Climate change threatens Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya was established in 1961 as a protected area, providing a habitat for a number of African plain animals that attract tourists, such as black and white rhinos, hippos, zebras, lions, giraffes, flamingos, and over 300 species of birds. Lake Nakuru is one of the three shallow, alkaline lakes at the bottom of Kenya’s Rift Valley where African Lesser Flamingos can be found.

Increases in global industrialization and human activities in recent decades have cooked up a multitude of threats upsetting this fragile ecosystem and the longstanding socio-economic activities of locals. With increased flooding from climate change, the alkaline or saline water in these shallow lakes has become diluted, creating a less than preferable environment for the Lesser Flamingos and their highly specialized diets.

Locals in the region are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. Thousands have been displaced from flooded homes. Agricultural lands have become fishing grounds. Young people who used to attend school are suddenly needed at home. Some see the changes as positive, now having fishing and boating as sources of income instead of agriculture. Others believe that the fish from Lake Nakuru are contaminated with heavy metals from the polluted waters.

Whether positive or negative, changes are happening fast. Those on the frontlines of climate change are being forced to adapt, and in due time, so will the rest of the world.

Story and film by Megan S. Lee

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