A can with a purpose.

In a time of growing populations and a rapidly changing climate, the world is struggling to respond to challenges facing freshwater. These challenges include the impacts of climate change, agricultural runoff, water management, contaminants such as mercury and organic pollutants, and a growing list of new chemical substances. This is where IISD-ELA comes in—an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research. Located in a remote region of northwestern Ontario, Canada, it is one of the only places in the world where it is possible to conduct experiments on whole ecosystems.

By manipulating these small lakes, scientists can examine how all aspects of the ecosystem—from the atmosphere to fish populations—respond. Findings of real-world experiments are often much more accurate than those from research conducted at smaller scales, such as in laboratories. For the last 50 years, their unique research approach has influenced billion-dollar decisions of governments and industries. It has generated more cost-effective environmental policies, regulations and management—all in the name of keeping our water clean.

To learn more about IISD - ELA click here.