Caspian Sea level drop to be discussed at environmental summit

 The problem of Caspian Sea level drop will be discussed at the Caspian Environmental Summit in Turkmenistan, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters.

"I would like to note one acute problem that will naturally be discussed - this is Caspian Sea shallowing," Ushakov said.

"The water level is characterized by cyclicity. Fluctuations reaching several meters per decade. Our specialists attribute these cyclical water level changes primarily to the climatic factor, which leads to the decline in the volume of waters entering the Caspian Sea and acceleration of evaporation," he added.

 The Volga River, which supplies roughly 80% of the Caspian's water, has seen its flow drop significantly due to dozens of upstream dams, industrial use, and heavy agricultural irrigation.

  Endangered species like the endemic Caspian seal and sturgeon are losing critical breeding and staging grounds, risking mass extinction.

  Scientists warn that levels could drop an additional 8 to 30 meters by 2100 if global temperature trends continue unchecked.