LOGAN, Utah — Researchers associated with Utah State University have released a significant report highlighting the urgent challenges facing Utah’s Great Salt Lake as its water levels decline to record lows. The “2026 Report on the State of Great Salt Lake Social Science” comes from the Great Salt Lake Social Sciences Network, which includes contributions from USU undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty.
The report examines the various social, cultural, political, and economic factors affecting the lake and its stakeholders. It emphasizes how the shrinking lake may negatively impact air quality, public health, and the regional economy, with potential consequences for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Utah.
Shae Barber, co-director of the Great Salt Lake Social Sciences Network and a doctoral student at York University, stated, “When we talk about Great Salt Lake, especially as desiccation introduces rapid and large-scale shifts, we’re also talking about the people and communities connected to it.” The report aims to better understand how environmental changes affect local populations and to identify solutions for a sustainable future.
Stacia Ryder, also a co-director and an assistant professor in USU’s School of Social Sciences, noted the importance of connecting social science research with public interests and policymakers. “We encourage report readers to reach out to network members exploring questions of interest to the lake’s stakeholders,” she said. “Together, we can foster further impactful social science research as we seek solutions for Great Salt Lake and Utah.”
The report indicates that awareness among Utah residents about the issues relating to the drying lake is growing. Many residents express a strong attachment to the lake and are becoming more willing to engage in behaviors that favor its conservation.
Ryder pointed out that addressing the risks associated with the lake’s desiccation will require coordinated efforts from individuals, communities, and government officials. She mentioned that recent policy changes and financial commitments by the Utah legislature aim to benefit the lake, and public sentiment indicates a desire for more action. The forthcoming Olympic Games and the proposed Stratos data center project are expected to bring heightened national and global awareness to the situation.
Barber emphasized the urgency of making informed decisions today to protect the lake’s future, stating, “We know from our research that Utahns care deeply about the lake and are willing to be part of the solution.” Their hope is that the report can guide policy, research, and actions necessary to preserve the lake for future generations.
In addition to Barber and Ryder, the report included contributions from other notable authors, including researchers and faculty from various institutions, illustrating a collaborative effort to address this critical environmental issue.
The Great Salt Lake Social Sciences Network was established in 2025 and aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among 34 members from 11 universities and institutions to enhance research outcomes related to the Great Salt Lake.
