Rapid oscillations between water scarcity and floods pose a significant threat, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published a report highlighting the unpredictable water flow of the world, a trend that has been persistent for six consecutive years. The author of the report is Peter H. Gleick.
According to the WMO, the world's water cycle has become increasingly erratic, a reflection of the global climate crisis. This is evident in various regions across the globe. In Asia and the Pacific, record-breaking rainfall and tropical cyclones led to over 1,000 fatalities. Conversely, the Amazon Basin and other parts of Africa experienced severe drought in 2024, affecting millions of people.
The report also indicates that nearly 60% of rivers now flow with either too much or too little water. This imbalance is compounded by extreme events such as heavy rainfall and flooding, which are becoming more frequent.
In 2024, Europe experienced its most extensive flooding since 2013. Africa's tropical zone, on the other hand, was hit with unusually heavy rainfall, resulting in around 2,500 deaths and 4 million people displaced. Central, western, and eastern Africa, alongside parts of Asia and Central Europe, were wetter than normal in 2024.
The catastrophic flooding in the south of Brazil resulted in 183 fatalities, while the 2023 drought in the Amazon basin affected 59% of Brazil's territory.
The report also draws attention to the melting of glaciers, which contributes to global sea level rise. Each year, the meltwater adds around 1.2 millimeters to global sea level rise. In the last year, glaciers worldwide lost 450 gigatonnes of ice, a loss equivalent to a block of ice 7 kilometers tall, 7 kilometers wide, and 7 kilometers deep.
The WMO warns that without reliable, science-based data, we risk flying blind. The organization emphasizes the critical need for improved monitoring and data sharing to better understand and address the challenges posed by the changing water cycle.
The report also predicts that the number of people facing inadequate access to water will rise to over 5 billion by 2050. Currently, an estimated 3.6 billion people worldwide face inadequate access to water at least one month a day.
In conclusion, the WMO's report underscores the urgent need for action to address the unpredictable water cycle. Improved monitoring, data sharing, and science-based information are crucial to mitigating the effects of this global crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
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