The United Nations weather agency has reported that 2023 marked the driest year for the world's rivers in over three decades. This unprecedented dry spell was attributed to the record-high temperatures experienced throughout the year, leading to a significant decrease in water flows and exacerbating prolonged drought conditions in various regions.
Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization highlighted that glaciers, which serve as vital water sources for many countries, experienced the most substantial loss of mass in the past fifty years. The agency warned that this accelerated ice melt poses a severe threat to long-term water security for millions of people globally.
Secretary-General of the WMO emphasized the critical role of water as an indicator of climate change, stating that extreme weather events such as intense rainfall, floods, and droughts are clear signals of the environmental challenges we face. She noted that rising temperatures have disrupted the hydrological cycle, leading to unpredictable water availability characterized by both water scarcity and excess.
According to UN Water data, approximately 3.6 billion individuals currently lack sufficient access to water for at least one month per year, a number projected to increase to 5 billion by 2050. The report also highlighted that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with the summer registering as the warmest ever, raising concerns about the potential for another record-breaking year in 2024.
The WMO stressed the urgent need for enhanced data collection and sharing to provide a clearer understanding of global water resources. Improved data availability would enable countries and communities to implement effective strategies in response to water-related challenges.
The report outlined that regions such as the southern United States, Central America, and South American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay faced severe drought conditions in 2023. Notably, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca experienced historically low water levels, underscoring the severity of the water crisis in these areas.
Overall, half of the world grappled with dry river conditions last year, highlighting the widespread impact of water scarcity and the urgent need for coordinated action to address this pressing global issue.
