If you’re wondering why nature seems like she’s desperately trying to get rid of us, this might be one of the many reasons.
The Aral Sea: The biggest ecological fuck-up to date.Consider this: The government of present-day Karakalpakstan has somehow managed to drain the fourth largest inland sea by 80%, in a matter of twenty years. Muynak, (what used to be) a coastal town, is now 100 km from the water. There’s the usual slurry of disease, poverty, and crime – mixed with desertification, desparation, copious amounts of nitrogen and DDT, and lots and lots of salt _ especially apparent in the ‘potable’ water.
It used to take a whole day to cross the Aral Sea. Now, abandoned ships and barges and shells dot the desert landscape, which stretches as far the eyes can see.
The first time I’ve heard about the Aral sea is through the travel book AA Gill is Away, from which most of the information above is taken from. I suggest you check it out.
Aral Sea Links:
Wiki Link
http://www.maguires.com/patupe/photos.htm
The Aral Sea Area Desertification Change-Detection Study
BBC News article - March 16, 2000
Hey is this anywhere close to Kerplakistan?
Posted by
CP |
12:47 PM