WMO: State of Global Water Resources 2023

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals 2023 as the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, exacerbating water shortages for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. Glaciers also suffered their largest mass loss in 50 years, marking the second consecutive year of significant ice loss worldwide. The report highlights climate change's role in making the hydrological cycle more erratic, contributing to prolonged droughts and floods. The findings are crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation. With 3.6 billion people currently facing water shortages - projected to exceed 5 billion by 2050 - the report calls for urgent action to improve water monitoring, data sharing, and early warning systems for water-related hazards.