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2023 Is The Driest Year For Global Rivers In Over 3 Decades from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

By : Author Desk Updated : 2024-10-10 15:36:14

2023 IS THE DRIEST YEAR FOR GLOBAL RIVERS IN OVER 3 DECADES

Context The State of Global Water Resources report, coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has indicated that 2023 is the driest year for global rivers in over 30 years. This trend highlights critical shifts in water availability amid rising global demand. KEY FINDINGS
  • Water Scarcity:
    • Currently, 6 billion people lack adequate access to water for at least one month each year, a figure projected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050.
    • This trend signifies a stark deviation from Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims for universal access to water and sanitation.
  • Declining River Flows:
    • The past 5 years have consistently recorded below-normal river flows, with reservoir inflows following a similar downward trend.
    • This situation exacerbates water scarcity for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
  • Glacial Loss:
    • 2023 marked the largest mass loss of glaciers recorded in the last 50 years.
    • It is the second consecutive year where all glacier regions reported ice loss, amounting to a loss of over 600 gigatons of water globally.
  • Impact of Climate Change:
    • The report links the drought conditions to human-induced climate change, which has raised temperatures and disrupted the hydrological cycle, resulting in erratic weather patterns.
    • This includes both prolonged droughts and instances of severe flooding.
  • Extreme Weather Events:
    • The transition from La Niña to El Niño in mid-2023 has influenced global weather patterns, contributing to a mix of droughts and flooding.
    • The report notes that water is a critical indicator of climate change impacts.
  • Call for Action:
    • WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the urgency of addressing water-related challenges, describing water as the “canary in the coalmine” of climate change.
    • She noted the need for immediate action to prevent worsening conditions for ecosystems and human populations.
WMO’s RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Enhanced Monitoring:
    • The WMO calls for improved monitoring and data-sharing practices regarding water resources to better address and forecast water-related hazards.
  • Early Warnings for All:
    • The report aligns with the Early Warnings for All initiative, aiming to enhance data quality and accessibility for water-related hazard monitoring by 2027.
ABOUT WMO The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established in 1950. It serves as the authoritative voice on the state and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, climate, and hydrological resources. Historical Background:
  • The WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873 to promote international cooperation in meteorology.
  • It became a UN specialized agency to enhance global capabilities in weather and climate monitoring, which are essential for economic development, environmental sustainability, and public safety.
KEY FUNCTIONS & OBJECTIVES
  • Meteorological Services:
    • The WMO provides leadership and expertise in meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
  • International Cooperation:
    • It promotes collaboration among national meteorological and hydrological services, facilitating the sharing of data and best practices to enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
  • Climate Change and Adaptation:
    • The organization plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, providing vital information and tools to help countries adapt to its impacts and mitigate related risks.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction:
    • WMO works on improving early warning systems for natural hazards, aiming to reduce vulnerability and enhance preparedness for extreme weather events.
  • Sustainable Development:
    • It contributes to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, climate action, and sustainable economic development.
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