A research team from the Global Water Monitor, who watches the global water cycle closely and analysed observations from more than 40 satellites that continuously monitor the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, has found that the earth’s water cycle is changing.

Climate change is not the only reason for the water cycle change. There has been a significant increase in the volume of lakes worldwide due to individuals and governments constructing and enlarging dams to secure their access water, which changes river flows downstream.

If no actions are taking immoderately, we’re likely to experience deeper droughts and worse floods than seen to date.

Image: Image: shutterstock: Scott Book

Produced By: Tamar Pilobisian

Featured In Story: Professor Albert Van Dijk, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University.

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 17 January 2023