{"id":1937833,"date":"2026-05-15T13:50:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1937833"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:50:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:50:55","slug":"the-worlds-largest-lake-is-disappearing-and-its-taking-ecosystems-and-livelihoods-with-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1937833","title":{"rendered":"The world&#8217;s largest lake is disappearing \u2013 and it&#8217;s taking ecosystems and livelihoods with it"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/16\/57\/1200x675_cmsv2_bf0b6d48-1bdc-5fec-8689-5635e273cc99-9751657.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. Why are bills still high?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893715-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893715\" data-cid=\"9758653\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893715-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/86\/53\/189x106_cmsv2_4dc85fae-75c3-5228-ba0e-c9d190a41ca0-9758653.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Audemars Piguet and Swatch\u2019s new Royal Pop collection.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This historic watchmaking house is \u2018breaking the industry narrative\u2019\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894010-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894010\" data-cid=\"9760172\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894010-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_565fa705-3835-5cda-a160-2dbb82e99519-9760172.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A medical worker checks the quarantine area of the Matanda Hospital in Butembo, where the first case of Ebola died, in Congo Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What we know about Congo&#8217;s new Ebola outbreak\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893893-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893893\" data-cid=\"9759388\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893893-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/93\/88\/189x106_cmsv2_15b4d87f-e183-5f13-92ad-07c41aab0174-9759388.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sphere Abu Dhabi \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sphere vision: The world&#8217;s most futuristic venue set for Abu Dhabi\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. Why are bills still high?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893715-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893715\" data-cid=\"9758653\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893715-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/86\/53\/189x106_cmsv2_4dc85fae-75c3-5228-ba0e-c9d190a41ca0-9758653.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Audemars Piguet and Swatch\u2019s new Royal Pop collection.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This historic watchmaking house is \u2018breaking the industry narrative\u2019\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894010-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894010\" data-cid=\"9760172\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894010-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_565fa705-3835-5cda-a160-2dbb82e99519-9760172.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A medical worker checks the quarantine area of the Matanda Hospital in Butembo, where the first case of Ebola died, in Congo Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What we know about Congo&#8217;s new Ebola outbreak\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893893-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893893\" data-cid=\"9759388\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893893-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/93\/88\/189x106_cmsv2_15b4d87f-e183-5f13-92ad-07c41aab0174-9759388.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sphere Abu Dhabi \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sphere vision: The world&#8217;s most futuristic venue set for Abu Dhabi\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Earth<\/p>\n<p>                          Earth News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            The world&#8217;s largest lake is disappearing \u2013 and it&#8217;s taking ecosystems and livelihoods with it<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/16\/57\/1536x864_cmsv2_bf0b6d48-1bdc-5fec-8689-5635e273cc99-9751657.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Caspian Sea, bird migrating\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Caspian Sea, bird migrating<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSaida Rustamova\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778853055\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-15 15:50:55 +02:00\">15\/05\/2026 &#8211; 15:50 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"15:55\">15:55<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay 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width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Scientists warn that climate change and habitat degradation are accelerating water loss in the Caspian Sea.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--earth js-article-content\">\n<p>The Caspian Sea is rapidly shrinking. A long-term decline in water levels has been documented through satellite observations supported by hydrological and climate research, showcasing a consistent downward trend since the mid 1990s. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Along parts of Azerbaijan\u2019s coastline, including low-lying areas of the Absheron Peninsula, a retraction is becoming increasingly visible. It\u2019s clear that previously shallow coastal zones are exposed, and shoreline patterns are shifting. <\/p>\n<p>Scientists have warned that climate change and habitat degradation are accelerating water loss across the region. The falling levels are increasingly affecting ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal communities along the Caspian shoreline.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why is the Caspian Sea under pressure?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Caspian Sea<\/strong> is a landlocked basin with no natural outlet, meaning its water level depends entirely on the balance between river inflow, precipitation and evaporation. <\/p>\n<p>The Volga River is the main source of freshwater inflow, supplying the majority of water entering the system. Hydrological research shows that changes in river discharge, combined with rising regional temperatures, have increased evaporation and disrupted this balance. But what does this mean? <\/p>\n<p>\u201c<strong>Climate change<\/strong> is accelerating evaporation and disrupting the water balance of the Caspian Sea,\u201d explains Dr Elnur Safarov, Caspian Sea studies expert at environmental organisation IDEA Public Union and coordinator of the Caspian Integrated Scientific Network (CASPISNET).