Global water report reveals drying rivers and erratic swings between too little and too much
Rivers across the globe in 2025 had one of the driest years in more than three decades, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It shows a continuation of the long-term decline in Earth's freshwater storage and glacier retreat—trends with serious implications for people and economies in the future.
According to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2025 was one of the driest years in over three decades for rivers across the globe. The report reveals a continuation of long-term declines in Earth's freshwater storage and glacier retreat, both of which have serious implications for people and economies in the future.
The water cycle has become increasingly unpredictable, with more extreme weather swings between drought and flooding. Asia and Africa accounted for at least half of all recorded water-related extreme events and over 80% of associated deaths over the past five years. The report highlights that the planet's savings account in the form of slow reserves such as groundwater, glaciers, and seasonal snowpack is being depleted, making the world more vulnerable to water crises.
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