In a latest study, researchers have reported that lakes on the Earth could take a devastating hit from climate change. Quickly warming waters in freshwater bodies, consisting of many Great Lakes and a number of reservoirs, trigger dangerous algae blooms that will eventually threaten local ecosystems’ freshwater supplies.

For the study, a group of researchers led by Catherine O'Reilly from Illinois State University analyzed huge data. They evaluated satellite temperature data and long-term ground measurements based on 235 lakes, which stores Earth’s 50% fresh surface water supply.

According to a press release, while doing so, researchers discovered these particular water bodies have experienced an average increase in temperatures amounting to 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit every 10 years. Researchers said that this was higher than the warming rate of our planet’s oceans and atmosphere.

In the releases, Stephanie Hampton, co-author and director of Washington State University's Center for Environmental Research, Education and Outreach in Pullman, explained, “Society depends on surface water for the vast majority of human uses," "Not just for drinking water, but manufacturing, for energy production, for irrigation of our crops. Protein from freshwater fish is especially important in the developing world”.

Though the rise of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit could look less almost indiscoverable change, it's in reality was a quite noteworthy temperature rise that may have severe impacts. For example, Algal blooms eventually rob water of oxygen and forms hypoxic zones, threatening local fish survival.

Researchers have estimated a 20% rise in lake algae over the coming 100 years, which includes a 5% rise increase in blooms that are poisonous for animals and fish.