About half of the world’s great lakes are losing their resilience

If lakes could talk, they might tell us they’re not so hot. A remarkable new study, the first of its kind, has revealed that almost half of the world’s major lakes are struggling to show resilience and recover from the pressures of modern life.

How about the „resistance” of lakes?

Resilience in this context refers to the ability of a lake to recover from disturbances. Such disturbances include pollution, temperature changes and extreme weather events. A resilient lake can bounce back by maintaining its clarity, health and ability to support life.

However, when excess pollutants are dumped, it becomes difficult to maintain the health of the lake. Pollutants come from various sources such as agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage. These contaminants can harm fish and plants, disrupt ecosystems and degrade water quality.

Next, consider climate change. As the planet warms, so do our lakes. Rising temperatures cause more algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and can be toxic to aquatic life. Warm water also contains less oxygen, further stressing the lake’s inhabitants.

Finally, extreme weather events such as heavy rains, storms, and droughts can overwhelm even the most resilient lakes. Heavy rain washes in more pollutants, while drought lowers water levels, accumulating harmful substances.

Some lakes are more tolerant

Particularly densely populated areas in eastern North America and northern Europe are faring the worst. Think of it as the lake’s version of city stress — too many people, too much waste, and not enough room to breathe.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The study also found some glimmers of hope. Some high-elevation lakes, which receive more runoff from melting glaciers, show greater elasticity.

Despite the challenges posed by climate change, these lakes are adapting and improving their ability to recover from disturbances. This discovery highlights nature’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances.

Many lakes are approaching a tipping point

Research doesn’t just look at a snapshot in time. They monitored the health of the lake for nearly two decades, from 2000 to 2018. And what they found was a rollercoaster ride.

In the early 2000s, things seemed to be somewhat stable. About the same number of lakes have lost it. But in the late 2010s, things took a turn for the worse. More lakes are losing resilience than gaining it, and this trend is especially pronounced in the densely populated areas we mentioned earlier.

„Although we expected human activities to significantly affect the lake’s resilience, the magnitude of the regression decline — nearly half of the lakes studied — is alarming,” said Kay Zhang, lead author of the study.

This rapid decline has scientists worried that many lakes may be approaching a tipping point. Once they cross that threshold, there is no going back.

Fertile areas, healthy lakes

Interestingly, the study found a correlation between a country’s wealth and the health of its lakes. Richer regions have more resilient lakes because they invest more in conservation efforts and environmental protection measures.

This underscores the fact that protecting our environment often requires substantial financial resources. However, the study suggests that the cost of implementing these conservation measures is justified because the long-term cost of neglecting environmental protection can be very high.

This highlights the importance of investing in environmental sustainability to ensure the resilience and health of natural ecosystems.

A call to action for our lakes

This study is more than a collection of alarming statistics. It’s a wake-up call, a reminder that our lakes aren’t pretty scenery – they’re vital ecosystems that support countless species, including our own.

„This trend is concerning and underscores the urgent need for effective management and restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts,” Zhang said.

But there is hope. By understanding the factors that affect lake resilience, we can develop effective strategies to protect this vital resource.

The discovery serves as a call to action for governments, scientists and everyday citizens to collaborate in protecting our lakes. Joint efforts can ensure our lakes remain vibrant and healthy for future generations.

Such efforts include strict pollution controls, habitat restoration programs, and community-led conservation efforts. By working together, we can make significant progress in maintaining the resilience and health of these essential ecosystems.

After all, a world without healthy lakes is like life without laughter – a little less vibrancy, a little less vitality.

The study is published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

—–

Did you like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content and latest updates.

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app from Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–