World Meteorological Organization warns of 30% river flow decline, glacier loss

The World Meteorological Organization said that 2025 was one of the driest years for rivers in more than 30 years. Its report also notes that glaciers continue to shrink and freshwater reserves are falling. Climate change and growing water use are making the global water cycle more erratic, raising the risk of both droughts and floods.

Rivers supply drinking water, food, and energy. In many parts of the world, they are already stressed by irrigation, industry and damming. Glaciers in the Himalayas, Alps and Andes hold a large share of the planet’s freshwater. As temperatures rise, glaciers melt faster, but the meltwater runs off quickly, leaving rivers dry later in the year. The WMO’s analysis shows that river flow fell by up to 30 % in some basins, while glacier mass loss in the past decade has been around 5 % per year. This trend threatens millions who depend on steady water supplies.

Scientists and governments are calling for urgent action. The WMO urges stronger climate policies and better water‑management plans. Some countries are investing in new dams, desalination plants and water‑saving irrigation. Others are protecting watersheds and restoring wetlands to capture runoff. The long‑term solution, experts say, is to curb emissions, shift to sustainable agriculture and build resilient infrastructure. The stakes are high: without change, water shortages could spark food crises, migration and conflict.