The Great Lakes: Cross-border stewardship for the sake of the planet (#296)

When we think of freshwater on a grand scale, The Great Lakes stand unrivaled in North America.

Spanning two countries and housing 21% of the world’s surface fresh water, these immense inland seas are more than just scenic wonders, they’re vital ecosystems, economic engines, and cultural touchstones.

Managing the Great Lakes requires an extraordinary level of cooperation between Canada and the United States, and for decades, the two nations have risen to the challenge.

The Geography of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are made up of five interconnected freshwater lakes:

• Lake Superior: The largest and deepest of the five, shared by Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

• Lake Michigan: Uniquely entirely within the United States, bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

• Lake Huron: Connected to Lake Michigan through the Straits of Mackinac; borders Ontario and Michigan.

• Lake Erie: The shallowest lake, and often the warmest, shared by Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

• Lake Ontario:The final destination before water flows into the St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic Ocean; shared by Ontario and New York.

Despite being called lakes, their vastness, with a combined shoreline of over 10,000 miles (16,000 km), makes them behave more like inland seas. They have tidal patterns, storm surges, and wave systems that rival those of coastal oceans.

A Freshwater Treasure

The Great Lakes hold about 6 quadrillion gallons (23,000 km³) of freshwater. They supply drinking water to over 40 million people, support fisheries, recreation, shipping, and agriculture, and are crucial to the economies of both nations.

They also support a rich variety of plant and animal life, from the tiny freshwater mussels that filter the water, to the iconic lake sturgeon, a fish species that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs.

Binational Management: A Shared Responsibility

Managing such a vast resource across two nations is no small feat. That’s where treaties, agreements, and joint commissions come in. The most pivotal agreement is the 1972 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), which was updated in 2012. This accord commits both Canada and the U.S. to work together to:

• Restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the lakes.

• Reduce pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and invasive species.

• Monitor water quality and identify areas of Concern  for cleanup.

• Promote sustainable use and community engagement in conservation.

At the heart of this cooperation is the International Joint Commission (IJC), an independent body established in 1909 to help prevent and resolve disputes over shared waters. The IJC monitors progress, provides science-based recommendations, and ensures transparency in how decisions are made.

Challenges and Modern Threats

Despite these efforts, the Great Lakes face a range of modern challenges:

• Invasive species like the zebra mussel and Asian carp threaten native biodiversity.

  
  

• Algal blooms, particularly in Lake Erie, are fueled by excess phosphorus from agriculture and urban runoff.

  
  

• Climate change is causing fluctuations in water levels, warmer temperatures, and more severe storms.

  
  

• Plastic pollution, industrial waste, and microcontaminants are emerging threats to water quality and wildlife.

Both countries have ramped up investments in remediation, research, and restoration, and local communities play a growing role in stewardship.

A Model for International Collaboration

What makes the management of the Great Lakes truly special is the cross-border commitment. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when countries put politics aside for the health of a shared resource. Citizens, scientists, governments, and Indigenous groups continue to collaborate to ensure the Great Lakes endure for generations to come.

As we look to the future, the work is far from done, but the foundation is strong. With renewed focus on sustainability, equity, and climate resilience, Canada and the United States are showing the world that shared water can mean shared purpose.

Rick’s Commentary

The cooperative management of the Great Lakes by Canada and the United States has long been a model of binational collaboration. However, recent political developments have introduced challenges that could affect this partnership.

Diplomatic Tensions and Environmental Agreements

In March 2025, during the annual Great Lakes Day summit in Washington, D.C., the U.S. administration disinvited two Canadian mayors amid a tariff dispute between the two nations. This unexpected move raised concerns about the stability of cross-border collaborations essential for managing the Great Lakes.

Environmental advocates worry that such diplomatic strains could jeopardize agreements like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), which has been instrumental in addressing issues such as pollution and invasive species.

Funding Cuts and Environmental Protections

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has faced significant budget cuts under the current administration. These reductions have led to concerns about the agency's ability to continue its environmental protection efforts, including those related to the Great Lakes. For instance, the proposed cuts could impact the cleanup of vital waterways, with organizations like Riverkeeper expressing alarm over the potential loss of resources necessary for maintaining environmental health.

Trade Policies and Regional Economies

The imposition of energy tariffs by the U.S. on Canada has further complicated the political landscape. Canada, as the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the U.S., faces a 10% energy tariff, which could lead to increased gasoline and home heating costs in various regions. These tariffs not only strain economic relations but also have potential environmental implications, as they may influence energy production and consumption patterns in the Great Lakes region.

Infrastructure Projects and Environmental Concerns

Controversial infrastructure projects, such as Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, have also come under scrutiny. The project, which involves constructing a tunnel beneath the Great Lakes to house the pipeline, has faced opposition from environmental groups and Indigenous communities due to potential ecological risks. Allegations of political favoritism have further complicated the discourse, with concerns that political interests may be prioritized over environmental protections.

The current political climate poses significant challenges to the collaborative management of the Great Lakes.

Diplomatic tensions, funding cuts, trade policies, and contentious infrastructure projects all contribute to a complex environment that could impact the health and sustainability of this vital freshwater system.

It is imperative for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to cooperative stewardship, ensuring that political disputes do not undermine the environmental integrity of the Great Lakes.

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