WMO Reports Global Freshwater Decline and Erratic Water Cycles
- Reports
- 5
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 80%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2025 was the fourth consecutive year in which major glaciated regions recorded a net loss in ice mass, with glaciers losing 408 ± 132 gigatonnes between October 2024 and September 2025. The organization also noted that the global water cycle is becoming more erratic and unpredictable, leading to a decline in total freshwater storage across rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
From downtoearth.org.in, cnn.com
Why it matters
The substantial loss of glacier mass globally represents a decline in freshwater resources. The report found that in 2025, 42% of the world had freshwater storage levels below historical norms. This decline impacts vital trade arteries and water sources for industry and agriculture across several regions.
Climate change impacts the planet's ecosystems, with global temperature rise affecting the Arctic. The United Nations and World Meteorological Organization are involved.
From downtoearth.org.in, cnn.com
Who's involved
- World Meteorological OrganizationSpecialized agency of the United Nations that analyzed global freshwater resources
- United NationsGlobal international organization under which the World Meteorological Organization operates
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Central AsiaSpeculative
Central Asia might face increased costs for agriculture and industry due to driest river flows
- Middle EastSpeculative
The Middle East could see reduced agricultural output due to erratic and low river flows
- Panama Canal AuthoritySpeculative
The Panama Canal Authority might experience increased operational costs and transit delays due to reduced canal capacity
- AntarcticSpeculative
Antarctic regions could face changes in global sea level rise, affecting coastal infrastructure costs
Keep exploring
Part of
Climate change impacts the planet's ecosystems, with global temperature rise affecting the Arctic. The United Nations and WMO are involved.Also in this story
- Nations are negotiating a UN treaty regarding plastic pollution.
- Climate researcher Abbas Khan provides input for international climate reports regarding Arctic impacts.
- IMO discusses rules to curb black carbon from shipping, while climate change accelerates Arctic melting and impacts global trade.
- The Climate Policy Initiative tracks global investment in climate action as the United Nations backs IPCC reports on climate change.
The entities involved
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Earth
third planet from the Sun in the Solar System
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World Meteorological Organization
specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology
Related events
- Climate change impacts on global water cycles affecting the planet Earth.
- River outflow from the Connecticut River is noted to affect global sea level rise.
- The World Meteorological Organization reported that the global water cycle is off balance, while a fatal crash involving a Chevrolet Silverado occurred in Texas.