<\/p>\n<p>He adds that continued warming could intensify long-term decline and pressures across the basin. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.4845\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/16\/57\/808x392_cmsv2_73dd40bf-b693-5fa7-88d2-23baed264470-9751657.jpg\" alt=\"Changes in Caspian sea levels\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Changes in Caspian sea levels<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">UNEP working paper<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The retreat is already altering coastal landscapes and ecosystems. <\/p>\n<p>The Surakhani Museum Ship, a vessel that once floated offshore, now stands on shallow waters &#8211; a visible marker of shifting water levels. <\/p>\n<p>These changes are mostly noticeable in coastal zones, where even small reductions in water level can lead to large areas of exposed seabed. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Experts warn of rapid loss of water in the Baltic Sea: &#8216;A vibrant reef is turning into an underwater wasteland&#8217;<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">From record heat to floods and drought \u2013 what\u2019s in store if a \u2018super\u2019 El Ni\u00f1o hits this year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Shrinking habitats and ecosystem pressure<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Caspian seal<\/strong> is widely regarded as a key indicator of ecosystem health in the basin. <\/p>\n<p>According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, the species is endangered and has experienced a long-term population reduction driven by multiple pressures. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe population decline of the Caspian seal moves this already endangered species closer to extinction risk,\u201d says Hasanov, highlighting combined pressures including habitat loss, reduced ice formation in northern areas, pollution and <strong>bycatch<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>Environmental monitoring shows that falling water levels are affecting wetlands, reed beds and delta systems across the basin. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cFish in the Caspian Sea, which include sturgeon and other endemic species, are losing their natural habitats,\u201d says zoologist Dr Nijat Hasanov. <\/p>\n<p>He notes that declining populations are becoming a concern \u201cboth from biodiversity and food security perspectives\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>He also points to wider ecosystem impacts, adding that the region provides \u201cnesting, breeding and resting habitats for millions of <strong>birds<\/strong>\u201d, including pelicans, flamingos and ducks, all dependent on stable coastal conditions. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.7326599326599327\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/16\/57\/808x594_cmsv2_f07639b1-5015-583f-b3fc-c956810f2230-9751657.jpg\" alt=\"Fisherman after unsuccessful fishing at Caspian\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Fisherman after unsuccessful fishing at Caspian<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">UNEP working paper<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The environmental shift is also reshaping human activity along the coast. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey have to go deeper into the sea to catch the same amount of fish they used to catch nearby the shore,\u201d says Farhad Mukhtarov, an expert on water governance at the International Institute of Social Studies, referring to fishing communities in Azerbaijan. <\/p>\n<p>He notes that in some cases <strong>fishermen<\/strong> are now travelling significant distances offshore, and facing increased exposure to changing weather and sea conditions. <\/p>\n<p>Mukhtarov adds that despite these pressures, coastal communities are adapting through cooperation and local resilience. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Regional cooperation under the Tehran Convention<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Environmental cooperation across the basin is coordinated through the Tehran Convention, signed by <strong>Azerbaijan<\/strong>, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. <\/p>\n<p>The framework supports cooperation on pollution prevention, biodiversity protection, and environmental monitoring. <\/p>\n<p>According to Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention, the decline in water levels is a shared concern, with visible impacts already emerging on biodiversity, wetlands and coastal systems.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe continued decline in the level of the Caspian Sea is a matter of serious concern for all five Caspian littoral states. As the world\u2019s largest enclosed inland water body, the Caspian Sea is particularly sensitive to climate variability and human pressures. The combination of reduced inflows and increased evaporation linked to rising temperatures is altering the Sea\u2019s delicate hydrological balance.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>He emphasises that coordinated regional action is essential to manage the environmental consequences across the basin. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>A system under long-term climate stress<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Climate and hydrological research consistently point to a persistent imbalance between inflow and evaporation in the basin. <\/p>\n<p>Rising temperatures are increasing evaporation rates, while variability in river inflow has not been sufficient to offset long-term losses. <\/p>\n<p>Experts describe this as part of a broader climate-driven shift affecting closed inland water systems. <\/p>\n<p>Taken together, satellite observations, hydrological studies and ecological monitoring indicate that the Caspian Sea is undergoing a sustained decline in water levels. <\/p>\n<p>The result is a gradual transformation of coastal geography, ecosystems and livelihoods across the region, with continuing pressure on habitats, biodiversity and communities dependent on the basin\u2019s changing environment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/480x270_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. 