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Cambodia's giant lake shrinks as climate change, Mekong dams cut fish supply

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Nikkei Asia or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is shrinking due to climate change and hydropower dams on the Mekong River, devastating Cambodia’s fishing communities
In Kampong Chhnang, families depend on fishing but face declining catches, with women processing 20 kilograms of fish for only $2.48 in earnings
The lake's natural flood cycle, crucial for fish breeding, is disrupted, affecting food security for millions

🔭 The context: Tonle Sap’s annual flood-dry cycle sustains its biodiversity and supports over a million Cambodians reliant on its fish
However, upstream Mekong River dams have altered water flows, while climate change intensifies droughts and erratic rainfall
These changes exacerbate poverty and force communities to adapt by fishing out of season

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Tonle Sap’s decline reflects broader challenges where hydropower projects and climate change threaten ecosystems and traditional livelihoods
Reduced fish supply impacts regional food security and biodiversity, with ripple effects across Southeast Asia’s economy and environment

⏭️ What's next: Cambodian authorities face growing pressure to balance hydropower expansion with protecting fisheries and water cycles
Regional cooperation is critical to regulate upstream Mekong dams and ensure sustainable resource management, while locals may need alternative livelihoods

💬 One quote: "We can't rely on the lake as before. It’s changing, and so are our lives," - a fisherman from Kampong Chhnang

📈 One stat: Fish catches from Tonle Sap have dropped by up to 40% in some areas, threatening food supplies for millions

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

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