A Lesson from the Lake

In Mongolia, sacred Lake Hovsgol is regarded as one of the most pristine lakes in the world. Because of its purity and biodiversity, the lake has long been a laboratory for scientists studying the freshwater ecosystem and climate change.

Mongolia is one of the biggest inland countries, suffering from above-average warming. Lake Hovsgol, known by the locals as the Blue Pearl, is already experiencing an unprecedented rise in water temperature, affecting the livelihoods of the people who depend on the water source and species like Hovsgol grayling.

Lakes are sensitive indicators of just how urgently we must respond to environmental stressors. How long do we have left to enjoy the privilege of clean, fresh waters around the world? Will the son be able to bring his children to the same lake he drank from with his father?

Let’s protect our future, and conserve water this winter.

This award-winning photograph is from the ninth season, “Water”, of the Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) Archive. The Climate Tribe has partnered with HIPA, leveraging the power of photography to inspire global awareness of sustainability and advance climate action.