It’s lost 73% of its water and is unable to sustain some wildlife – and could soon negatively affect human health
Emergency measures are required to avert a catastrophe in Utah’s Great Salt Lake, which has been drying up due to excessive water use, a new report warns. Within years, the lake’s ecosystems could collapse and millions will be exposed to toxic dust contained within the drying lakebed, unless drastic steps are taken to cut water use.
Despite growing political momentum, Abbott said that existing policies and action plans will not be enough to save the lake from collapse. Already, the lake has lost 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area, as trillions of litres of water are diverted away from it to supply farms and homes. As a result, the lake is becoming saltier and uninhabitable to native flies and brine shrimp.
“The last nail in the coffin is where we’re at,” said Kevin Perry, a University of Utah atmospheric scientist researching the Great Salt Lake dust. In parts of Utah that already suffer dangerous air quality in the summer and winter due to wildfire smoke and vehicle emissions, dusk from the lake threatens to bring year-round pollution, Perry said.
A legacy of water overuse is the main threat to the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, and huge water diversions to irrigate vast operations to grow alfalfa and hay are no longer sustainable in Utah, Abbott said, nor are lush lawns in cities and suburbs.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The great era of going to the movies is dying, says Sam MendesDirector, whose new film is a love letter to cinema, says many of his past hits would have been for streaming
Read more »
Sampa the Great: Changes by 2Pac is the most perfect song of all timeWhen Zambian-born rapper Sampa Tembo was navigating her early career in Australia, Tupac Shakur’s posthumous hit became a guiding light
Read more »
The secret to great skin might be giving it a workoutCardio for your jawline? Building those cheek muscles? As FaceGym lands down under, it might be time to give your face some exercise.
Read more »
NI protocol: UK and EU agree deal on trade data sharingAgreement provides real-time information on goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Read more »
Ronnie O’Sullivan trounces Luca Brecel to reach Masters last eightRonnie O’Sullivan revealed his hunger for a record eighth Masters title after sweeping aside Luca Brecel 6-1 to reach the last eight at Alexandra Palace
Read more »
Consumers start 2023 with a hint more optimism than last yearThe biggest risk to the domestic economic outlook continues to be rises in the official interest rate by the Reserve Bank.
Read more »