State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2022
Weather-related disasters and climate change impacts are unraveling the fabric of society in the South-West Pacific. Sea level rise threatens the future of low-lying islands whilst increasing ocean heat and acidification harms vital and vulnerable marine ecosystems, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2022 report provides a snapshot of climate indicators including temperatures, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification, and extreme weather events in 2022. It also highlights the socio-economic risks and impacts on key sectors like agriculture.
The report, along with an interactive story map, is one of a series of five regional reports and a global report from WMO providing the latest climate insights to inform decision-making.
The three-year-long La Niña event had a clear influence on temperatures in 2022. But despite its temporary cooling influence, it was still a warm year for the region. The mean temperature in 2022 was 0.2 °C to 0.3 °C higher than during the last strong La Niña event in 2011.
Press Release
The State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2022 - English - August 2023
- Sea level rise increases more than global average
- Ocean heat and acidification threatens ecosystems and way of life
- Glacier ice thickness in the western part of the Indonesian island of New Guinea shows a big reduction
- La Niña marked only a temporary brake on rising temperature
- Agriculture especially vulnerable to climate impacts
- Early Warnings must reach everyone
Digital resources
StoryMap
