwaves since 1993 affected the Indian Ocean, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea, damaging marine ecosystems.
• Rising Sea Levels: The Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia experienced sea level rise above the global average, endangering low-lying coastal regions.
• Extreme Weather Events: Record-breaking rainfall in Nepal, landslides in Kerala, and Cyclones Remal and Asna caused large-scale devastation and displacement.

Causes of Accelerated Warming in Asia

• Geographical Composition: Asia’s diverse topography, including dense urban regions and high mountain ranges, exacerbates climate feedback loops.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Rapid and unplanned urbanisation intensifies local warming through impervious surfaces, high energy consumption, and deforestation.
• Industrial and Agricultural Emissions: Heavy reliance on coal-based energy, fertiliser-intensive agriculture, and biomass burning in countries like India and China.
• Weak Climate Governance: Lack of stringent enforcement of environmental regulations, delayed carbon market mechanisms, and underfunded climate adaptation programmes.

Impacts on India and South Asia

• Health and Mortality: Over 1,300 deaths due to lightning in India; heatwaves and floods increasing vulnerability among the poor, elderly, and outdoor workers.
• Water Insecurity: Retreating glaciers threaten perennial rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, increasing water stress for over 500 million people.
• Agricultural Risks: Changing monsoon patterns, droughts (like in China), and heat stress impact rice and wheat yields, exacerbating food insecurity.
• Displacement and Livelihood Loss: GLOFs, cyclones, and floods (as in Nepal and Kerala) destroy homes and critical infrastructure, creating climate refugees.
• Energy Demand: Increased demand for cooling during extreme heat spikes stresses power grids and raises carbon emissions further, creating a vicious cycle.

Regional and International Comparisons

• Europe: Although warmer, Europe has adapted better through early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and stronger institutional frameworks.
• ASEAN: Some Southeast Asian nations have invested in regional disaster preparedness and transboundary river management, though vulnerabilities remain.
• Global South vs. Global North: While high-income countries account for historical emissions, Asia bears the brunt, with limited fiscal capacity to adapt.

Solutions and Policy Recommendations

• Regional Climate Cooperation: Strengthen South Asia Hydromet Forum and Bay of Bengal Initiative for climate early warning systems, data-sharing, and disaster response.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Promote mangrove restoration, afforestation, and glacier monitoring in the Himalayas for long-term resilience.
• Heat Action Plans: Expand successful models (e.g., Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan) across vulnerable Indian cities with cool roofs, green corridors, and public awareness drives.
• Climate Finance and Loss & Damage Fund: India must push for equitable climate finance through multilateral forums, including a focus on compensation for climate disasters.
• Transition to Renewable Energy: Accelerate deployment of solar, wind, and hydro to meet India’s net-zero commitments and reduce regional emissions.

Conclusion

The 2024 WMO report is a stark reminder that Asia’s climate crisis is deepening and disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. For India, the stakes are particularly high as it navigates economic development amidst escalating environmental stress. A science-backed, equity-driven, and cooperative regional approach is crucial to safeguard ecosystems, livelihoods, and future growth. Ignoring these warning signs will only intensify the human and economic toll, while urgent climate action offers a path toward resilience and shared prosperity.

Introduction

South Asia, comprising the member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), accounts for nearly 25% of the global population but contributes only about 5% to global GDP. Despite decades of regional cooperation frameworks like SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area), intra-regional trade accounts for just 5–7% of South Asia’s total trade—far behind regional blocs like the EU (45%), ASEAN (22%) and NAFTA (25%). This reflects a chronic underutilization of the region’s economic potential, undermined by geopolitical tensions, security concerns, and inefficient trade mechanisms.

Body

• • • Structural and Conceptual Barriers to South Asian Integration
    • Geopolitical and Security Challenges
    • Impact on India’s Economic and Strategic Interests
    • International Comparisons: Lessons from ASEAN and EU
    • Way Forward

Conclusion

The economic under-integration of South Asia is not a failure of geography, but of political will and institutional capacity. For India, regional prosperity is not only a trade objective but also a strategic imperative—ensuring peace, reducing external dependence, and enhancing soft power. Drawing lessons from ASEAN and the EU, India must champion regionalism through inclusive trade diplomacy, infrastructure development, and pragmatic cooperation. Only through security-led prosperity can South Asia realize its collective potential.

