Climate Change and Human Activity Drying Up Over Half the World's Lakes, Study Finds

Over half of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs have lost significant amounts of water in the last three decades due to climate change and human activity like excessive water use.
of lakes worldwide have shrunk between 1992 and 2020, losing water at a rate of 22 gigatonnes per year which is equivalent to 17 Lake Meads.
The drying of lakes affects nearly 2 billion people who rely on them for drinking water, agriculture, energy, and habitats and leads to pollution, health issues, and environmental degradation.
While climate change was the bigger driver, human water consumption also contributed significantly to the decline in 56% of natural lakes.
The findings highlight the urgent need for improved water management and policies that account for climate change and protect this vital resource.