Aral Sea's Rapid Decline Threatens Local Livelihoods Amid Climate Crisis

Once a vast inland water body, the Aral Sea has dwindled, leaving communities to grapple with environmental and economic fallout.

Climate change accelerates the Aral Sea's decline, severely impacting local livelihoods.
The Aral Sea, once one of the world's largest inland bodies of water, has shrunk to less than a quarter of its size.
Efforts to save the sea, including a successful dike project in Kazakhstan, have had mixed results.
Residents face increased health risks from toxic dust storms and struggle with water scarcity for agriculture.
The discovery of oil and gas in the Aral's former seabed suggests limited interest in restoration by Uzbekistan.