UPSC Syllabus

Economic cooperation in South Asia

Why was this question asked?

Q. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. [2023]

Introduction

South Asia, comprising the member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), accounts for nearly 25% of the global population but contributes only about 5% to global GDP. Despite decades of regional cooperation frameworks like SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area), intra-regional trade accounts for just 5–7% of South Asia’s total trade—far behind regional blocs like the EU (45%), ASEAN (22%) and NAFTA (25%). This reflects a chronic underutilization of the region’s economic potential, undermined by geopolitical tensions, security concerns, and inefficient trade mechanisms.

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Structural and Conceptual Barriers to South Asian Integration

• SAFTA vs. Ground Realities: Although SAFTA was adopted in 2006 to liberalize trade, non-tariff barriers, restrictive visa regimes, and poor infrastructure continue to hinder its efficacy.
• High Trade Costs: Intra-SAARC trade costs are 114% of the goods’ value, higher than with the U.S. (109%) or Brazil (despite being 22 times farther).
• Lack of Regional Value Chains: Unlike ASEAN, which thrives on cross-border manufacturing networks, South Asia lacks a coherent strategy to integrate production lines across countries.
• Institutional Weakness: The SAARC secretariat lacks the enforcement power or financial autonomy to drive economic integration effectively.

Geopolitical and Security Challenges

• India-Pakistan Conflict: Bilateral trade fell from $2.41 billion in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2024, mostly due to terrorism, border skirmishes, and withdrawal of MFN status.
• Trust Deficit: SAARC’s failure stems from mutual suspicion, nationalism, and interventionist politics. Minor conflicts often disrupt regional platforms.
• Internal Turmoil: Afghanistan’s instability, Sri Lanka’s debt crisis, and Pakistan’s political volatility have disrupted consistent economic engagement.

Impact on India’s Economic and Strategic Interests

• Regional Growth Drag: India’s trade-to-GDP ratio is disproportionately oriented toward extra-regional actors, making it vulnerable to global shocks.
• Strategic Isolation: China’s BRI gains traction in the region, while SAARC stagnates—eroding India’s regional leadership.
• Missed Market Potential: South Asia has a potential intra-regional trade of $172 billion (UNESCAP); India is losing a natural export market.
• Trade Deficit Worsening: Regional imports are rising faster than exports, contributing to $339 billion trade deficit (2022) for South Asia.

International Comparisons: Lessons from ASEAN and EU

• ASEAN: Emphasizes non-interference, consensus-building, and institutional innovation, allowing for pragmatic economic cooperation even amidst disputes.
• EU: Established regulatory convergence, a common customs union, and freedom of movement, which enabled deep economic linkages.
• Contrast with SAARC: South Asia lacks a shared vision, binding dispute resolution, and long-term investment in institutional trust-building.

Way Forward: Enhancing Economic Integration in South Asia

• Reforming SAFTA: Include services, harmonize standards, and create dispute resolution mechanisms.
• India’s Leadership Role: Proactively revive regional forums (e.g., BIMSTEC, BBIN) where SAARC is deadlocked.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Gradual economic engagement with Pakistan, including border trade, tourism, and health diplomacy.
• Investment in Infrastructure: Fast-track cross-border connectivity projects like Kaladan, India-Nepal railways, Chabahar Port.
• Promoting Sub-Regionalism: Leverage BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) and India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership as modular steps.

Conclusion

The economic under-integration of South Asia is not a failure of geography, but of political will and institutional capacity. For India, regional prosperity is not only a trade objective but also a strategic imperative—ensuring peace, reducing external dependence, and enhancing soft power. Drawing lessons from ASEAN and the EU, India must champion regionalism through inclusive trade diplomacy, infrastructure development, and pragmatic cooperation. Only through security-led prosperity can South Asia realize its collective potential.