Climate Crisis Drives Extreme Water Cycle Disruptions Worldwide

Climate Crisis Drives Extreme Water Cycle Disruptions Worldwide
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Only a third of the world’s river basins experienced normal conditions last year as the climate crisis intensified extremes of drought and flooding, sometimes within the same regions, The Guardian has reported. Scientists warn that this growing instability in the global water cycle is causing widespread damage to societies and economies, with billions of dollars in losses.

The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) latest State of Global Water Resources report highlights severe droughts in the Amazon, parts of North America, southern Africa, and Mexico, alongside devastating floods in Central Europe, Russia, Pakistan, northern India, and tropical Africa. Flooding in Africa displaced around 4 million people and claimed approximately 2,500 lives.

Glacier ice loss continued for the third consecutive year, contributing to rising sea levels and disrupting ecosystems dependent on snowmelt. WMO hydrology chief Stefan Uhlenbrook emphasized the existential threat to vulnerable regions and urged governments to act.

Experts advocate rapid greenhouse gas reduction, improved water storage infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and enhanced early warning systems to mitigate impacts. However, they caution that political action remains insufficient. Lucy Barker, senior analyst at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, stressed that failing to take proactive measures now will result in higher costs in the future.