Thousands of projects aimed at fighting pollution have all been funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) that was established in 2010. These projects incorporate dealing with invasive species and restoring the balance of ecosystems surrounding the Great Lakes. But this funding is now in danger of being cut.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are an essential water system that provide safe and clean drinking water to millions of people. This service wouldn’t be possible without the fragile ecosystem that supports a lot of diverse wildlife. The Great Lakes also support essential local economies like fishing and tourism.
Important Funding
To sustain drinking water, tourism, and biodiversity, the GLRI has been funded since 2010, receiving nearly 4,9 billion dollars over the last 15 years, which has meant that numerous projects have been able to work on habitat restoration and improve the quality of the water in the Great Lakes. Unfortunately, future budget cuts could undermine these efforts and have implications for the future of the region.
Potential Cuts
Potential budget cuts or even an entire elimination of the GRLI could be a reality. The new administration seems to be focused on reducing climate change funding in general, and if this happens, projects become compromised, which would, in turn, impact many ecosystems even beyond the Great Lakes.
Economic and ecological consequences
With the GLRI supporting work that directly affects the drinking water that supplies approximately 10% of the population and the pollution around the Great Lakes, this could increase public health risks and impact tourism and fishing, having an ecological and economic effect on most of the local population.
Environmental Neglect
There are many examples of the negative way the environment is when there is a lack of conservation projects helping to restore ecological balance after habitat loss, invasive species epidemics, and human encroachment. Local populations like fish in the Great Lakes could see a noticeable decline if these projects have to be abolished.
Local Species Depend On The Ecosystem
Many local species that depend on the balance of their ecosystems within the Great Lakes region could be severely impacted by a lack of conservation projects. The area houses some endangered wildlife, like the lake sturgeon, that still need time to recover.
A Knock On Effect
The decline of fish populations would only be the start. This would have a knock-on effect as local bird species like bald eagles and blue herons would struggle to be fed with fewer fish available as they compete with fishermen.
Other Wildlife
Even mammals like the Canada lynx face a greater risk without protection in the form of conservation efforts. The doubts about GLRI being sustained and many species’ fates will hang in the balance. This demonstrates just how important the project has been and that continued investment is the only way to continue to sustain the ecosystem.
Impact On Human Rights
The GLRI has spent the last 15 years not just fighting for the local ecosystems but also human rights in ensuring that local marginalized communities have access to clean and sustainable drinking water. The communities could be affected disproportionately, as compared to other communities that have alternative methods of getting water.
The Future Of The GRLI
The future of what may happen can only be hypothesized, but if funding for thousands of projects is cut and foreseen consequences are the result, there may be a public outcry as local communities face a harsh reality. Pressure on legislators could restore the funding in response to community demands.
Long-Term Effects
If the funding for the GRLI is completely cut off, long-term effects include the gradual decline of biodiversity in the Great Lakes region. If the effects decline to the point of no return, then there may be permanent damage done to the ecosystem and communities.
Uncertainty
In summary, GLRI funding is imperative to the health of not only the Great Lakes’ biome but also the communities that depend on the water when it could develop into a matter of health and safety. At the present moment, there is no sure way to know what will happen to the GLRI, and its fate will remain to be seen.
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This article first appeared here
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