CS - Aral Sea Water Issue Flashcards
Why is the Aral Sea losing water?
In 1950 the Soviet Union decided to grow more cotton in the Aral Basin.
They channelled the flow of water from the river Syr and Amu through irrigation systems to water the cotton.
Further demands for water have been made on the supply as it needed for rice to feed the population - this has trebled as a result of the farmers moving in to cultivate the cotton
What is the future like for the Aral Sea?
The Southern Aral Sea is predicted to be lost within 15 years
There is an increasing amount of cases in which people are losing fresh water supplies - this is because of the polluted water.
The polluted water carries toxic chemicals that are carried by the wind to the surrounding area - causing an increase in the risk of lung cancer.
The town of Moynaq had a thriving harbor once. This is now miles from the shoreline of the sea. Many fishing boats lie scattered on dry land.
What are some solutions to the loss of water in the Aral Sea?
Charging farmers to use water from the rivers
Using different cotton species that use less water
Using fewer chemicals on the cotton
1994 5 countries signed a pledge to assign 1% of their budget on helping the Sea recover
