The Caspian Sea, bordered by five nations including Russia and Azerbaijan, is shrinking fast. Sea levels have dropped nearly 2.5 metres in 30 years. This is now a growing global concern due to its wide ecological and economic impact. Oil transport, fishing, and rare species are all at risk. Climate change and human actions—like damming and fossil fuel extraction—are driving the crisis.

BulletsIn

• Caspian Sea shrinking 20–30 cm annually; down 2.5 m in 30 years
• 10+ million people at risk; 4M in Azerbaijan alone depend on it
• Oil transport dropped to 810,000 tons in H1 2025 vs 880,000 last year
• Marine life suffering—sturgeon lost 45% habitat; Caspian seals face extinction risk
• 5 m drop causes 81% seal breeding loss; 10 m may wipe out breeding grounds
• Russia blames climate change; Azerbaijan blames Volga damming by Russia
• Volga River supplies 80% of inflow; dams worsen evaporation, raise surface temps
• Fossil fuel drilling causes greenhouse emissions, heats region, dries water
• Warnings of repeat of Aral Sea disaster if no action taken
• Russia, Azerbaijan plan joint program by September to protect sea