United Nations Warns of Growing Instability in Global Water Cycle Due to Climate Change

The UN warns that climate change is causing significant unpredictability in the global water cycle, leading to intense floods and droughts. The WMO reports that last year marked the driest rivers in over 30 years, unprecedented glacier melt, and a significant rise in water scarcity affecting billions. Urgent action on greenhouse gas emissions and better water monitoring systems is needed to address the growing crisis.

The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the increasing unpredictability of the Earth’s water cycle, highlighting that the escalation of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts signals a critical distress regarding the impacts of climate change. According to a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), last year marked a period when rivers experienced their most severe dryness in over three decades, glaciers witnessed unprecedented ice loss, and the world was impacted by significant flooding incidents. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo characterized water as a vital indicator of climate change, stating, “Water is the canary in the coalmine of climate change”. She emphasized that the extreme fluctuations in rainfall and the increasing prevalence of floods and droughts are wreaking havoc on human lives, ecosystems, and economic stability. The warming of the atmosphere is exacerbating these conditions, making the water cycle notably erratic. Last year was recorded as the hottest year to date, marked by high temperatures and widespread drought that spanned across various regions. In her statement, Saulo noted how natural climate phenomena like La Niña and El Niño are contributing to these extreme events, but highlighted that human-induced climate change plays an increasingly significant role. She explained, “A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which is conducive to heavy rainfall. More rapid evaporation and drying of soils worsen drought conditions.” The report pointed out that water scarcity or abundance is becoming increasingly problematic for nations worldwide. Africa has been reported as the continent most afflicted by these water crises, with devastating floods in Libya leading to the collapse of two dams, claiming over 11,000 lives and impacting nearly a quarter of the population. Other regions that faced severe flooding included the Greater Horn of Africa and various countries throughout Central Africa. Currently, around 3.6 billion people grapple with insufficient access to fresh water at least once a month, a figure projected to rise to over five billion by the year 2050. Moreover, data shows that more than 50 percent of river catchments have been experiencing drier-than-usual conditions lately, and water inflow into reservoirs has fallen below average in numerous global regions. The rates of glacier melt are alarming, with over 600 billion tonnes of ice having disappeared, marking the highest figures in half a century. Saulo warned, “Melting ice and glaciers threaten long-term water security for many millions of people. And yet we are not taking the necessary urgent action.” The WMO calls for immediate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alongside better monitoring of freshwater resources to facilitate early warning systems that can mitigate damage to populations and wildlife. Saulo expressed, “We cannot manage what we do not measure,” and further emphasized the necessity of investing in infrastructure that safeguards water resources and protects communities from potential hazards. The director of WMO’s hydrology, water, and cryosphere department, Stefan Uhlenbrook, further elaborated on the need for effective water conservation strategies, particularly in agriculture, which consumes a staggering 70 percent of the world’s freshwater resources. However, he cautioned that returning to a more predictable natural water cycle poses significant challenges and asserted, “The only thing we can do is to stabilize the climate, which is a generational challenge.”

The United Nations’ recent report sheds light on the escalating challenges posed by climate change, specifically regarding the water cycle, which is becoming increasingly erratic. This development is reflected in the occurrence of extreme weather events, such as intense floods and prolonged droughts, which have significant implications for human survivability, ecosystem health, and economic viability. Given the alarming statistics regarding river dryness, glacier melt, and the rising number of individuals facing water scarcity, the report emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and action to address these crucial issues.

In summary, the United Nations warns that the Earth’s water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic due to climate change, leading to severe flooding and droughts worldwide. The report highlights alarming statistics regarding freshwater access, glacier melt, and river conditions, indicating that without urgent action, billions of people may face significant water shortages by 2050. Enhancing monitoring and promoting effective water conservation measures is essential to mitigate these crises and safeguard future water security.

Original Source: www.france24.com