Les Grands Lacs d'Amérique du Nord - Ontario, Érié, Michigan, Huron et Supérieur - sont une ressource majestueuse et vitale. Ils contiennent un cinquième des réserves d'eau douce du monde, abritent des écosystèmes diversifiés et fournissent de l'eau potable à des millions de personnes. Cependant, des décennies de pollution ont menacé leur santé et suscité des inquiétudes quant à leur avenir. En réponse, l'**Initiative des Grands Lacs (IGL)** est apparue comme un cadre essentiel pour la protection et la restauration de l'environnement.
Origines et objectifs :
L'IGL a été lancée en 1983 par le président Ronald Reagan et le Premier ministre Brian Mulroney du Canada. Elle découlait de la reconnaissance que la pollution transfrontalière, en particulier provenant de sources industrielles et agricoles, avait considérablement dégradé l'écosystème des Grands Lacs. Les principaux objectifs de l'initiative étaient :
Composantes clés et réalisations :
L'IGL a créé l'**Accord relatif à la qualité de l'eau des Grands Lacs (AQEGL)**, un traité juridiquement contraignant entre les États-Unis et le Canada. L'AQEGL a fixé des objectifs ambitieux pour la réduction de la pollution et la restauration des Grands Lacs.
Les composantes clés de l'IGL et de l'AQEGL incluent :
Les succès de l'IGL sont importants :
Défis et l'avenir de l'IGL :
Bien que l'IGL ait réalisé des progrès remarquables, des défis persistent. Les changements climatiques, les espèces envahissantes et l'héritage de la pollution passée continuent de menacer les Grands Lacs. L'IGL continue d'évoluer, relevant les défis émergents et mettant en œuvre de nouvelles stratégies pour une gestion durable.
Les efforts en cours comprennent :
L'Initiative des Grands Lacs reste un cadre essentiel pour assurer la santé et la durabilité de ces précieux écosystèmes. Grâce à la collaboration continue, à l'innovation et à l'engagement du public, l'IGL continuera de jouer un rôle crucial dans la protection des Grands Lacs pour les générations futures.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What year was the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) launched?
a) 1972 b) 1983
b) 1983
2. Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of the GLI?
a) Restoring and protecting the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes b) Ensuring the sustainable use of the Great Lakes' resources c) Promoting binational cooperation on Great Lakes management d) Developing new industries on the Great Lakes shoreline
d) Developing new industries on the Great Lakes shoreline
3. The GLI established which legally binding treaty between the US and Canada?
a) The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) b) The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) c) The Kyoto Protocol d) The Montreal Protocol
a) The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
4. Which of the following is NOT a key component of the GLI and the GLWQA?
a) Focus on specific pollutants b) Collaborative management c) Public involvement d) Private sector investment in Great Lakes development
d) Private sector investment in Great Lakes development
5. What is one of the ongoing efforts of the GLI to address challenges facing the Great Lakes?
a) Promoting the use of fossil fuels in Great Lakes industries b) Encouraging development of new hydroelectric dams on Great Lakes tributaries c) Climate change adaptation d) Increasing the amount of water diverted from the Great Lakes for agricultural use
c) Climate change adaptation
Scenario: You are a member of a local community group concerned about the impact of agricultural runoff on the Great Lakes. You are tasked with presenting a proposal to your local government advocating for the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) for farmers in your area.
Task:
Optional: Include information about how the GLI and GLWQA have addressed agricultural runoff and its impact on water quality in the Great Lakes.
This is a sample solution for the exercise. The actual content of your research, proposal, and presentation will depend on your specific local context and the available information about BMPs in your area. **Research:** - Research different BMPs focusing on their effectiveness in reducing nutrient and sediment runoff. - Look for specific examples of BMPs used in your region. - Gather evidence about the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality in your local area. **Proposal:** **Title:** Protecting Our Local Waters: Advocating for Best Management Practices in Agriculture **Introduction:** - Briefly describe the problem of agricultural runoff and its impact on water quality, particularly in the Great Lakes. - Emphasize the importance of protecting the Great Lakes for public health, recreation, and the environment. **Body:** - Outline the benefits of implementing BMPs: - Improved water quality - Reduced nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms - Protection of fish and wildlife habitats - Increased soil health and productivity - Provide specific examples of BMPs and their effectiveness based on your research. - Include information about the GLI and GLWQA and their efforts to reduce agricultural runoff. **Call to Action:** - Request your local government to: - Support the adoption of BMPs by local farmers. - Provide incentives for farmers to implement BMPs. - Offer educational resources and technical assistance for farmers. **Presentation:** - Use visual aids to illustrate the problem of agricultural runoff and the benefits of BMPs. - Highlight the local impact of agricultural runoff. - Emphasize the role of the local government in supporting sustainable agricultural practices. - Be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussion with local government officials.
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