The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced in its report on the global state of water resources that 2023 was the driest year for the world’s rivers in the last 30 years. The report also stated that globally, 3.6 billion people cannot access enough water for at least one month per year, and this number is expected to exceed 5 billion by 2050. Additionally, 2023 was recorded as the hottest year on record. The data revealed that in 2023, rivers worldwide reached the highest level of drought in the last 30 years, putting global water reserves at risk.

According to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) report on the Global Water Resources Status, river levels worldwide have been below average for the past five years, with reservoirs also showing low levels. In 2023, more than 50% of global river basins exhibited abnormal conditions, with most running deficits. This situation was similar in 2022 and 2021 as well.

Regions facing severe drought conditions included large areas of North, Central, and South America. For example, the Amazon and Mississippi rivers recorded record low water levels. On the other side of the world, in Asia and Oceania, major Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong river basins recorded lower than normal levels in almost all basin areas.

It is observed that climate change is causing both extreme floods and droughts. 2023 marked the hottest year on record as rivers dried up, countries faced drought, and devastating floods occurred worldwide. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the conditions were also influenced by the transition from La Niña to El Niño in mid-2023.

These are naturally occurring weather patterns; El Niño refers to above-average sea surface temperatures along the central-eastern equatorial Pacific, while La Niña denotes periodic cooling in these regions. However, scientists say that climate change is exacerbating the effects of these weather events and making their prediction even more challenging. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated, “Water is the canary in the coal mine of climate change. We are increasingly receiving signals in the form of more extreme rainfall, floods, and droughts, which are exacting a heavy toll on lives, ecosystems, and economies. Melting glaciers threaten long-term water security for millions of people. And we are not taking the necessary urgent action.” Today, 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water for at least one month a year. According to the United Nations, this number is expected to exceed 5 billion by 2050.