Why is Caspian Sea shrinking?

Western European scientists are ringing the alarm as the Caspian Sea shrinks due to climate change, saying the falling water levels presage a fast-approaching ecocide and the loss of unique local species.

Is it too late to save the Caspian Sea?

Unfortunately, it’s too late to save the Caspian through emission cuts alone. Already the inland body of water is declining at a rate of 6 to 7 centimetres (2.4 to 2.8 inches) each year. Intense regional adaptation and mitigation efforts are therefore desperately needed.

Will Caspian Sea dry up?

Increasingly, scientists agree that it will. According to a series of recent studies, the Caspian — the world’s largest inland body of water — is rapidly drying up as climate change sends temperatures in the region soaring.

How has the Caspian Sea changed over time?

While the overall water level in the Caspian has fluctuated for several hundred years, steepened changes in the last century suggest evaporation caused by warmer temperatures is the greatest influence on the body of water.

Which countries share the Caspian Sea with Russia?

The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water in the world and accounts for 40 to 44\% of the total lacustrine waters of the world. The coastlines of the Caspian are shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.

Why is the Dead Sea’s water level declining?

Increased use of fresh water from the Jordan River is part of the reason, with more taken out before it reaches the Dead Sea, contributing to an annual decline in the level of more than 1.2 meters.

What are the natural resources of the Caspian Sea?

The Caspian area is rich in energy resources. Oil wells were being dug in the region as early as the 10th century to reach oil “for use in everyday life, both for medicinal purposes and for heating and lighting in homes”. By the 16th century, Europeans were aware of the rich oil and gas deposits around the area.