A recent study published in the journal Science has unveiled alarming statistics about the world's lakes and reservoirs, revealing that over half of these crucial sources of freshwater have been shrinking since the early 1990s due to the impacts of climate change¹. This concerning trend raises significant concerns about water availability for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption.

The research team examined nearly 2,000 large lakes worldwide using satellite measurements, climate data, and hydrological models². The results were troubling: 56% of the decline in natural lakes was attributed to climate warming and human consumption, with climate warming accounting for the larger share of the decline^2,3. This challenges the assumption that only arid areas would become drier under climate change, as significant water loss was observed even in humid regions⁴.

The study highlights the significant water loss in some of the world's most important freshwater bodies, including the Caspian Sea and Lake Titicaca⁵. Over nearly three decades, these lakes experienced a cumulative rate of water loss amounting to approximately 22 gigatonnes per year⁵. This is equivalent to 17 times the volume of the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead⁵.

The consequences of disappearing lakes are dire, with nearly 2.2 billion people living in drying lake basins directly affected⁶. Many regions have already faced water shortages in recent years, and unsustainable human water use has led to the desiccation of lakes such as the Aral Sea and the Dead Sea⁷]. Rising temperatures, intensifying water loss to the atmosphere, have impacted lakes in Afghanistan, Egypt, Mongolia, and beyond⁸. This trend could soon spread if left unchecked.

As lakes and reservoirs shrink, entire ecosystems are disrupted, threatening biodiversity⁹. Numerous species, including aquatic plants, fish, and migratory birds, rely on these water sources for their survival⁹ The loss of habitat and disruption of food chains can lead to the decline or extinction of these species, ultimately disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. Moreover, reduced water levels can lead to the concentration of pollutants and degradation of water quality, further compromising the health of aquatic ecosystems⁹.

Agriculture, heavily reliant on water, faces significant risks due to dwindling freshwater supplies¹⁰. As lakes and rivers dry up or experience reduced water levels, farmers struggle to irrigate their crops and maintain agricultural productivity¹⁰. Studies show that crop yields can decline, leading to food shortages, price increases, and potential social unrest¹⁰. The impact extends beyond local agricultural communities, affecting global food markets and exacerbating issues of hunger and malnutrition¹⁰.

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is crucial for human health, but dwindling freshwater supplies compromise the availability of clean drinking water¹¹. This can lead to waterborne diseases and hygiene-related issues¹¹. In regions with water scarcity, people may resort to using unsafe water sources or inadequate sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of diseases like cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea¹¹. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and ill-health[¹¹.

Freshwater scarcity also has significant economic consequences. Industries relying on water, such as manufacturing, energy production, and mining, face disruptions and increased costs as water availability becomes limited¹². Additionally, water scarcity can impact tourism, agriculture-dependent economies, and local livelihoods dependent on water-related activities like fishing and irrigation¹³.

The disappearance of freshwater sources is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. By taking the freshwater pledge and committing to these measures, we can work together to protect our dwindling sources of fresh drinking water and ensure a sustainable future for all. Take the pledge today and make a difference for our planet and future generations.

More on this issue:

1. Sarah W. Cooley, Science (18 May 2023), "Global loss of lake water storage."
2. Fuad Alakbarov, Bella Caledonia (27 September 2022), "Caspian Sea: how the world’s biggest lake is drying up."
3. Cara Thuringer, New Security Beat (28 September 2016), "Silently, Quickly, and Completely: The World’s Lakes in Peril."
4. Alexandra A. Taylor, Chemical & Engineering News (10 February 2020), "Climate change will affect access to fresh water. How will we cope?."
5. Reuters, The Guardian (18 May 2023), "More than half of the world’s lakes have shrunk in past 30 years, study finds."
6. Nada Osseiran, Yemi Lufadeju, World Health Organization (18 June 2019), "1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water – UNICEF, WHO."
7. Aharon Oren, Igor Plotnikov, Sergey Sokolov, Nikolai Vasil'evich. Aladin, Lakes & Reservoirs Research & Management (September 2010), "The Aral Sea and the Dead Sea: Disparate lakes with similar histories."
8. Sophia Jones, National Geographic (3 February 2020), "In Afghanistan, climate change complicates future prospects for peace."
9. Baher Kamal, Inter Press Service News Agency (1 December 2022), "This Planet Is Drying Up. And these Are the Consequences."
10. Lenntech (2023), "Use of water in food and agriculture."
11. United Nations, "Water Facts."
12. Majid Rashidi, K. Seyfi, International Journal Of Agriculture & Biology (January 2007), "Effect of Water Stress on Crop Yield and Yield Components of Cantaloupe."
13. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs (21 March 2019), "Report: Competition for Water Increasing, Exacerbating Need for Greater Water, Food and Nutrition Security."