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Here\u2019s why<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Central Asia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Water resources<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  biodiversity<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  caspian sea<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  lake<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Global warming and climate change<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. 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Which nation is leading the race?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893644-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893644\" data-cid=\"9758326\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This Nordic city has been crowned EU\u2019s most climate-resilient capital<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/480x270_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. Why are bills still high?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893898-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893898\" data-cid=\"9759640\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893898-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/94\/41\/480x270_cmsv2_bea209ef-7916-5687-a6c4-7e5c3568bb2d-9759441.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"stock photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Blue flag beaches: All the newly awarded sandy stretches in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893647-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893647\" data-cid=\"9758327\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893647-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/83\/27\/480x270_cmsv2_88455645-1a47-5c1e-bd81-43624bc7e01b-9758327.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A barge on the Ohio River moves past the Mountaineer Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant near New Haven, W.Va., March 13, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Coal pollution is cutting solar power output. Here\u2019s why<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893412-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893412\" data-cid=\"9757097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893412-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/70\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_b0090db4-df1f-5cb0-92e5-974ded8bd273-9757002.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Stock image- Photovoltaic panels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greece has abundant cheap green energy. Why are bills still high?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893647-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893647\" data-cid=\"9758327\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893647-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/83\/27\/320x180_cmsv2_88455645-1a47-5c1e-bd81-43624bc7e01b-9758327.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A barge on the Ohio River moves past the Mountaineer Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant near New Haven, W.Va., March 13, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Coal pollution is cutting solar power output. Here\u2019s why<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893644-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893644\" data-cid=\"9758326\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893644-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/83\/26\/320x180_cmsv2_bf057e60-5c71-50d0-b284-94707da88812-9758326.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"View over Stockholm, Sweden.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This Nordic city has been crowned EU\u2019s most climate-resilient capital<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893717-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893717\" data-cid=\"9758679\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893717-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/86\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_702da733-b7f2-5d72-af7f-5c8da6de0236-9758679.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Houses in Germany would be permitted to keep gas boilers under the new proposal.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany scraps renewable heating law despite heat pump boom<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893618-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893618\" data-cid=\"9758079\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893618-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/80\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_87517ca4-7c7e-50d7-bfd2-001b6aecc93f-9758079.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Cattle eat at a feedlot operated by the Otavio Lage group in Goianesia, Goias state, Brazil, June 13, 2025. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU\u2019s Brazil meat ban targets the wrong problem, say NGOs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893717-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893717\" data-cid=\"9758679\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany scraps renewable heating law despite heat pump boom<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893618-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893618\" data-cid=\"9758079\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU\u2019s Brazil meat ban targets the wrong problem, say NGOs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892832-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892832\" data-cid=\"9754179\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This teenager just created a biodegradable plastic to change the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893075-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893075\" data-cid=\"9755277\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heat pump sales soar across Europe. Which nation is leading the race?