The United Nations has alerted that the world’s water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic due to climate change, leading to extreme floods and droughts. Last year, significant weather events, including record droughts and a high number of floods, were recorded alongside alarming glacier melt. The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to manage water resources effectively.
The United Nations has issued a dire warning concerning the state of the planet’s water cycle, noting an alarming increase in both floods and droughts, which they characterize as a distress signal of incoming climate change impacts. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that last year marked the driest conditions for rivers in over three decades, alongside substantial glacier ice loss and a notable surge in extreme weather events such as floods. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that water acts as a critical indicator of climate change, explaining that the warming atmosphere is leading to a more erratic and unpredictable water cycle, as evidenced by the record-high temperatures and accompanying extended drought periods.
The UN’s warnings about the water cycle stem from a comprehensive analysis by the WMO, which has documented severe fluctuations in water availability globally. With natural climate phenomena contributing to these irregularities, human-induced climate change has played an increasingly significant role in exacerbating these extremes. The report highlights the growing crisis of water scarcity, particularly in Africa, where floods and droughts have led to catastrophic losses in life and population displacement.
In summary, the UN’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of climate change on global water resources, showing how rising temperatures are leading to extreme weather patterns that threaten the survival and livelihoods of billions. Without urgent action to address greenhouse gas emissions and improve water management practices, the world may face unprecedented challenges in stabilizing its water cycle.
Original Source: www.france24.com
