Climate Change

New Commission Co-Chairs Focus on Climate Change and Resilient Shorelines

The International Joint Commission has been chaired by Pierre Béland of Canada and Jane Corwin of the United States since May 2019. The two grew up in different areas of the Great Lakes basin and have different histories with the IJC.

Contaminants and Climate Change Impacts Key Issues Raised in Last Consultations on Water Quality

IJC Commissioners and staff traveled in October to the last in the series of consultations around the Great Lakes region to assess progress by the Canadian and United States governments to restore and…

Midwestern Pastime Takes a Serious Turn as Storms Increase

We love to talk about weather in the Midwest. At work or the grocery store, small talk almost always begins with “How much snow did you get?” or “What did you think of the wind howling last night?” or, a favorite, “Cold enough for you?”  

Going Around the World to Tackle Algal Blooms in Champlain-Memphremagog

Lakes Champlain and Memphremagog in the Quebec, Vermont and New York region experience high levels of phosphorus and harmful algal blooms that have negative impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Advice on Parties' Draft Priorities for Science (2020-2022)

Effects of Climate Change, Threats from Invasive Species and Binational Coordination are Top Concerns for Lake Superior Region’s Residents

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Contaminants, Climate Change, Collaboration and Education Dominate Public Meeting Conversations in June

Flooding is impacting all of the Great Lakes and understandably dominating headlines and concerns of shoreline communities.  At the IJC’s first public consultations of 2019 to consider progress to restore and protect the lakes, researchers and residents reaffirmed that water quality issues also…

Nutrients, Climate Change and Chemical Contamination Top Water Quality Concerns at Green Bay Meeting

The IJC’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board (WQB) gathered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on May 8-9 for its board meeting and to host a public engagement event.

Lake Champlain–Richelieu River Study Holds Climate Risk Workshop

Climate experts and IJC board members are working to assess the impacts of future flooding in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River (LCRR) basin.

Step In and Speak Out for the Great Lakes in 2019

Across the Great Lakes region, residents overwhelmingly value the lakes and everything they provide – recreationally, economically and aesthetically. In binational polls taken by an IJC board, in person, and in letters and emails, citizens have expressed a deep caring for and desire to protect the…