What is the Great Salt Lake documentary about?

The documentary "The Lake" warns about the devastating consequences if the Great Salt Lake continues to disappear, highlighting toxic dust risks and the need for water conservation.

Why is Leonardo DiCaprio involved with the Great Salt Lake film?

Leonardo DiCaprio is an executive producer of "The Lake," a new film shedding light on the environmental crisis facing the Great Salt Lake.

What are the risks if the Great Salt Lake disappears?

Disappearance of the Great Salt Lake could lead to toxic dust pollution, severe respiratory issues, economic damage, and harm to wildlife and recreation.

Home / Environment / Great Salt Lake Crisis: A New Film Warns

Great Salt Lake Crisis: A New Film Warns

23 Jan

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Summary

Great Salt Lake faces disappearance within years.
Toxic dust from exposed lakebed threatens 2.8 million residents.
Saving the lake requires massive water use overhaul.

Great Salt Lake Crisis: A New Film Warns

The Sundance film festival's opening film, "The Lake," executive-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, highlights the imminent ecological crisis facing the Great Salt Lake. Directed by Abby Ellis, the documentary warns that the lake could vanish in a matter of years, potentially exposing 2.8 million residents to toxic dust laden with mercury and arsenic from the exposed lakebed. Scientists emphasize the urgent need for drastic action to curb water diversion, which has already led to a 73% loss of water and a 60% reduction in surface area since 1980.

The film draws parallels to catastrophic environmental collapses like California's Owens Lake and Iran's Lake Urmia. Experts advocate for a significant overhaul of Utah's water usage, particularly diverting water from agriculture. While the state government has committed philanthropic funds and set a 2034 target for healthier lake levels, the scale of the required changes remains immense, with scientists cautioning that slow progress amounts to losing the race against time.