Assessing the Vulnerability of Lakes in Western Kazakhstan to Climate Change and Anthropogenic Stressors

The global water crisis, which intensifies each year, underscores the urgent need for accurate assessment and sustainable management of freshwater resources. Lakes, as significant components of surface water systems, are particularly vulnerable to human activities and climate change due to their slow renewal rates. Western Kazakhstan, a region affected by economic development and intensive mining activities, faces acute water scarcity. A reliable water supply is crucial to meeting the requirements of industrial operations and the needs of the region’s population. Understanding the dynamics of lake systems and implementing effective conservation and restoration strategies are essential to addressing this challenge. This study, employing cartographic and remote sensing techniques, identified 323 lakes in Western Kazakhstan, covering a total area of 1944 km2. Comparative analysis with historical data from the 1960s and 1970s revealed a 23% decrease in the number of lakes exceeding 1 km2. The most significant decline was observed in the Atyrau and Mangystau Regions, where the number of such lakes diminished by a factor of three. These findings highlight the pressing need for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to water resource management in Western Kazakhstan.