Lake Chad 1/20th its Former Size

Lake Chad is virtually vanishing at an alarming rate – a consequence of mismanagement of freshwater that experts warn could lead to a major worldwide water crisis. Lake Chad was once the third-largest body of fresh water in Africa, and 40 years ago had a surface area equivalent to Lake Eerie. An intense long-standing drought in combination with tremendous demand from nearby villages has reduced it drastically.

From Circle of Blue:

The shrinking lake has had a substantial impact on the local populations, as entire communities have switched from a fishing-lifestyle to one of farming and agriculture. Local communities that once ringed the shores of the lake are now isolated villages — miles from water — and these populations have literally begun farming the now-dry lake bottom. Much like the drying of Uzbekistan’s Aral Sea, the impacts are far-reaching and complex.

Jonathon Foley and Michael Coe of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, found that while the drought has caused significant declines in water levels, human factors are mostly to blame for the present levels.

“There are enough people in the world now that we need to start planning and looking at fresh water as a finite resource or we’re going to be in trouble. We don’t get any more.”

Expecting to still have plenty of fresh water available despite the double-whammy of population increase and climate change is dangerous and potentially catastrophic. With examples like Lake Chad showing us the reality of a potential water crisis, it’s time to start approaching our water resources in a different way.

Link [Circle of Blue]

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