Though progress has been inadequate, successes exist, creating the GLWQA's conflicted and expansive legacy.
Conflicting Legacies
"There was absolutely no question that the eutrophication models really drove the science that went into the policy of the ‘72 [Great Lakes Water Quality] Agreement, and to me that is a tremendous success…The model was scientifically sound and identified the level of phosphorus that would reduce algal blooms in the lake. (GR)." - The Use of Models In Great Lakes Decision Making, 2008 |
"An ecosystem in trouble...the environment of the Great Lakes is still in trouble...neither country is spending enough, or doing enough, to check the insidious long-term decline of the Great Lakes ecosystem." - Leonard B. Dworsky, Natural Resources Journal "Great Lakes, Great Legacy?", 1991 |
The GLWQA serves as a model for other binational compromises.
"It set the tone for future binational scientific collaboration associated with the GLWQA, helping to establish an epistemic community in the Great Lakes that became a model for science-based environmental decision making around the world for many years." -Emily T. Cloyd, 2008
Air Quality
"[The IJC] has contributed to one of our most recent environmental success stories, the joint cleanup of the Great Lakes following a US Canada agreement in 1972. In 1987 the US and Canada expanded this agreement to address additional issues, such as airborne toxic substances." -US Canada Relations Briefing, 1987
Air quality objectives were included in the 1987 Agreement, however they weren’t prioritized enough to create progress. In 1991 the US and Canada signed the US-Canada Air Quality Agreement, modeled after the GLWQA.
"EPA continues to work with state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies, and stakeholders to reduce air pollution and the damage that it causes." -EPA, 2011 |
"...identifying pollution prevention priorities; supporting the assessment and risk management of chemicals, and air quality modelling" -Environment Canada, 2015 |
Climate Change
"Climate change appears to be be impacting temperatures and other factors in the Great Lakes. " -Jeff D. Strom, Water Resource Scientist, personal interview, 2018
The revised 2012 GLWQA acknowledged the effect of climate change on water, prompting a new climate change partnership between the US, Canada, and Mexico. This agreement did not set specific targets, but will "enhance cooperation and integrate more climate change-related policies into energy discussions between the countries," said Canadian Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford.
"Those who are already feeling the effects of climate change don't have time to deny it-they're bust dealing with it" -President Obama, 2013 |
“Canada will not back down from its commitment to fight climate change — and we are not alone...Around the world, nearly every country is on our side.” -Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, 2017 |
The compromise created by the GLWQA continues to benefit millions despite political challenges. By maintaining protection of the Great Lakes against growing global water scarcity tensions, the GLWQA is reducing possibilities of future water conflicts. Its adaptability and multiple revisions have created a self-corrective system that continues to adapt to new political contexts.
"The governments' approach in the Agreement was farsighted ...The governments also recognized that for the Agreement to be successful, it needed to be adaptable to new challenges." - IJC, 2012 |
Conflicts over Water
"...if groundwater around the Great Lakes is being drawn down at the same rate as it is globally, the Great Lakes will be bone dry in just 80 years. " -The Council of Canadians, 2011 "Had this conflict arisen in earlier times between independent nations it is the kind of conflict that might lead to war.'" - The Tennessee Bar Journal, 2013 War over water, Dr. Meredith Nevers, Research Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center , personal interview, 2018
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"Nations around the world look to the Boundary Waters Treaty and the GLWQA as an example of effective bilateral management of a critical and threatened resource." - Chris B. Fryefield, 2013
As a model for intergovernmental environmental cooperation, this binational compromise has led to improved water and air quality, protection of our most vital resources and growing acceptance that a cooperative global approach is needed to address 21st century environmental issues.
“The amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement we signed today outlines the strong commitment the U.S. and Canada share to safeguard the largest freshwater system in the world. Our collaborative efforts stand to benefit millions of families on both sides of the border.” - Lisa P. Jackson, 2010
"Throughout human history, water has defined our sense of place. International water law reflects the connections between water and local people, communities, and the environment. " -Noah D. Hall, environmental and water law, 2010
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