State of Global Water Resources 2023
- 2023 was driest year for global rivers in 33 years
- Glaciers suffer largest mass loss in 50 years
- Climate change makes hydrological cycle becomes more erratic
- Early Warnings for All must tackle water-related hazards
- WMO calls for better monitoring and data sharing
The State of Global Water Resources report highlights severe stress on global water supplies, with five consecutive years of below-normal river flows and reservoir inflows. This shortage is affecting communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. In addition, glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in the last 50 years, with 2023 marking the second year of widespread ice loss globally.
The report also highlights that 2023 was the hottest year on record, marked by prolonged droughts and widespread floods, driven by both the La Niña to El Niño transition and human-induced climate change. The report offers a global assessment of water resources, drawing on data from meteorological and hydrological services to inform decision-makers in water-sensitive sectors and disaster risk management. It complements the WMO's "State of the Global Climate" series.
Now in its third year, this edition is the most comprehensive, including new data on lakes, reservoirs, soil moisture, and glaciers. It aims to build a global dataset of hydrological variables to support early warning systems for water-related hazards by 2027. With 3.6 billion people currently facing water shortages, projected to exceed 5 billion by 2050, the report underscores the urgent need for action to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation.
Other resources
State of Global Water Resources 2023: Storymap
State of Global Water Resources Report 2023 – User Survey
Trello Board
State of Global Water Resources 2023 Report Presentation
About the State of Global Water Resources series
The State of Global Water Resources Report, published annually by WMO, provides a comprehensive quantitative overview of global water resources, with a focus on hydrological variability and trends. It supports countries, decision makers and stakeholders in understanding the current state of water resources, identifying hotspots and supporting effective water management strategies. The report is based on data contributed by WMO Members, as well as information from global hydrological modelling systems and satellite observations provided by various partners.
