Read this UNEP article about early warning systems designed for water-related disasters. “By closely monitoring changes in our water bodies, we can better predict cascading risks and tipping points that lead to disasters,” says Leticia Carvalho, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Marine and Freshwater Branch. “That will help us more sustainably use our precious water resources and head off catastrophes that could affect tens of millions of people.”

Lakes are invaluable to human and ecosystem health. They contain 90% of the planet’s surface freshwater, provide a home to wildlife, sustain livelihoods, and mitigate climate change. However, due to climate change, pollution, and other factors, the extent and health of lakes worldwide is declining rapidly. Sustainable management of lakes must be part of the solution.

A new video gives you the opportunity to explore the tool developed by UNEP-DHI and learn more about forecasting macroplastic loads in rivers.