A lake in the mountains at the dawn of the sun.
Tatra National Park, Poland.
Photo:Adobe Stock/Tortuga

Lakes: the lifeblood of our planet

Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. They serve as a crucial source of fresh water, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry.

Lakes also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for countless species of fish, plants, and wildlife.

Beyond their ecological significance, lakes contribute to climate regulation by keeping the planet cool, absorbing the floodwater and storing carbon.

Additionally, they provide recreational and economic opportunities, attracting tourism, fishing, and other activities that support local communities.

But lakes are affected by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change. Lake pollution is frequently caused by inflows from fertilizers, contaminants and solid waste being dumped directly, or flushed into lakes via rivers, and this is worsened by global warming – leading, for instance, to more frequent and intense floods.

The water levels of lakes are also changing dramatically. Rising temperatures and changes to cloud cover, which are leading to decreasing ice cover, are increasing the rate of water evaporation.

We need to act now.

This first World Lake Day, let's be aware of the problem lakes are facing.

Let's protect them today for a sustaining life tomorrow.

 

Aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer

A new UN data platform is tracking the health of millions of lakes, rivers and wetlands on Earth, revealing pollution hotspots, drought impacts and signs of recovery. Check out the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer – a bird’s eye view of our planet’s freshwater ecosystems.

Explorer

Did you know?

  • There are over 117 million lakes on Earth. They cover nearly 4% of the planet's land surface.
  • Although 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.
  • If we continue to put pressure on them, lakes will face a serious decline. By 2050, their ecosystem value could drop by 20%, pollution could more than double, and methane emissions may surge—fueling both environmental damage and economic loss.
  • Freshwater species have declined by 85% over the past 50 years.

Lakes around the world are in decline. Here’s why – and what can be done about it

Small boat on lake
Hiker taking a picture to a beautiful landscape with a lake and a mountain in the background

Dive into the Healthy and Productive Lakes Portal! Learn about the diversity of lake ecosystems, explore their vital role in human development and planetary health, uncover the threats they face, and access tools and resources to join UNEP and partners in the mission to conserve, protect, and restore them to their former glory! 

A man stands in a canoe-like boat, paddles it forward, whilst a woman holds a steering oar in place. A bundle of long totora shoots lay across the front of the boat.

There are enchanted places on Lake Titicaca. Where peace permeates the air when you’re alone with your boat, only you and the lake and nature. Surrounded by birds, the wind blows and the sun shines, and there’s no one around. Stories are told of mermaids and other mirages in the water’s reflection; stories of how you can hear things you never see. In the middle of Lake Titicaca, totora reeds grow, and islands float in crystal water. Discover its magic. 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.