Editor
By Fatima Saka
3.6 billion individuals are currently experiencing inadequate access to water for at least one month per year, a figure that is projected to rise to over 5 billion by the year 2050, as disclosed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Citing the United Nations Water report, the WMO emphasized the global shortfall in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 concerning water and sanitation. This information was conveyed in a recent press statement released by the WMO.
The report underscored the escalating deficits and pressures on global water resources, highlighting key points such as:
– 2023 being the driest year for global rivers in over three decades
– Glaciers experiencing the largest mass loss in 50 years
– The hydrological cycle becoming more erratic due to climate change
– The necessity for enhanced monitoring and data sharing to address water-related hazards
The year 2023 marked a significant shift in water availability trends, with global rivers experiencing their driest conditions in over 30 years, as indicated by a report coordinated by the WMO.
The consecutive years leading up to 2023 witnessed consistent below-normal river flows, paralleled by reduced reservoir inflows. This diminishing water supply poses additional strain on communities, agriculture, and ecosystems, exacerbating the global water scarcity issue.
Glaciers suffered unprecedented mass loss in the last five decades, with 2023 marking the second consecutive year of widespread ice loss across all glacier regions worldwide.
The record-breaking heat of 2023 contributed to prolonged droughts and an increased frequency of floods globally, influenced by both natural climate phenomena and human-induced climate change.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the critical role of water as an indicator of climate change impacts, manifesting in extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts that have severe repercussions on lives, ecosystems, and economies.
The accelerated hydrological cycle, driven by rising temperatures, has resulted in heightened unpredictability and extremes in water availability, ranging from excessive to insufficient water supply.
Despite these challenges, there remains a significant lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the true state of global freshwater resources. The urgency for improved monitoring, data-sharing, cross-border cooperation, and assessments is paramount, as highlighted by Celeste Saulo.
The State of Global Water Resources report aims to address this gap by providing a detailed overview of water resources globally, integrating data from various sources to enhance decision-making in water-sensitive sectors and disaster risk reduction efforts.
According to the report, the State of Global Water Resources report offers a more detailed analysis with additional information on lake and reservoir volumes, soil moisture content, and glacier data.
By contributing to a comprehensive global dataset of hydrological variables, the report aligns with the Early Warnings for All initiative’s objective of enhancing data quality and accessibility for water related hazard monitoring and forecasting, ultimately striving to establish early warning systems worldwide by 2027.
