The United Nations weather agency has announced that 2023 marked the driest year for the world’s rivers in over three decades. The significant lack of water flows was attributed to the exceptionally hot conditions experienced throughout the year, leading to prolonged droughts in various regions.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), glaciers that feed rivers in numerous countries experienced the most significant mass loss in the past fifty years. This alarming trend poses a threat to long-term water security for millions of people globally. The Secretary-General of WMO, Celeste Saulo, described water as the “canary in the coalmine of climate change,” noting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events like rainfall, floods, and droughts wreaking havoc on lives, ecosystems, and economies.
The report released by the WMO highlighted how rising temperatures have disrupted the hydrological cycle, resulting in unpredictable water availability, causing both droughts and floods. The agency, citing UN Water data, pointed out that around 3.6 billion people currently face inadequate water access for at least one month each year, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 5 billion by 2050.
In 2023, the world experienced its hottest year on record, with the summer registering as the hottest ever, raising concerns for a potential new annual temperature record in 2024. Stefan Uhlenbrook, the director of hydrology, water, and cryosphere at WMO, noted that dry conditions affected a vast area around the globe in ways unseen over the last three decades.
The WMO emphasised the urgent need for improved data collection and sharing to provide a clearer picture of water resources, enabling countries and communities to take proactive measures. The report highlighted regions like the southern United States, Central America, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay facing severe drought conditions, with record-low water levels observed in the Amazon and Lake Titicaca.
Overall, half of the world experienced dry river flows in 2023, signifying the dire impact of the global water crisis. The call for immediate action to address these challenges and safeguard water resources for future generations is now more crucial than ever.