The Caspian Sea is shrinking: experts predict a decade of ecological crisis

ALARMING FORECAST: THE CASPIAN SEA FACES YEARS OF SHALLOWING, reports TUT.AZ with reference to Interfax.ru

The water level in the Caspian Sea will continue to fall rapidly over the next 10-15 years, threatening an ecological and economic catastrophe for the entire region. This alarming statement was made by the head of Roshydromet, Igor Shumakov, at the XI Neva International Environmental Congress in St. Petersburg.

"Forecasts based on models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that global climate change trends will persist. This means that in the Caspian region over the next 10-15 years, natural environmental changes will occur against the background of rising air temperatures, decreasing river flow and, consequently, further decline in the level of the Caspian Sea," Shumakov emphasized. Roshydromet specialists are sounding the alarm: the water temperature in the Caspian is steadily rising, which increases evaporation from the water surface.

This process, combined with the catastrophic reduction in water inflow from the rivers feeding the sea, creates a threatening situation for the largest enclosed body of water on the planet. The Caspian Sea, with its impressive area of about 371,000 km², represents a unique ecosystem that is home to rare animal species, including the famous Caspian seal and valuable sturgeon fish. Although fluctuations in the Caspian's level have occurred over millennia, modern climate changes are dramatically accelerating these natural processes.

Igor Shumakov urgently called for the development and immediate implementation of a complex of adaptation measures for the period of continuing sea level decline. He particularly emphasized the vital necessity of coordinating efforts of all five Caspian states - Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Azerbaijan - to implement programs to save the unique ecosystem of the Caspian.

Experts warn that the shallowing of the Caspian Sea could result in catastrophic consequences for coastal infrastructure, shipping, fishing, and biodiversity in the region, requiring immediate and decisive joint action by all stakeholders.