Global Water Monitor 2024 Report

Global Water Monitor 2024 Report
 

The Global Water Monitor Consortium has released the ‘Global Water Monitor 2024 Summary Report’, which provides an overview of the current state of the global water cycle, highlights key trends, and analyzes major hydrological events.

 

Water Cycle Overview
 

1. The water cycle refers to the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, in various phases — solid, liquid, and gas.
2. The cycle begins with liquid water evaporating into water vapor, which then condenses to form clouds. These clouds eventually precipitate as rain or snow, completing the cycle.

 

Key Findings from the 2024 Report
 

1. Water-related Disasters: In 2024, water-related disasters resulted in over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and caused damages exceeding US$550 billion.
2. Soil Water Variability: There were strong regional contrasts in soil water levels. For example, South America and Southern Africa experienced extreme dryness, while West Africa had wetter conditions.
3. Declining Water Storage: For the fifth consecutive year, lake and reservoir water storage worldwide showed a decline, signaling the growing strain on global freshwater resources.
    

Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle
 

1. Intensification of the Water Cycle: Climate change has intensified the water cycle by up to 7.4%, leading to more extreme weather events.
2. Severe Storms: Warmer air can hold more moisture — approximately 7% more for every 1°C rise in temperature. This has led to an increase in precipitation intensity, duration, and frequency, resulting in more severe storms.
3. Increased Droughts: Rising temperatures cause more evaporation, drying out soils and increasing the likelihood of droughts. Extremely dry months have become more frequent in recent decades.
4. Sea-level Rise: The combination of thermal expansion and melting ice has contributed to rising sea levels, leading to ocean acidification and threatening marine life.

 

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