Declining Waters Surrounding COP29
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, the retreating shores of the Caspian Sea underscore a pressing environmental crisis. This vast inland body of water, often referred to as the world’s largest lake, lies between Europe and Asia and is bordered by several nations, including Azerbaijan. Local experts point to climate change as a significant factor contributing to the sea’s alarming shrinkage. With Baku as the conference host, the situation draws renewed attention to the impact of climate-related shifts on this critical ecosystem.
Shocking Water Level Drops
The Caspian Sea, which spans an area of 371,000 square kilometers—roughly the size of Japan—has experienced a dramatic reduction in water levels. Azerbaijan’s National Hydrometeorology Service reports a three-meter decrease since 1995, a crisis that Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev labeled as “catastrophic” during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This decline has become so significant that historical structures like Sabayil Castle, previously submerged by a 14th-century earthquake, have resurfaced.
Climate Change’s Role in Shrinking Reservoirs
Experts like Rovshan Abbasov from Khazar University attribute the shrinking of the Caspian Sea to a combination of factors. Human intervention, such as the diversion of rivers feeding into the sea, along with changing climate patterns, are playing a pivotal role. Abbasov notes, “The current retreat has deeper roots,” indicating that diminished river flows, particularly from the Kura and Volga rivers, significantly impact the water levels of the Caspian Sea. Additionally, Nazim Mahmudhov of the National Hydrometeorology Service emphasizes that global warming has increased evaporation rates, further complicating the situation.
Impact on Local Fisheries
The receding shoreline is not just an environmental issue; it critically affects local fisheries as well. Vugar Abdullayev, chairman of the Baku Fishermen and Underwater Hunters Club, reports that the shoreline has pulled back between 10 to 20 meters in just the last decade. Fishermen now find themselves casting nets much farther from the original coastline due to this retreat. Abdullayev noted troubling fish die-offs this summer, attributing them not to pollution but to rising temperatures, which have led to decreased oxygen levels in the water, forcing fish to leap ashore in desperate attempts to breathe.
Diminishing Wildlife in the Caspian Sea
Historically, the Caspian Sea has been a rich habitat for various forms of wildlife, supporting diverse flora and fauna that thrive in its ecosystems. However, with changing water levels and temperatures, the species that rely on this environment are facing dire consequences. A century ago, the sea was home to over one million seals, but now that number has plummeted to fewer than 10 percent of the original population. As the COP29 discussions progress, the plight of the Caspian Sea serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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