UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025

28.11.2025

UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025

Context

The 2025 UN ESCAP report warns that major Asian megacities could face 2–7°C additional heat due to urban heat island effects, significantly worsening existing global warming impacts.

Key Findings

1. Urban Heat Island Intensification

• Even with 1.5–2°C global warming, cities may see up to +7°C extra heat.
   
• Dense construction, low greenery, concrete dominance, and waste heat raise temperatures.
   
• South Asian cities will experience far greater heat stress than nearby rural areas.
   

2. Persistent Heat Conditions in South Asia

• India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh may face 300+ days/year with heat index above 35°C.
   
• Some regions could exceed 41°C heat-index levels for 200+ days, hurting outdoor work and mobility.
   
• Heat index better reflects strain due to combined heat and humidity.
   

3. Surge in Extreme Heat Events

• 2024 was the hottest year; heatwaves grew more severe.
   
• Bangladesh’s April–May event impacted 33 million people; India saw ~700 deaths.
   
• Over 40% of the region’s population will remain chronically exposed due to rapid urbanization.
   

Vulnerability Factors

• High humidity magnifies heat exposure in coastal and river-basin zones.
   
• The large outdoor labor force lacks cooling, shade, and protection.
   
• Urban poverty and informal housing increase exposure to unsafe temperatures.
   
• Heat worsens air pollution, raising respiratory and cardiovascular risks.
   

Challenges

• Heat action plans lack funding, coordination, and strict implementation.
   
• Urban growth ignores green buffers, water bodies, and ventilation spaces.
   
• Inadequate monitoring restricts accurate forecasting and advisories.
   
• Health systems, power grids, and water supply struggle during peak heat.
   

Way Forward

• Strengthen city heat action plans with funding, early warnings, and enforcement.
   
• Promote climate-sensitive urban design—green roofs, reflective surfaces, trees, and water zones.
   
• Build heat-resilient systems for vulnerable groups—shade, hydration points, worker protections.
   
• Expand health surveillance and emergency preparedness.
   
• Enhance regional cooperation for data, strategies, and heat-adaptive planning.
   

Conclusion

The report highlights escalating heat threats for Asia’s fast-growing cities. Without strong heat governance, urban planning, and social protection, South Asia faces rising health, economic, and productivity losses. Swift adaptation is essential.