The year 2023 has been reported as the driest year in more than three decades for the rivers in the world, a report from the United Nations weather agency has said.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) held a press conference on Monday to release the State of Global Water Resources Report 2023.
According to the report, the record-hot temperatures in 2023 underpinned the drying up of water flows. South America witnessed the largest drought-influenced area in 33 years, with the water level of the Amazon River and Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America, reaching their lowest levels ever observed.
In addition, glaciers also suffered the largest loss of mass in 50 years, threatening the long-term water security of millions, said the report.
With rising temperatures, the global water cycle is accelerating and becomes more erratic and unpredictable, triggering an increasing number of floods and droughts worldwide, warned Celeste Saulo, secretary general of WMO.
"Water is becoming the most telling indicator of our climate's distress. And yet, as a global society, we are not taking bold action to protect this resource," said Saulo.
According to WMO's estimation, 3.6 billion people around the world face water shortages for at least one month each year, and the number could rise to 5 billion by 2025.
WMO calls for global actions to monitor and share data on water resources, better assess the impacts of changing climate on water resources, and help member states and organizations take effective measures.
World's rivers experience driest year in three decades in 2023: UN report
World's rivers experience driest year in three decades in 2023: UN report
World's rivers experience driest year in three decades in 2023: UN report
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
