Unique Quality Products
Save Water, Save Life
Final signature count: 0
0 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Over half of our vital freshwater sources have been shrinking since the 1990s, primarily due to climate change impacts. Take action for water!
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 decline2,3. 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.