Ankara Wetlands Climate Change Report – Disappearing Ecosystem
- A prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable water practices, is gripping Turkey, leaving landscapes parched and communities struggling.
- Turkey is experiencing one of its most severe droughts in decades.Data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service indicates that the period between August 2024 and July 2025 was...
- lake Mogan, historically a crucial stopover point for thousands of migratory birds, is now a stark example of the drought's impact.
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Turkey Faces Severe Drought: Lake Mogan and Beyond
Table of Contents
A prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable water practices, is gripping Turkey, leaving landscapes parched and communities struggling. The situation is especially dire in the Ankara region, where Lake Mogan, once a vital ecosystem, is now largely a cracked mudflat.
The Scope of the Drought
Turkey is experiencing one of its most severe droughts in decades.Data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service indicates that the period between August 2024 and July 2025 was the driest in the last 65 years (Deutsche Welle). Approximately 70% of the country is currently affected by either serious or remarkable drought conditions, according to professor Mikdat Kadioglu of Istanbul Technical University (Reuters).
Impact on Lake Mogan and Wetlands
lake Mogan, historically a crucial stopover point for thousands of migratory birds, is now a stark example of the drought’s impact. The receding waters have exposed cracked mudflats, disrupting the delicate wetland ecosystem. Wild ducks are now foraging in areas that were once submerged (Anadolu Agency). This loss of wetland habitat poses a critically important threat to biodiversity.
The shrinking of wetlands isn’t isolated to Lake Mogan. Across Turkey,similar ecosystems are facing unprecedented stress,impacting not only bird populations but also other wildlife and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these resources.
Agricultural and Economic Consequences
The drought is severely impacting Turkey’s agricultural sector. Farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops due to dwindling water supplies, leading to potential yield losses and economic hardship. The Ankara press and sanitation administration reports that water tanks are nearing empty, exacerbating the challenges faced by agricultural producers (Hürriyet Daily News).
Beyond agriculture,the drought also affects energy production. Hydroelectric power, a significant source of electricity in Turkey, is being curtailed due