Aral Sea

The Aral Sea, once one of the world's largest inland lakes, is located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It has drastically shrunk since the 1960s due to large-scale irrigation projects that diverted rivers feeding it. This environmental disaster has led to economic decline, loss of fishing livelihoods, and severe ecological consequences, including increased salinity and desertification. As the water receded, it revealed a toxic dust bowl, impacting local health and climate. Efforts to restore parts of the Aral Sea are ongoing, highlighting the challenges of balancing human needs with environmental sustainability.