What Are The Great Lakes?
The five Great Lakes around the Midwest of the United States are Lakes Huron, Michigan, Superior, Erie, and Ontario. These five lakes border the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and New York, providing them with a stunning natural asset. Combined, the five Great Lakes hold over 20% of world’s freshwater supply and are amongst the five largest lakes in the world.
These five Lakes are part of something known as the Saint Lawrence River Basin, As part of this, the five Great Lakes eventually connect to the Saint Lawrence river, which empties out into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in the Atlantic Ocean.
Do The Five Great Lakes Empty Into The Mississippi River?
No, the five Great Lakes do not empty into the Mississippi River. The Great Lakes are a part of their own distinct drainage system which directly connects them to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Saint Lawrence river.
The Mississippi River drains an entirely different portion of the country, draining natural resources from 31 states, two Canadian provinces, and hundreds of thousands of square miles of the Midwest. It eventually empties out into the Gulf of Mexico.
Water from the five Great Lakes does not empty into the Mississippi River because the two systems are essentially heading in two different directions. Whereas the Great Lakes empty into the Atlantic Ocean, the Mississippi River drains into the Gulf of Mexico.
What Factors Are Affecting The Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes are being affected by a variety of different factors. Major industrialized development, climate change, a decrease in phosphorus pollution, and the introduction of foreign species have all had a major impact on the Great Lakes ecosystems.
The construction of roads, bridges and dams have left their toll on the Great Lakes. Runoff from land has caused an increase of certain pollutants in the Great Lakes, while the urban developing has increased water irrigation. Although the EPA declared the Great Lakes near the national standards established by the Clean Water Act in 1972, further damage could be seen in the near future.
The Current State of The Great Lakes
The five Great Lakes are currently facing a number of issues, with both long-term and short-term effects. Recent trends suggest that water levels in the Great Lakes have been declining since the ‘90s, likely due to the increasing climate change.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has determined that Lake Erie is particularly vulnerable to water-level declines, with the construction of many new dams and other forms of development leading to a decrease in water quantity.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission also reported a dramatic decline in the population of native species, ranging from walleye fish to wild salmon, due to the introduction of foreign species. With the current level of destruction, the government is attempting to implement a number of protective measures, such as creating protected habitats and raising awareness.
What Governments are Doing To Restore The Great Lakes?
Many governments and non-government organizations are attempting to restore the five Great Lakes to their former glory. The U.S. federal government, state governments, and even Canada have all acknowledged the importance of the Great Lakes and have put forth efforts to restore them.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. EPA have created a number of programs with the goal of cleaning up and protecting the Great Lakes, and new bi-national laws are in place to protect the environment and livelihood of the Great Lakes.
In addition to government initiatives, the public has developed a number of organizations in order to promote the protection of the Great Lakes. These organizations are focused on raising public awareness and helping to restore the Great Lakes to their natural pristine state.
What Could Happen If These Efforts Fail?
If the many efforts to restore the Great Lakes fail, then the consequences could be devastating. As the Great Lakes have an immense impact on the Midwest, a decrease of water levels could lead to lower crop yields and a decrease in freshwater species.
Furthermore, if conditions in the Great Lakes continue to worsen, then the water quality could become extremely poor, leading to further health and environmental concerns.
In addition to the decrease in the local ecosystem, a decrease in the water levels of the Great Lakes could also have a significant economic effect on the states that border them. As the Great Lakes have significantly shaped the economy of the Midwest, any decrease in water levels or quality could lead to major losses in tourism and commerce.
What Can We Do To Help?
It is clear that the future of the Great Lakes is in danger, but what can we do to help? The first step is to raise awareness of the issues. By spreading knowledge about the current state of the Great Lakes, we can help to create a culture that values the environment, and aids in protecting it.
In addition to raising awareness, we can also help the environment by lowering our carbon footprint. We can do this by reducing our energy usage and being aware of the amount of plastic we use. Furthermore, we can support organizations that are dedicated to restoring the Great Lakes, as well as lobby our governments to take further action.
Pledges and Partnerships Making a Difference
It is encouraging to see that many governments and organizations have made pledges to restore the Great Lakes. Major industry players, such as the Procter & Gamble Company and the Dow Chemical Company have pledged to help protect the Great Lakes, by reducing their own water usage and by further supporting the initiatives of other organizations.
The Partnership for The Great Lakes has also had a major impact on raising awareness for the Great Lakes. The organization is focused on developing partnerships with businesses, industry, and civics organization, with the goal of recruiting volunteers to help restore the Great Lakes.
Furthermore, the US-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement has been a major step in the protection of the Great Lakes. The agreement was created in 1972, and its goal is to protect the ecological health of the Great Lakes.
Individual Actions Have a Positive Impact
Individuals also have a major influence on the protection of the Great Lakes. The easiest way to help is to reduce carbon emissions, reuse and recycle whenever possible, and to avoid products that are contributing to water pollution.
In addition, individuals can also get involved directly by volunteering with the many organizations that are focused on protecting the Great Lakes. These organizations are always in need of volunteers, and any help is greatly appreciated.
In addition to volunteering, individuals can also take action by supporting initiatives that are focused on protecting the Great Lakes. Whether it’s by donating money, or by signing petitions, every action that we take is another step on the path to protecting the Great Lakes.
Conclusion
It is evident that the Great Lakes play an invaluable role in the Midwest, and preserving them is of the utmost importance. Although the current situation of the Great Lakes is concerning, it is encouraging to note the various steps that have been taken to restore them, as well as the various government initiatives and pledges that have been made.
Ultimately, it is up to us to take responsibility in protecting the Great Lakes. With each action that we take, we are doing our part in preserving an invaluable asset, and ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy its many wonders.
