WMO highlights growing imbalance in the global water cycle

The planet's water cycle is becoming more unstable. A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns of cascading impacts caused by water scarcity or excess. The document points out that only one-third of river basins experienced normal conditions in 2024.

According to the WMO, last year saw the third consecutive period of widespread glacier loss across all regions. The melting released 450 gigatons of ice, a volume equivalent to 180 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, raising global sea levels by 1,2 millimeters. In the tropics, Colombia lost 5% of its glaciers in just one year.

The report indicates a strong imbalance in river flows.

In South America, the Amazon, São Francisco, Paraná, and Orinoco basins experienced well-below-normal flows. In southern Africa, the same occurred with the Zambezi, Limpopo, Okavango, and Orange rivers.

In contrast, Central Europe and parts of Asia recorded floods with a sharp increase in flow in rivers such as the Danube, Ganges, Godavari and Indus.

Monitored wells

The WMO also highlights that, among 37 wells monitored in 47 countries, only 38% maintained normal groundwater levels. The remainder showed deficits or excesses. Intensive use of aquifers increases the risk of future water resource collapse.

The year 2024 was the hottest on record, heavily influenced by the El Niño phenomenon. The event exacerbated droughts in northern South America, the Amazon, and southern Africa. Conversely, above-average rainfall hit central and western Africa, Pakistan, northern India, southern Iran, and northeastern China.