State of Global Water Resources Report 2023

Recently, the State of Global Water Resources report 2023 has been published.

About State of Global Water Resources report 2023

State of Global Water Resources

  • Published by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • Annual report: It  offers a comprehensive and consistent overview of water resources worldwide
    • It is based on input from dozens of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and other organisations and experts.

Key Findings from State of Global Water Resources Report 2023

  • Driest year: 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers in over three decades.
  • Below-normal river flows: Widespread below-average river flows for five consecutive years.
  • Reservoir inflows: Similar pattern to river flows, reducing water for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
  • Glacier mass loss: 2023 recorded the second consecutive year of global ice loss across all glacier regions.
  • Hydrological extremes: The hottest year on record in 2023 led to prolonged droughts and significant floods.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Causes of Extreme Hydrological Events

  • Influenced by climate change and the transition from La Niña to El Niño in mid-2023.
  • Rising temperatures are accelerating the hydrological cycle, making it more erratic and unpredictable.
  • Warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, contributing to heavy rainfall, floods.

Challenges Highlighted by the State of Global Water Resources Report 2023

  • Water security: Melting glaciers threaten long-term water security for millions.
  • Insufficient data: Limited understanding of the world’s freshwater resources, highlighting the need for better data collection and sharing.
  • Impact on SDGs: The world is off track on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (clean water and sanitation).
  • Water access crisis: Currently, 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water for at least a month per year, expected to increase to over 5 billion by 2050.

Future Outlook

  • UN Water Forecast: Predicts that water scarcity will worsen, and more than 5 billion people will face inadequate access by 2050.
  • Global Early Warnings Initiative: Aims to improve water-related hazard monitoring and provide early warning systems for all by 2027.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

  • The WMO is an intergovernmental organisation with 193 member states and territories. 
  • State of Global Water ResourcesIndia is one of the Member States of the WMO.
  • Origin: WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, the roots of which were planted at the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
  • Establishment: WMO was established by ratifying the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950.
  • Specialized Agency: It became the specialised agency of the United Nations for Meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Governance Structure:
    • Supreme body: World Meteorological Congress 
      • Consists of representatives of all members
      • Meets at least every four years to set general policy and adopt regulations.
    • 36-member Executive Council: Meets annually and implements policy.
    • Secretariat: Headed by a secretary-general
      • Appointed by the congress for a four-year term, serves as the administrative centre of the organisation.

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.