Unprecedented Decline in Global River Water Levels Due to Climate Change

Recent data collected shows that the rivers of the world have dried up at an unprecedented rate in 2023, the fastest in the past three decades. According to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), more than half of the river basins worldwide are facing abnormal conditions this year, with most struggling with water shortages. This situation has also been observed over the past five years, with river and reservoir levels across the globe being below average. In North, Central, and South America, vast areas are facing severe drought and unprecedented declines in river water levels. Major rivers such as the Amazon and Mississippi have reached historically low water levels. In Asia and the Pacific, large river basins like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong are experiencing significant reductions in water flow across nearly all their territories. The year 2023 is recognized as the hottest recorded year in history. Climate change has not only led to reduced river water and droughts but has also caused devastating floods worldwide. The transition from a La Niña to an El Niño weather pattern in the middle of the year has exacerbated these extreme conditions. Rising sea levels pose an 'unimaginable disaster' for the world. These phenomena are influenced by natural changes in sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, but scientists warn that climate change has intensified their effects and made predictions more difficult. While some regions faced drought, areas such as the eastern coasts of Africa, North Island of New Zealand, and the Philippines struggled with severe flooding. In contrast, countries like the UK, Ireland, Finland, and Sweden experienced significant increases in river water flow. Celeste Saulo, the Secretary-General of the WMO, expressed concern, stating, 'The color of the face reveals the inner state. We are receiving alarming signs in the form of heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts that have devastating impacts on human lives, ecosystems, and economies. The melting of glaciers and ice caps has jeopardized long-term water security for millions, but the actions we need to take have not yet been sufficient.' These conditions have not only affected current water resources but have also put global water supply at risk. According to a UN Water report, currently, 3.6 billion people lack sufficient access to water for at least one month a year, and this number is expected to rise to over five billion by 2050. Glaciers are also in a concerning state. According to preliminary data from the WMO for the period from September 2022 to August 2023, glaciers have lost more than 600 gigatons of water, the highest amount in the past 50 years. The mountains of western North America and the Alps of Europe have faced severe melting; for instance, the Swiss Alps have lost about 10% of their remaining ice volume in the past two years.