State of Global Water Resources 2021

The first annual State of Global Water Resources Report was launched on 29 November at WMO.

The first annual State of Global Water Resources Report will be launched at hybrid event on 29 November, 11:00  – 12:00 (CET) at WMO headquarters in Geneva.

The report gives an overview of river flow, as well as major floods and droughts. It provides insights into hotspots for changes in freshwater storage and highlights the crucial role and vulnerability of the cryosphere (snow and ice).

The report shows how large areas of the globe recorded drier than normal conditions in 2021 - a year in which precipitation patterns were influenced by climate change and a La Niña event. The area with below-average streamflow was approximately two times larger than the above-average area, in comparison to the 30-year hydrological average.

Currently, 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water at least a month per year and this is expected to increase to more than 5 billion by 2050. Between 2001 and 2018, UN-Water reported that 74% of all natural disasters were water-related. The recent UN climate change conference, COP27, urged governments to further integrate water into adaptation efforts, the first-time water has been referenced in a COP outcome document in recognition of its critical importance.

The first edition of the report looks at streamflow – the volume of water flowing through a river channel at any given time. It also assesses terrestrial water storage - all water on the land surface and sub-surface and the cryosphere (frozen water). 

The report highlights the lack of accessible verified hydrological data. WMO’s Unified Data Policy seeks to accelerate the availability and sharing of hydrological data, including river discharge and transboundary river basins information. 

AGENDA

11:00 – 11:05 Opening and Welcome, Dr Stefan Uhlenbrook

11:05 – 11:15 Launch of the State of Global Water Resources Report by the SG Prof. Petteri Taalas

11:15 – 11:40 Panel Discussion, DSG Dr Elena Manaenkova, Ambassador Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin (Egypt) and Dr Henk Ovink (Water Envoy, Netherlands), moderated by Dr Sulagna Mishra (WMO)

11:40 – 11:55 Q & A

11:55 – 12:00 Closing, Dr. Johan Stander