The Center for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring SNCO reports that data from satellite observations show that since 2002, freshwater losses have been unprecedented, driven by climate change, droughts, and the irrational use of groundwater.

A study published in the journal Science Advances warns of the emergence of four “mega-dry” regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The land-based dry regions are expanding every year, covering an area twice the size of California, which is changing established hydrological patterns.

The negative consequences of freshwater scarcity are staggering. 75% of the world’s population lives in 101 countries that have experienced freshwater crises over the past 22 years. According to United Nations forecasts, the world’s population will continue to grow over the next 50-60 years, while Freshwater availability will decline sharply.

The study found that the turning point occurred in 2014-2015, which is considered a “mega El Niño” period. As a result, the frequency of extreme weather events has increased. At the same time, groundwater use has increased.
The “drying” of continents has exceeded the rate of melting of glaciers. In the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, in Europe, extreme droughts have increased sharply. In addition, in the last decade, the melting of snow and permafrost has intensified in Canada and Russia.

The study found that since 2002, only the tropics have continued to get wetter, which was not predicted by the climate models of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.