The Euphrates River Is Drying Up – Here’s What’s at Stake for Humans and Wildlife

Is the Euphrates River drying up? Learn how climate change, human impact and regional politics are driving this crisis, and what it means for the Middle East.

By Sara Novak
Feb 8, 2024 7:00 PMJun 11, 2025 5:05 PM
Dried riverbed of the Euphrates River due to drought and upstream dams
Dried riverbed of the Euphrates River due to drought and upstream dams. (Credit: John Wreford/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Key Takeaways on the Drying Euphrates River 

  • The Euphrates River is located in the heart of the Middle East, and is one of the longest rivers in Western Asia.

  • The Euphrates River is drying up because of global climate change and human impact, with decreased rainfall into the river basin. Warmer temperatures have also led to increased evaporation especially as water levels continue to drop.

  • Today, the river levels are dangerously low and the concern is that the river will dry up completely by 2040. 


The Euphrates River has been one of the most important rivers throughout human history. Along with the Tigris River, it makes up the cradle of civilization, known as the Fertile Crescent. The river was critical to the development of some of the world’s first agricultural societies like the Sumerians and the Mesopotamians. In the Bible, the Euphrates was even mentioned as one of the four rivers that served the Garden of Eden.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group