1. World problems
  2. Threatened lake habitats

Threatened lake habitats

  • Endangered lacustrine habitats
  • Threatened lagoon ecosystems

Nature

The worlds population is increasing exponentially and is applying ever greater pressure on the resources of lakes. The exploitation of land, bodies of water, and forests from development has increased dramatically leading to a number of problems in lakes, including the collapse of their ecological systems. Changes in the natural landscape from resource extraction, the intensification of agriculture, species introductions, urbanisation, altered water balances, and hydrological regimes have all influenced the state of worlds lakes.

Background

Of the fresh water on the found on this planet (3% of total water) 50% is contained in the natural lakes. Lake Baikal and the Great Lakes of North America represent 40% by themselves. Approximately 50% of the world's open lakes are to be found in North America. Approximately 60% of the identified closed lakes lie on the Asian continent. The closed lakes predominantly occupy the arid/semi- arid 30-50 degree Northern latitude regions The largest body of water is the Caspian Sea (380,000km ).

Lakes have a more complex and fragile ecosystem than do rivers and lack a self cleaning ability allowing them to readily accumulate pollutants. Humans depend upon lakes of all kinds and sizes for their survival and development.

Incidence

A survey by the American Fisheries Society found that 30 percent of the native freshwater fish species found north of Mexico are endangered; of the endangered fish, 93 percent are affected by habitat loss. The lakes of Africa's Rift Valley contain more species than any other lakes in the world, with high levels of endemism. Lake Victoria has more than 200 endemic species, Lake Tanganyika over 140, and Lake Malawi at least 500 endemics. Pollution, introduction of nonnative species, and overfishing (for both subsistence and the international hobby-fish trade) all pose threats to these species.

In the Great Lakes system, the Nature Conservancy has identified 100 species and 31 ecological communities at risk.

Claim

Threatened lake habitats are a critical environmental crisis that demands immediate attention. These ecosystems, vital for biodiversity, water quality, and climate regulation, are rapidly deteriorating due to pollution, invasive species, and climate change. The loss of these habitats not only endangers countless species but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. We must prioritize the protection and restoration of our lakes, as their health is intrinsically linked to our own survival and well-being.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that threatened lake habitats are a pressing issue, I contend that this concern is overstated. Lakes are resilient ecosystems that can adapt to changes. Human innovation and technology will continue to address any challenges that arise. Focusing on lake habitats diverts attention from more pressing global issues like poverty and climate change. We should prioritize our resources on problems that truly impact human lives rather than fixating on the fate of lakes.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

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Aggravated by

Value

Threat
Yet to rate
Endangered
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced InequalitySustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below WaterSustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Geography » Ecology
  • Geography » Wild
  • Hydrology » Rivers and lakes
  • Societal problems » Endangered species » Endangered species
  • Societal problems » Vulnerability
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    J0137
    DOCID
    12001370
    D7NID
    142444
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020