Global Lakes Drying Up Faster Than Expected Due to Climate Change and Human Activity

A study of nearly 2,000 large lakes around the world published in the journal Science found that water loss was more widespread during the past three decades than previously thought, with at least half of the decline in natural lakes driven by a warming climate and human water consumption. The drying of lakes and reservoirs around the world is increasingly stressing water supplies for drinking and agriculture, endangering habitats for plants and fish, reducing the capacity to generate hydropower, and threatening marine recreation and tourism. Accurate tracking of lake water trends and identification of factors contributing to water loss can help guide water-management strategies affecting up to 2 billion people.