Some of the world's largest lakes are shrinking, but others demonstrate that recovery is possible through conservation and management efforts.
The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland water body, is projected to lose up to 21 meters in water level by 2100, according to scientific models. This decline is attributed to rising temperatures and dam usage in the Volga River basin. Such a drop would significantly affect ecosystems, ports, and fish populations. The lake's surface area has been shrinking since the 1990s, with rising temperatures increasing evaporation rates. A decline of just 10 meters could leave large parts of the shallow northern basin dry, reducing the lake's surface area by nearly one-third.
Lake Constance, which faced severe nutrient pollution in the 1970s, has seen improvements through wastewater treatment and phosphorus removal from sewage. These efforts helped stabilize fish populations and reduce algal blooms. However, challenges such as invasive species and climate change continue to threaten the lake's health. Similarly, the Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake, has lost over 50,000 square kilometers due to water diversion for agriculture during the Soviet era. This has led to long-term environmental damage, with effects still visible today.
Why it matters
The uneven lake conditions affect water availability and ecosystem stability for millions of people.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for joint conservation efforts among the five coastal states to address lake shrinkage challenges.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.