A new study published in the journal Science reveals that more than half of the world's large lakes and reservoirs have experienced substantial shrinkage since the early 1990s due to the climate crisis and unsustainable human consumption. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, highlights the concerns surrounding water supply for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption.
A new study published in the journal Science reveals that more than half of the world's large lakes and reservoirs have experienced substantial shrinkage since the early 1990s due to the climate crisis and unsustainable human consumption. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, highlights the concerns surrounding water supply for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption.
The study, led by Fangfang Yao, a surface hydrologist at the University of Virginia, assessed nearly 2,000 large lakes using satellite measurements and climate and hydrological models. The findings showed that some of the most critical freshwater sources, including the Caspian Sea and Lake Titicaca, have lost water at a cumulative rate of approximately 22 gigatonnes per year over a span of nearly three decades. This amount is equivalent to the total water consumption in the United States for the entire year of 2015.
According to Yao, 56% of the decline in natural lakes can be attributed to global heating and human consumption, with warming being the dominant factor. The impact of climate change on water resources is evident, even in humid regions, challenging the assumption that wet areas would become wetter under climate change. The study highlights the significance of this issue, as unsustainable human use, changes in rainfall and run-off patterns, sedimentation, and rising temperatures have collectively contributed to the decline of lake levels worldwide. From 1992 to 2020, 53% of the assessed lakes displayed a decrease in water levels. This alarming trend directly affects nearly 2 billion people globally, and many regions have already experienced water shortages in recent years.
The researchers stress that keeping global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) is crucial to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. However, the current rate of warming stands at approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit). The study highlights how unsustainable human consumption has led to the drying up of lakes such as the Aral Sea in Central Asia and the Dead Sea in the Middle East. Additionally, rising temperatures have affected lakes in Afghanistan, Egypt, and Mongolia, leading to increased water loss to the atmosphere. While a quarter of the assessed lakes showed rising water levels, this was often a result of dam construction in remote areas like the Inner Tibetan Plateau. Such projects can have significant implications for the overall hydrological balance.
In conclusion, the study's findings underscore the pressing need to address the worsening climate crisis and unsustainable human consumption, which have contributed to the significant decline in global lakes and reservoirs. The consequences extend to vital sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption, and impact billions of people worldwide. Urgent action is required to mitigate the effects of climate change, promote sustainable water management practices, and ensure the availability of this crucial resource for future generations.
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