Discover How Much of the World’s Freshwater Is in the Great Lakes

Welcome to the freshwater expanse that is the Great Lakes. The largest system of freshwater on Earth. These grand, interconnected bodies of water comprise Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. They are crucial to the North American landscape and significantly contribute to global freshwater resources, accounting for over 20 percent of the world’s freshwater. Moreover, the Great Lakes serve as a lifeline to over 40 million people, fuel economies, and nurture biodiversity.

Under their calm surface, the Great Lakes intricately interact with nature, human activities, and modern challenges. From the pervasive impacts of climate change to threats of pollution and invasive species, the Great Lakes face myriad risks. Yet, they also stand as a testament to the power of conservation, collaboration, and innovation in the face of adversity.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the crucial role the Great Lakes play in the global freshwater supply, their economic vitality, and the intricate challenges they confront. We spotlight pioneering efforts and promising innovations shaping their future, underlining the global significance of their health and resilience.

The Importance of the Great Lakes

Straddling the borders of the United States and Canada, the Great Lakes provide water to over 40 million people and bolster economic activity through billions of dollars in annual wages. They make up the largest freshwater system in the world and 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater.

The Great Lakes basin, a hub of agricultural productivity, is home to nearly 40 million people — roughly 10 percent of the US population and over 30 percent of Canada’s. This hydrologically defined region highlights thriving biodiversity and houses the largest freshwater coastline in the United States, particularly in Michigan.

The Economic Impact of the Great Lakes

Directly supporting over 1.3 million jobs and generating billions annually, the Great Lakes region’s economy is among the world’s largest. However, this economy heavily relies on the health of the lakes.

Industries such as fishing, tourism, transportation, and manufacturing are all dependent on the Great Lakes. As threats like climate change, invasive species, and pollution increase, they also threaten the region’s economic stability. Recognizing and valuing the role of the Great Lakes in the regional economy is essential for future prosperity.

Balancing economic growth with sustainable management of the lakes is key to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for the Great Lakes region.

Threats to the Great Lakes

Although freshwater bodies are resistant to both simple and complex threats, as are the Great Lakes, they are not unaffected by them. Ecological disasters such as oil spills and contamination present significant challenges. Pollution, untreated sewage, industrial waste, and nutrient runoff from industrial farms have found their way into the lakes. This results in a concentration of harmful contaminants that can, when persisting over prolonged periods, endanger local wildlife.

Climate Change and Its Impact on the Great Lakes

Climate change is already affecting regions like the Great Lakes. Rising global temperatures are altering water temperatures in the lakes, leading to a host of issues. Aquatic species, many of which are sensitive to temperature changes, are being forced to adapt to their rapidly warming environment.

Climate change also causes more extreme weather events. Increased runoff not only leads to flooding but also delivers more pollutants into the lakes, further threatening the aquatic ecosystem.

The fallout from these climate change impacts also disproportionately affects lower income communities and communities of color. These communities often lack the resources to cope with extreme weather events and the resulting water pollution.

Invasive Species: A Hidden Threat to the Great Lakes Ecosystem

Invasive species, foreign plants, and animals that have found their way into the ecosystem have become a major problem. These invaders often have no natural predators, allowing them to outcompete native species for resources and radically alter the habitats they infest.

Organizations like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are working tirelessly to prevent the introduction of new invasive species and control those already present.

The Many Pollutants of the Great Lakes

Pollution is not a new problem for the Great Lakes. The lakes have long been the recipients of various pollutants, from agricultural runoff to plastic waste.

Runoff pollution from farms is a significant issue. Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can promote the growth of toxic algae and create “dead zones,” areas devoid of oxygen where aquatic life cannot survive.

Plastic pollution is another critical issue. Every year, millions of pounds of plastic end up in the Great Lakes, posing a threat to aquatic wildlife and potentially entering the food chain.

Pollution problems also directly impact the residents of the region. Many communities in the Great Lakes are dealing with issues like unaffordable water rates and failing water infrastructure. A lack of investment and repair has left many communities without access to safe, clean drinking water, particularly affecting low-income households and communities of color.

Efforts to Protect the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes, more than just the largest system of surface freshwater, is a vital shared resource for North America. But the Great Lakes face an array of environmental challenges. They grapple with industrial pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overuse. However, an inspiring narrative of collaboration and innovation emerges against this backdrop of adversity. Various entities, from long-standing commissions to novel initiatives, are rallying together, marshaling policy, research, and innovative technology in the shared quest to preserve these invaluable bodies of water.

Conservation Efforts: A Shared Responsibility

Since 1955, the Great Lakes Commission has spearheaded efforts to protect and enhance the health of the Great Lakes. Innovative solutions, such as stormwater management systems and intelligent irrigation techniques, have been employed to curb pollution and conserve water.

Policy and Legislation

The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) is making moves to protect the Great Lakes, holding industrial facilities accountable for pollution, advocating for cleaner transportation and energy solutions, and driving initiatives to fight toxic algae and protect the lakes from potential risks of oil pipelines.

