With an area of nearly 32,000 square miles Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Together with its four siblings, Huron, Erie, Michigan and Ontario, they combine to produce North America's quintet of great lakes which together contain 84 percent of the continent's surface fresh water and 21 percent of the world's supply. Only the polar ice caps hold more.
They are a significant source of drinking water and hydroelectricity, and home to a diverse and abundant array of flora and fauna, some of it unique. They attract millions of visitors a year, all in pursuit of scenic vistas and recreation.
Sadly the fragile eco-systems of the region are under considerable threat. Partly due to increasing urban sprawl and pollution that deteriorates local habitat, and partly because of climate change and global warming aided by the pressures of development on the extensive miles of lake-shore.
Scientists expect average temperatures in the region to increase by 2 to 4 deg C by the end of the century. Such an event could seriously deplete the water levels by as much as eight feet, which will impact severely on shipping, energy production and tourism. Since 1997 water levels in the four smaller lakes have decreased by 3.5ft alone.
As the water becomes warmer, the delicate balance of biology and oxygen could shrink the biomass production by 20 percent, causing the aquatic food chain and phytoplankton to deplete, which in turn will affect the survival of the many different species of fish. Birds will also suffer, as climate change will affect surrounding woodlands, which could lose up to 32 percent of their neo-tropical species.
Whether it is man-made global warming, or cyclical climate change, human activity is having a direct impact on the health of the region. 30 million people live in the Great Lakes basin, and their demand for water and the waste they subsequently produce are having a serious impact on the environment.
Whilst awareness and protection has been prioritised, the issue is complicated because of the high number of interested parties, from the US and Canadian governments to eight states and 40 Tribal Nations.
To this end, in May 2004 the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force was created, administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency. It's aim being to provide collaboration and strategic direction on the Great Lakes' policies, aims and objectives.
Around the world there are areas which can be considered nature's barometers, such as the rainforests and coral reefs. Each indicates the health of the earth's environment. They are the early warning signs which all too often have been ignored. The Great Lakes are no exception. What happens to them is also our future. We share the same path, and their health is a reflection of our own.
Let's hope it's not too late to administer the medicine and save the patient.
Statistical sources:
Peter Sousounis, Ph.D. (University of Michigan), Patty Glick (National Wildlife Federation), The US Environmental Protection Agency, Science Daily (Jan. 14, 2009)