Caspian Sea loses 16,000 sq km to drought since 2005
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The Caspian Sea has lost 16,000 square kilometers of water surface to drought since 2005, according to Kazakh environmental officials. The retreating shoreline threatens coastal infrastructure and ecosystems in the Atyrau and Mangystau regions.
Drought Impact
The Caspian Sea's water level has dropped by 2.5 meters since 2005, exposing 16,000 square kilometers of dry land, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology. The loss is equivalent to the area of Lake Balkhash. Scientists attribute the decline to reduced river inflow and increased evaporation linked to climate change.
Regional Consequences
The retreat has stranded ports in Atyrau and Aktau, forcing ships to navigate longer channels. Fishing catches in the northern Caspian have fallen by 40% since 2010, according to the Kazakh Fisheries Committee. The exposed seabed also releases dust storms carrying salt and pollutants.
What's Next
Kazakhstan plans to present a Caspian conservation strategy at the UN Climate Conference in November. It remains unclear whether neighboring states will agree on joint measures to slow the decline.
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Caspian Sea loses 16,000 sq km to drought since 2005