Research and Technological Innovations

The Smart Great Lakes Initiative aims to apply smart technologies to address the challenges facing the Great Lakes region, including water conservation and climate change. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is also seeking proposals for technological advancements in water conservation.

Impacts on Public Health

Stormwater runoff in the Great Lakes region can pose a significant risk for waterborne illnesses in cities that source their drinking water from the lakes. The International Joint Commission is urging for more comprehensive monitoring and reporting on Great Lakes water quality and increased investments in surveillance and treatment infrastructure.

Through a combination of conservation efforts, legislative action, cutting-edge research, technological innovations, and public health initiatives, the stakeholders in the region are carving out pathways to resilience.

The Great Lakes are a story about interconnectedness: between communities, ecosystems, and economies as well as between today’s actions and tomorrow’s reality. Ensuring the longevity of these magnificent bodies of water is paramount, not just for the millions who directly depend on them, but for future generations worldwide.

Human Interaction and the Great Lakes

Indigenous peoples established a symbiotic relationship with the Great Lakes thousands of years ago, understanding the need for balance to preserve their vitality. Today, this balance is often lost as industrial and urban expansion has exerted significant pressure on the Great Lakes’ health. However, the lakes remain a critical resource, providing drinking water, recreational activities, and economic opportunities.

The continued health of the Great Lakes relies on finding a sustainable balance between these needs and the preservation of the lakes’ natural environment.

The Future of the Great Lakes

With escalating climate change impacts, proactive strategies become increasingly vital for the Great Lakes’ future health. The region needs comprehensive climate action plans that address the specific needs of the Great Lakes and the people who depend on them.

Creating these plans will require collaboration among governments, local communities, businesses, and environmental groups. They will need to account for the unique challenges posed by climate change, pollution, invasive species, and economic demands.

Such efforts are already underway. For example, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a federal program aimed at protecting and restoring the Great Lakes’ health. It provides funding for projects to combat invasive species, clean up polluted sites, and restore habitats.

Another promising approach is the adoption of “green infrastructure” solutions. These practices, such as the creation of rain gardens and permeable pavements, can reduce stormwater runoff, lessen the impact of floods, and improve the water quality in the lakes.

A binational coalition of mayors and other local officials is also working to protect and restore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. They collaborate to influence policy, implement innovative solutions, and advocate for the sustainable use of water resources.

The Significance of the Great Lakes Freshwater: A Precious Resource Under Threat

Water, fundamental to life, is mostly unavailable. Only 2.5 percent of the world’s water is freshwater. Surface water makes up only 1.2 percent of that total — the water that is readily accessible and thus sustains most of life. This makes freshwater an incredibly precious resource, but one that is under mounting pressure due to population growth, industrialization, and climate change.

The Essential Role of Freshwater From the Great Lakes

The primary importance of freshwater lies in its role as a source of drinking water, something the Great Lakes provide to many. Humans can only survive a few days without it. Hence access to clean, safe water is vital for maintaining public health. Freshwater is not only used for hydration but also food preparation and personal hygiene, making it instrumental in preventing disease transmission.

Additionally, the Great Lakes freshwater is critical to various economic activities. Agriculture, for example, is heavily reliant on freshwater for irrigation. Industry needs water in manufacturing processes, cooling, and waste disposal. Moreover, freshwater ecosystems support rich biodiversity, providing habitats for many plant and animal species.

The Looming Threat: Water Scarcity and Conflict

However, freshwater resources are under severe strain. Rapid population growth and urbanization are increasing demand, while climate change alters precipitation patterns, leading to an uneven distribution of water resources. Meanwhile, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities is deteriorating the quality of freshwater, rendering some sources unfit for human consumption.

Water scarcity is a growing concern, with the United Nations warning that by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population could be living under water-stressed conditions. This scarcity, coupled with the critical importance of water, sets the stage for potential conflicts.

Disputes over water access are as old as human civilization. Yet, the scale and intensity of such conflicts are expected to rise in the coming decades. Increasing competition for limited water resources could trigger local clashes, exacerbate regional tensions, and even ignite international disputes. Additionally, water scarcity can lead to migration and displacement, further fueling instability and conflict.

In this context, the protection and equitable distribution of freshwater resources, like the Great Lakes, has become of paramount importance. By managing these resources sustainably, we can mitigate the risk of future conflicts, ensuring water security for all.

Conclusion

The Great Lakes, their immense beauty and value masked by the challenges they face, are irreplaceable. Their story reflects the larger narrative of our planet — a testament to the extraordinary power of nature, the consequences of human activity, and the possibility for positive change through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility.

In preserving the Great Lakes, we preserve a vital source of life and livelihood, an invaluable part of our natural heritage, and a reservoir of potential for a sustainable future. Let’s ensure that the narrative of the Great Lakes continues to be a story of resilience, rejuvenation, and shared prosperity for generations to come.