Caspian Sea Reaches Historic Low: Climate Change Threatens World's Largest Inland Body of Water
The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, has reached a historic low in its water level. This alarming drop, described as one of the greatest environmental challenges by Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, has significant implications for the region.
The sea requires at least 270 km3 of water to maintain its balance. However, the shallow northern basin has been particularly affected, with the coastline retreating by kilometers. Climate change and reduced inflow from the Volga River, which provides 80% of the sea's water, are the primary causes of this decline. Currently, the water level is more than 29 meters below the Baltic Sea level.
Bektenov has announced the establishment of a new Kazakh research institute to study the Caspian Sea and explore possible countermeasures. The Committee for International Cooperation on the Preservation of the Caspian Sea, chaired by Kazakhstan, has proposed measures including cooperative water management projects and the introduction of modern monitoring and early warning systems. These efforts aim to safeguard the sea's ecological and water resources, promoting regional collaboration among littoral states for sustainable usage and environmental protection.
The threat of the Caspian Sea's disappearance looms large, with ecological, economic, and geopolitical implications. The drop in water level threatens the ecosystem, economic infrastructures, and human lives in the region. International cooperation and urgent action are crucial to address this crisis.
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