Participant Detail

Research Title

Climate Change as a Driver of Ecosystem Transformation in Central Asia: The Aral Sea

Research Abstract

Climate change is a key driver of ecosystem transformation in Central Asia, with the Aral Sea disaster being the most striking example. This paper examines the complex impact of climate change—rising average annual temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and increasing aridity—in combination with anthropogenic factors on the degradation of aquatic and coastal ecosystems in the Central Asian region. Particular attention is paid to desertification processes, biodiversity loss, microclimate changes, and the formation of salt and dust aerosols, which negatively impact the environment and human health. The paper analyzes the environmental, socioeconomic, and medical-biological consequences of the Aral Sea's shrinkage, as well as current approaches to ecosystem restoration and adaptation to climate change. The study's findings highlight the need for integrated environmental policies, regional cooperation, and sustainable natural resource management strategies in the face of global climate change.