Climate change in the Asia-Pacific region - statistics & facts

With dozens of islands across Asia and Oceania as well as many low-lying territories bordering the Pacific Ocean extensively, the Asia-Pacific region is one of the world regions most vulnerable to natural disasters and most at risk due to global warming and rising sea levels.

 Emissions: a major catalyst for global warming

The Asia-Pacific region is by far the biggest carbon dioxide emitter worldwide, followed by North America and Europe. As several APAC countries rank among the leading energy consumers globally, it becomes apparent why electricity and heat production is the sector accountable for the biggest volume of carbon dioxide emissions in the region. While carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring greenhouse gas that is essential in trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere, the ongoing increase in industrial CO2 emissions is among the most concerning accelerators of global warming, leading to the melting of ice caps and thereby rising sea levels.

 Effects of climate change on the APAC region

The rising ocean levels pose an existential threat to several low-lying Asian countries and cities. More than fifteen million people were projected to be affected by sea-level rise and flooding in seven major cities in Asia by 2030, with highly populated capitals like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila being particularly vulnerable. Apart from geophysical circumstances such as recurring tectonic and seismic activity in the region, climate change is the biggest reason why Asia-Pacific is the most disaster-prone territory in the world. The region is frequently exposed to different types of biological and hydro-meteorological disasters including floods, cyclones, and droughts. The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters.

 Outlook: climate action in a post-pandemic world?

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spread across the world, the sudden reduction in economic activity has led to some positive developments for global climate and the environment. For a short period of time, a decline in global CO2 emissions was reported, while border closures and a stagnant tourism industry allowed otherwise heavily visited ecosystems to thrive without human interference. However, many countries' emission volumes have since gone back to pre-pandemic levels and the dependency on sanitary and single-use items such as face masks and test kits has accelerated plastic waste production worldwide. It remains to be seen how big a focus climate change will be for world decision-makers simultaneously facing the long-term societal and economic impacts of the pandemic.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Leander von Kameke, Feb 9, 2023

Key insights

Sector with the highest CO2 emissions
Electricity and heat production
Asian city with the highest annual average air pollution
Lahore
Leading emotion felt regarding climate change in APAC
Concern
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from energy in the Asia-Pacific region in 2021, by country or territory (in million metric tons)

Emissions

CO2 emissions APAC 2021, by country

Territorial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Southeast Asia from 1960 to 2021, by country (in million metric tons of CO2)

Emissions

CO2 emissions ASEAN 1960-2021, by country

Renewable energy consumption in the Asia-Pacific region in 2021, by country (in exajoules)

Energy & Environment

Renewable energy consumption APAC 2021, by country

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Overview

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Overview

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

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Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

Renewable energy consumption

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Renewable energy consumption

Renewable energy capacity

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Renewable energy capacity

Natural disasters and sea level rise

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Natural disasters and sea level rise

Public perspective

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Public perspective

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