Last week, on the 27th of August, we celebrated World Lake Day – a day that is recognized and celebrated by the United Nations.

Lakes are more than just beautiful places to swim, fish, or relax. They are beautiful, powerful parts of nature that help keep our planet healthy.

So, why are lakes so important?

First of all, lakes give us fresh water. They hold a big portion of the Earth’s freshwater, the water that people and animals can drink. Additionally, this water is also used for farming and industrial purposes. So, without lakes, our lives would be quite challenging!

Secondly, lakes are habitats for many living things, such as fish, frogs, birds, insects, and plants. Some lakes even have animals that live nowhere else on Earth! A prime example of a lake with exclusively found species is Lake Baikal in Russia, which is home to the Baikal seal (or Nerpa), the only seal species with all the populations living in freshwater.

The Baikal Seal*

Furthermore, lakes serve as nature’s filters and flood protection. Plants and microbes in lakes help clean the water by removing pollution, while lakes also store extra rainwater, reducing floods in heavy storms.

Lastly, our precious lakes help to control Earth’s climate. They store carbon in their sediments, but they can also release gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Due to this, lakes are both protectors and warning signs of climate change.

Sadly, many of our lakes are under threat. Warming water makes it harder for fish and other animals to survive, and some lakes are shrinking because of heat and evaporation. At the same time, pollution from farms and cities makes lakes dirty and full of algae.

Now, what can we do to help protect lakes? Our small actions can have a big impact! We can:

• Keep garbage and chemicals out of lakes and rivers.
• Plant trees or grass near water to stop soil and pollution from washing in.
• Save water at home so we don’t waste it.
• And, we can keep learning about lakes and their importance, and share this wisdom with others – like sharing this article with your friends and family!

Major lakes of the world***

To conclude, lakes are life-givers. They keep our water clean, protect animals, help with climate balance, and bring joy to people. So, let’s remember to take care of them, because when lakes are healthy, we are healthy too!

A few fun facts concerning lakes:

• Our planet Earth has more than 117 million lakes!
• Lakes cover almost 4% of the planet’s land surface.
• Our freshwater species have declined by nearly 85% over the past 50 years.
• Even though most freshwater is stored in glaciers and underground, lakes contain about 90% of the world’s surface supply, making them critical sources of readily accessible water!
• And, another fun fact that you may never have guessed – in Lake Malawi, it is possible to surf! This is due to wind waves being generated, creating rideable conditions for surfing!

Surfing in Lake Malawi.**

References and links:
*Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikal_seal
**Image source: https://www.malawi-info.net/country/businesses/1073/surf-lessons/province:121/town:1460
***https://mapsforupsc.com/major-lakes-of-the-world/
https://www.ecoshape.org/en/lakes-environment/
https://www.unep.org/interactives/wwqa/technical-highlights/lakes-and-water-quality
https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-connections-minnesota-lakes