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The year 2023 has been marked as a record-hot year, significantly impacting global water resources and contributing to prolonged droughts in various regions. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its latest “State of Global Water Resources” report on October 7, detailing alarming trends across rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater, soil moisture, glaciers, and evaporation.
According to the report, this year witnessed an unprecedented level of dryness. “We have never seen such a large area of the world under such dry conditions,” said WMO officials. Over the past 33 years of data analyzed, 2023 emerged as the driest year on record.
While southern regions of South America, including the Amazon and Lake Titicaca, faced severe drought conditions, other parts of the world, particularly Oceania, experienced significant flooding. The WMO’s chief emphasized the growing unpredictability of water patterns, warning that the hydrological cycle is becoming increasingly erratic. “Water is the basis of life on our planet, but it can also be a force of destruction,” he noted. “This erratic hydrological cycle is leading to sudden floods and severe droughts, with climate change playing a crucial role in these extremes.”
Tragic incidents in late 2023 highlight these challenges. In November, at least 130 lives were lost in the Horn of Africa due to heavy rains that caused catastrophic flooding, described by aid agencies as a once-in-a-century event.
The WMO has called for urgent improvements in data collection and sharing to better understand the state of global water resources. Enhanced data practices would enable countries and communities to take informed action in response to these water-related challenges, ultimately helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard vital water resources.
