Unlocking the Mystery: What’s Green, Slimy, and Thriving Due to Climate Change? | CBC News

If you guessed algae, you’re spot on. Recent research shows that algae growth is on the rise in Canada’s lakes, even those tucked away in remote areas. The main suspect? Climate change.

A team from McGill University and Université Laval studied sediment cores from 80 lakes across Canada. They discovered that since the mid-1800s, algae levels have climbed in most of these lakes. The lead researcher, Hamid Ghanbari, noted a surprising spike: since the 1960s, algal growth has increased sevenfold. This growth is closely linked to rising temperatures.

Ghanbari mentioned that, while warming is a key factor, excess nitrogen and phosphorus can also fuel algae. These nutrients often seep into water from farming runoff, stormwater, and wastewater.

Algae, along with bacteria and phytoplankton, are vital for aquatic life. But when they bloom excessively, they can create serious issues. The recent peer-reviewed study did not focus on harmful blooms, but Ghanbari expressed concern over the potential for algal growth to push beyond normal limits.

He said, “That’s where the problem starts. We don’t yet know the exact threshold, but higher algae levels could cause many issues.” Excessive algae can harm aquatic ecosystems and even threaten human health. It reduces water quality, depletes oxygen, and can lead to blooms that release harmful toxins, a concern familiar to residents near Lake Erie.

Daryl McGoldrick, head of water quality monitoring at Environment and Climate Change Canada, echoed these findings. He stated that while increasing algae doesn’t automatically lead to toxic blooms, the risks for aquatic life are real. “This study aligns with our observations and raises concerns about the impacts of warming,” he said.

Local actions alone won’t solve the issue, according to Maëlle Tripon, a project manager at the Quebec freshwater advocacy group Fondation Rivières. She noted that warmer conditions lead to more visible algae in lakes. “We already knew local changes are vital—like improving farming practices and reducing paved surfaces in cities,” she said.

However, Tripon emphasized the need for broader policies to address climate change. Ghanbari agrees but adds that individuals can make a difference, too. Simple actions like minimizing fertilizer use and properly disposing of chemicals can have a positive impact on lake health.

This topic isn’t just local. A 2021 report found that harmful algal blooms are ever-increasing globally, with the World Health Organization stating that they pose a significant risk to water security and public health. This means that as Canada deals with its own algae issues, it is part of a larger global challenge that calls for cooperative solutions.

Keeping our water safe and healthy is no easy task, but awareness and action on both local and global levels can help tackle this growing problem.



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