Can the Dead Sea Be Revived?

The Dead Sea, a major body of water from the Bible, is experiencing a rapid death, and some experts believe it could be completely dry by 2050.

The Hebrew meaning of the Dead Sea is “sea of salt,” which first appears in Genesis 14:3. The Salt Sea is also referenced in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. Some modern translations of the Bible have been updated to say “Dead Sea.”

Located at the lowest elevation on land (1,412 feet below sea level), the Dead Sea is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. However, the sea is receding by more than three feet every year.

According to experts, there are many reasons why the Dead Sea is dying. The Jordan River, the Dead Sea’s main tributary, has seen its flow drop by more than 90% since its peak due to irrigation. The place in the Jordan River that is considered the baptism site of Jesus is just six miles north of the Dead Sea. The Jordan River also has been diverted upstream, and Syria has built dams along the Yarmouk River, which cuts off flow into the Jordan.

“This is a man-made catastrophe,” environmental engineer Eshak Alguza told NBC News.

In addition to reduced flow, higher temperatures in the region are leading to quicker evaporation and a reduction in rainfall by up to 30%.

To revive the Dead Sea and the area’s religious and historical significance, a $1.5 billion project has been proposed, but politics and a need for collaboration between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine will likely play a role in the project’s success or failure.

“Saving the Dead Sea is the responsibility of the entire world,” said Fathi Al Hawiemel.