WMO reports freshwater below normal on 42% of land, Central Asian glaciers shrink

September 22, 2026 at 01:02 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The World Meteorological Organization reported that freshwater reserves on 42% of the world's land area fell below historical norms in 2025. Rivers experienced one of the driest years in 35 years, and glaciers lost about 408 billion tonnes of ice for the fourth consecutive year. The report highlights growing water stress in Central Asia, where agriculture and hydropower depend on mountain rivers.

Key Facts

In 2025, freshwater reserves on 42% of the world's land area were below the historical norm, according to the WMO.
River flow was below normal in 36% of the world's river basins, making 2025 one of the driest years in 35 years.
Glaciers lost about 408 billion tonnes of ice in 2025, the fourth consecutive year of mass loss in all major glacier regions.
Nearly two-thirds of monitored groundwater wells showed levels outside the historical norm in 2025, with a shift toward deficit compared to 2024.
Mountain snow and glacier resources provide water for more than 2 billion people worldwide, with Central Asia particularly vulnerable.

Global Freshwater Decline

The WMO's annual report on global water resources found that freshwater reserves on 42% of the world's land area fell below historical norms in 2025. River flow was below normal in 36% of the world's river basins, with particularly low levels across much of North America, parts of South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In contrast, river flow exceeded average levels in South and Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and Africa. The WMO noted that for the past seven years, rivers with normal flow have been in the minority, complicating water-use planning.

Groundwater and Glacier Loss

Nearly two-thirds of monitored groundwater wells showed levels outside the historical norm in 2025, with the balance shifting toward deficit compared to 2024. All major glacier regions lost ice for the fourth consecutive year, with a total loss of about 408 billion tonnes in 2025. Glacier melt can temporarily increase river flow and raise flood risk, but as ice reserves shrink, the volume of meltwater reaching rivers in warm seasons declines. This poses a long-term threat to water supply, agriculture, and energy, with mountain snow and glacier resources supporting more than 2 billion people worldwide.

Central Asia Water Stress

For Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries, the problem is especially acute due to the dependence of agriculture and hydropower on mountain rivers. Economist.kg previously reported that temperatures in Central Asia are rising almost twice as fast as the global average. UN forecasts cited in that material warn that depletion of freshwater reserves due to glacier shrinkage threatens agriculture, energy, and water supply in the region. Potential economic damage is estimated at $4 trillion.