Every year our planet loses billions of cubic meters of water. This happens due to various factors, such as global warming, climate change, water pollution, and inefficient water use. As a result, many of the largest lakes and reservoirs on Earth are on the verge of drying up.
According to the latest data, more than half of the largest lakes and reservoirs on Earth may dry up in the next decades. According to a study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 50% of the largest lakes and reservoirs on Earth are already at risk of extinction.
Among the largest lakes and reservoirs that are in danger of extinction are the following:
1. The Dead Sea is the saltiest lake on Earth, located on the border of Israel, Jordan and Palestine. According to a study conducted in 2016, the water level of the Dead Sea decreases by 1.5 meters per year.
2. Lake Chad is the largest lake in Central Africa. It is fed by rivers and underground springs, but due to climate change and inefficient use of water resources, the lake’s water level is decreasing.
3. Aral Lake is a lake that is located on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In the 1960s, the lake was one of the largest in the world, but due to the construction of irrigation canals, the water level in the lake has dropped by 80%.
Lake Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth and is located in Russia. It contains about 20% of all the fresh water on the planet. However, due to water pollution and climate change, the water level in the lake is decreasing.
5. Lake Tanganyika is the largest lake on the planet, which is located in Africa. It contains about 15% of all fresh water on Earth. However, because of climate change and water pollution, the water level in the lake is decreasing.
What can cause lakes and reservoirs to dry up?
Drying up lakes and reservoirs can lead to serious environmental consequences, such as reduced biodiversity, reduced water quality, and fewer fish and other animals that depend on these water resources.
However, it can also lead to serious social consequences, such as deterioration of the health of people who depend on these water resources for drinking and agriculture.
How can lakes and reservoirs be preserved?
Preserving lakes and reservoirs on Earth is one of the top priorities of modern society. This requires taking measures to reduce water pollution, efficient use of water resources, as well as taking measures to combat climate change.
Among the measures that can be taken to conserve lakes and reservoirs are the following:
1. Taking measures to reduce pollution of water resources.
2. efficient use of water resources.
3. Taking measures to combat climate change.
4. Creating nature reserves and national parks around the largest lakes and reservoirs.
5. Public involvement in the problem of preservation of lakes and reservoirs.
6. Development of ecological culture and public awareness of water conservation issues.
In conclusion, it is possible to say that preservation of lakes and reservoirs on the Earth is one of the main priorities of modern society. For this purpose, it is necessary to take measures to reduce water pollution, to use water resources efficiently, and to combat climate change. Only this way we can preserve these unique natural objects for future generations.
