World's rivers experienced one of driest years in 30+ years, study finds

A World Meteorological Organisation analysis found freshwater storage depleted to 42% below normal levels globally in 2025, raising concerns about water availability for hydropower, cooling, and grid operations.

First covered Sep 16, 2026 · 9:00 PM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

World's rivers experienced one of driest years in 30+ years, study finds — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

10d Guardian 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 Rivers across the world experienced one of…

More coverage from around the web

rte.ie World rivers experience driest year in decades - report

bangkokpost.com Bangkok Post - Global river flows lowest in decades, UN says

freemalaysiatoday.com River flows were among driest in decades in 2025, says World Meteorological Organization | FMT

scimex.org EXPERT REACTION: WMO's latest global water report reveals drying rivers and erratic swings between too little and too much

aol.co.uk 2025 was among driest years on record for world’s rivers, study finds - AOL

Appeared in: 2026-09-17 (#8) · 2026-09-18 (#14)

← Back to the brief