Desertification is a gradual degradation of land into deserts in which fertile, arable land gradually turns into deserts. This phenomenon typically results from a combination of natural processes and human activities, and it can have serious consequences for the environment, economy, and local communities. One major contributor to desertification is the drying up of saline lakes, which is a critical global issue. Saline lakes are remnants of Quaternary lakes that, due to the lack of hydraulic connection with open waters, are subject to water fluctuations, subsidence, and depletion caused by both climate change and human factors. This study examines the status of dry lakes around the world, including Lake Urmia, Lake Popo, Great Salt Lake, Owens Lake, Dead Sea, Lake Walker, Salton Sea, and the Aral Sea. It also explores the factors contributing to the drying of these lakes and the consequences of this phenomenon. The findings suggest that the primary causes of lake desiccation are 40% attributable to climate change—such as increased temperatures, decreased precipitation, and changes in atmospheric patterns—that lead to higher evaporation rates and reduced water levels. The remaining 60% of the causes are linked to human activities, including agricultural practices, excessive water extraction, construction, pollution, and poor water resource management. These human-induced activities severely impact aquatic ecosystems, leading to a decline in water levels and the eventual drying of lakes. The consequences of this process are far-reaching, including air pollution, the spread of respiratory diseases, health problems, increased dust levels, reduced agricultural productivity, loss of soil fertility, and the destruction of agricultural land. Additionally, it causes the migration of populations, the collapse of local economies, and a decrease in job opportunities in affected areas and their surrounding regions.