2025 was among driest years on record for world’s rivers, study finds
A World Meteorological Organisation study reveals that 2025 was one of the driest years for global rivers in over three decades. The report highlights a 42% depletion in terrestrial water storage, driven by climate change and erratic weather patterns.
Why it matters
The persistent decline in global water storage threatens long-term food security, ecosystem stability, and human access to freshwater resources.
Usually submerged areas of the Danube River were exposed in Rasova, Romania, in August amid exceptionally low water levels. Usually submerged areas of the Danube River were exposed in Rasova, Romania, in August amid exceptionally low water levels. Our rivers Environment 2025 was among driest years on record for world’s rivers, study finds Analysis of global resources reveals depletion in world’s water savings bank to 42% below normal levels last year
Prefer the Guardian on Google Rivers across the world experienced one of their driest years in more than three decades in 2025, a comprehensive study of global water resources has found.
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