Aral Sea is disappearing — it is unleashing a toxic dust storm crisis across Central Asia

New research shows the dried Aral Sea region is rising due to Earth’s mantle, adjusting to lose water weight. The man-made environmental disaster has also led to the creation of the toxic Aralkum Desert, increasing hazardous dust levels and altering climate patterns in Central Asia. Scientists warn of long-term consequences for regional ecosystems and global climate systems.