We present to your attention an article about the ecological crisis of the Caspian Sea, published in partnership with National Geographic Qazaqstan.
The original article in Kazakh language is available here.
For local residents, sunrise on the Caspian Sea is not just a natural phenomenon but a cherished tradition. Many people gather on the shore to start their day: walking, jogging, enjoying the tranquility, and reflecting. A Caspian sunrise is a breathtaking spectacle, as the sun slowly rises above the horizon, painting the sky in soft pink and orange hues. The sea glistens like a vast mirror, with light and water merging in perfect harmony. In the morning silence, only the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore can be heard.
The original article in Kazakh language is available here.
For local residents, sunrise on the Caspian Sea is not just a natural phenomenon but a cherished tradition. Many people gather on the shore to start their day: walking, jogging, enjoying the tranquility, and reflecting. A Caspian sunrise is a breathtaking spectacle, as the sun slowly rises above the horizon, painting the sky in soft pink and orange hues. The sea glistens like a vast mirror, with light and water merging in perfect harmony. In the morning silence, only the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore can be heard.
Satellite images of the Caspian reveal how its area has changed over time. In the image on the right, the red marks indicate regions of the sea that have already dried up.
The Caspian is a closed sea. Despite its ancient history, its future is uncertain. Humanity stands on the brink of losing this unique ecosystem. Over the past few decades, the Caspian has undergone significant changes, and the threat of its desiccation has become a serious concern. According to environmental experts, the retreat of the sea and the destruction of its ecosystem result from human activities and climate change.
The First Signs of Desiccation
The Caspian Sea has long been considered one of the most vital sources of life in the heart of Eurasia. It spans approximately 370,000 square kilometers. About 130 rivers flow into it, including the Volga and Ural, which play crucial roles in maintaining its water levels. However, in recent decades, the sea level has dropped significantly. Scientists report that since the 1970s, the Caspian's water level has decreased by about 6–7 cm annually, with recent years seeing declines of up to 10 cm per year. If this trend continues, the sea level could drop by 9–18 meters by 2100, causing the sea to retreat from its western and northern shores.
One of the main causes of desiccation is climate change, compounded by intensive industrial activities in and around the sea and its feeder rivers. In summer, rising air temperatures accelerate evaporation, reducing water volume. In winter, insufficient snowfall and decreased precipitation in spring and autumn hinder the replenishment of water levels.
The Caspian is a closed sea. Despite its ancient history, its future is uncertain. Humanity stands on the brink of losing this unique ecosystem. Over the past few decades, the Caspian has undergone significant changes, and the threat of its desiccation has become a serious concern. According to environmental experts, the retreat of the sea and the destruction of its ecosystem result from human activities and climate change.
The First Signs of Desiccation
The Caspian Sea has long been considered one of the most vital sources of life in the heart of Eurasia. It spans approximately 370,000 square kilometers. About 130 rivers flow into it, including the Volga and Ural, which play crucial roles in maintaining its water levels. However, in recent decades, the sea level has dropped significantly. Scientists report that since the 1970s, the Caspian's water level has decreased by about 6–7 cm annually, with recent years seeing declines of up to 10 cm per year. If this trend continues, the sea level could drop by 9–18 meters by 2100, causing the sea to retreat from its western and northern shores.
One of the main causes of desiccation is climate change, compounded by intensive industrial activities in and around the sea and its feeder rivers. In summer, rising air temperatures accelerate evaporation, reducing water volume. In winter, insufficient snowfall and decreased precipitation in spring and autumn hinder the replenishment of water levels.
PHOTO: Yerbolat Shadrakhov
The Caspian is rich in oil and gas. The oil industry has become a primary source of revenue for Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Russia. However, this wealth masks an ecological catastrophe...
The Volga and Ural: Weakening Lifelines
The Volga and Ural rivers are the lifeblood of the Caspian Sea. They deliver billions of tons of freshwater annually, playing a crucial role in sustaining its ecosystem. Yet, these rivers face severe threats.
The Volga is the largest source of water for the Caspian, supplying about 80% of the sea's inflow. However, due to the construction of hydroelectric stations and irrigation systems in Russia, the river's natural flow has decreased. Numerous artificial structures have sharply reduced the water volume reaching the Caspian.