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893644-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893644\" data-cid=\"9758326\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This Nordic city has been crowned EU\u2019s most climate-resilient capital<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The Caspian Sea is rapidly shrinking. A long-term decline in water levels has been documented through satellite observations supported by hydrological and climate research, showcasing a consistent downward trend since the mid 1990s.Along parts of Azerbaijan\u2019s coastline, including low-lying areas of the Absheron Peninsula, a retraction is becoming increasingly visible. It\u2019s clear that previously shallow coastal zones are exposed, and shoreline patterns are shifting.Scientists have warned that climate change and habitat degradation are accelerating water loss across the region. The falling levels are increasingly affecting ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal communities along the Caspian shoreline.Why is the Caspian Sea under pressure?The Caspian Sea is a landlocked basin with no natural outlet, meaning its water level depends entirely on the balance between river inflow, precipitation and evaporation.The Volga River is the main source of freshwater inflow, supplying the majority of water entering the system. Hydrological research shows that changes in river discharge, combined with rising regional temperatures, have increased evaporation and disrupted this balance. But what does this mean?\u201cClimate change is accelerating evaporation and disrupting the water balance of the Caspian Sea,\u201d explains Dr Elnur Safarov, Caspian Sea studies expert at environmental organisation IDEA Public Union and coordinator of the Caspian Integrated Scientific Network (CASPISNET).He adds that continued warming could intensify long-term decline and pressures across the basin.The retreat is already altering coastal landscapes and ecosystems.The Surakhani Museum Ship, a vessel that once floated offshore, now stands on shallow waters &#8211; a visible marker of shifting water levels.These changes are mostly noticeable in coastal zones, where even small reductions in water level can lead to large areas of exposed seabed.Shrinking habitats and ecosystem pressureThe Caspian seal is widely regarded as a key indicator of ecosystem health in the basin.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, the species is endangered and has experienced a long-term population reduction driven by multiple pressures.\u201cThe population decline of the Caspian seal moves this already endangered species closer to extinction risk,\u201d says Hasanov, highlighting combined pressures including habitat loss, reduced ice formation in northern areas, pollution and bycatch.Environmental monitoring shows that falling water levels are affecting wetlands, reed beds and delta systems across the basin.\u201cFish in the Caspian Sea, which include sturgeon and other endemic species, are losing their natural habitats,\u201d says zoologist Dr Nijat Hasanov.He notes that declining populations are becoming a concern \u201cboth from biodiversity and food security perspectives\u201d.He also points to wider ecosystem impacts, adding that the region provides \u201cnesting, breeding and resting habitats for millions of birds\u201d, including pelicans, flamingos and ducks, all dependent on stable coastal conditions.The environmental shift is also reshaping human activity along the coast.\u201cThey have to go deeper into the sea to catch the same amount of fish they used to catch nearby the shore,\u201d says Farhad Mukhtarov, an expert on water governance at the International Institute of Social Studies, referring to fishing communities in Azerbaijan.He notes that in some cases fishermen are now travelling significant distances offshore, and facing increased exposure to changing weather and sea conditions.Mukhtarov adds that despite these pressures, coastal communities are adapting through cooperation and local resilience.Regional cooperation under the Tehran ConventionEnvironmental cooperation across the basin is coordinated through the Tehran Convention, signed by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.The framework supports cooperation on pollution prevention, biodiversity protection, and environmental monitoring.According to Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention, the decline in water levels is a shared concern, with visible impacts already emerging on biodiversity, wetlands and coastal systems.\u201cThe continued decline in the level of the Caspian Sea is a matter of serious concern for all five Caspian littoral states. As the world\u2019s largest enclosed inland water body, the Caspian Sea is particularly sensitive to climate variability and human pressures. The combination of reduced inflows and increased evaporation linked to rising temperatures is altering the Sea\u2019s delicate hydrological balance.\u201dHe emphasises that coordinated regional action is essential to manage the environmental consequences across the basin.A system under long-term climate stressClimate and hydrological research consistently point to a persistent imbalance between inflow and evaporation in the basin.Rising temperatures are increasing evaporation rates, while variability in river inflow has not been sufficient to offset long-term losses.Experts describe this as part of a broader climate-driven shift affecting closed inland water systems.Taken together, satellite observations, hydrological studies and ecological monitoring indicate that the Caspian Sea is undergoing a sustained decline in water levels.The result is a gradual transformation of coastal geography, ecosystems and livelihoods across the region, with continuing pressure on habitats, biodiversity and communities dependent on the basin\u2019s changing environment.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/05\/15\/the-worlds-largest-lake-is-shrinking-can-central-asian-nations-save-it-before-its-too-late&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/16\/57\/1200x675_cmsv2_bf0b6d48-1bdc-5fec-8689-5635e273cc99-9751657.jpg&#8221;] Earth News Greece has abundant cheap green energy. Why are bills still high? Lifestyle This historic watchmaking house is \u2018breaking the industry narrative\u2019 Health news What we know about Congo&#8217;s new Ebola outbreak Culture news Sphere vision: The world&#8217;s most futuristic venue set for Abu Dhabi Earth News Greece has abundant cheap [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1937833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1937833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1937833"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1937833\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1937833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1937833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1937833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}