The Ural, the third-longest river in Europe after the Volga and Danube, is also in a precarious state. Stretching 2,428 km (1,084 km within Kazakhstan), the river's inflow to the Caspian has gradually diminished since the 1970s. Pollution, eroding banks, and declining biodiversity have taken their toll. Water levels have dropped so significantly that navigation along the Ural has ceased. Since about 80% of the Ural's water originates in Russia, the health of the river's ecosystem in Kazakhstan directly depends on water volumes from Russia.
The Oil Industry's Footprint: Poison and Noise for the Caspian's Ecology
Oil and gas extraction dominate the Caspian region, with global energy giants investing billions of dollars. Commercial interests often overshadow environmental concerns. Oil companies operate with little transparency, frequently disregarding environmental regulations.
Other sources of pollution include oil platforms and tankers. Oil spills, gas flaring, and industrial waste discharge severely damage the sea's biodiversity. Contaminated waters threaten marine life, pushing many species toward extinction.
The Caspian is rich in oil and gas. The oil industry has become a primary source of revenue for Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Russia. However, this wealth masks an ecological catastrophe...
The Volga and Ural: Weakening Lifelines
The Volga and Ural rivers are the lifeblood of the Caspian Sea. They deliver billions of tons of freshwater annually, playing a crucial role in sustaining its ecosystem. Yet, these rivers face severe threats.
The Volga is the largest source of water for the Caspian, supplying about 80% of the sea's inflow. However, due to the construction of hydroelectric stations and irrigation systems in Russia, the river's natural flow has decreased. Numerous artificial structures have sharply reduced the water volume reaching the Caspian.
The Ural, the third-longest river in Europe after the Volga and Danube, is also in a precarious state. Stretching 2,428 km (1,084 km within Kazakhstan), the river's inflow to the Caspian has gradually diminished since the 1970s. Pollution, eroding banks, and declining biodiversity have taken their toll. Water levels have dropped so significantly that navigation along the Ural has ceased. Since about 80% of the Ural's water originates in Russia, the health of the river's ecosystem in Kazakhstan directly depends on water volumes from Russia.
The Oil Industry's Footprint: Poison and Noise for the Caspian's Ecology
Oil and gas extraction dominate the Caspian region, with global energy giants investing billions of dollars. Commercial interests often overshadow environmental concerns. Oil companies operate with little transparency, frequently disregarding environmental regulations.
Other sources of pollution include oil platforms and tankers. Oil spills, gas flaring, and industrial waste discharge severely damage the sea's biodiversity. Contaminated waters threaten marine life, pushing many species toward extinction.
Screenshot from the documentary film Save the Caspian Sea.
Marine life, including fish and mammals, is particularly vulnerable. In the early 2000s, an oil spill during a well test caused an explosion and fire. That spring and summer, around 10,500 seals died under mysterious circumstances—official figures. Independent Kazakh ecologists claim the actual number was closer to 30,000.
Moreover, outdated wells are still in use, with little information about their last technical inspections or who is responsible for them.
Does the Caspian Have a Future?
The ecological fate of the Caspian Sea is not just a regional issue but a global one. Yet, the international community pays scant attention to it. To save the Caspian, urgent action is needed:
Without prompt measures, the sea's ecosystem will suffer irreversible damage. The unique Caspian may vanish forever, its morning beauty remembered only in memories. Actions today determine the Caspian's fate tomorrow.
Materials and photographs provided by the Save the Caspian Sea movement (savethecaspiansea.com).
Marine life, including fish and mammals, is particularly vulnerable. In the early 2000s, an oil spill during a well test caused an explosion and fire. That spring and summer, around 10,500 seals died under mysterious circumstances—official figures. Independent Kazakh ecologists claim the actual number was closer to 30,000.
Moreover, outdated wells are still in use, with little information about their last technical inspections or who is responsible for them.
Does the Caspian Have a Future?
The ecological fate of the Caspian Sea is not just a regional issue but a global one. Yet, the international community pays scant attention to it. To save the Caspian, urgent action is needed:
- Improve water resource management. The Caspian connects five countries. Each must move beyond exploiting the sea and its rivers for national interests and work toward joint solutions.
- Conduct oil extraction in line with environmental standards. Prevent oil spills, implement new technologies, and reduce pollution levels.
- Adapt to climate change. Prepare local communities for climate impacts and foster a culture of water conservation.
Without prompt measures, the sea's ecosystem will suffer irreversible damage. The unique Caspian may vanish forever, its morning beauty remembered only in memories. Actions today determine the Caspian's fate tomorrow.
Materials and photographs provided by the Save the Caspian Sea movement (savethecaspiansea.com).
