For immediate release: August 20, 2024
Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – For over a decade, Lake Erie has been experiencing annual toxic algal blooms. Residents of Ontario are responding to a call for action on social media to raise awareness and demand urgent action to protect the lake—a source of drinking water for millions of people and home to many complex ecosystems.
August 27, 2024 is the 8th annual #WeAreLakeErie Day—an event to highlight people’s support for Lake Erie. Throughout the day, social media users will share their Lake Erie stories and photos online using the hashtag #WeAreLakeErie to help create a virtual wave of support for the lake. The event is a chance to demonstrate to decision-makers the important role the lake plays in the lives of so many people.
Earlier this summer, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its 2024 Lake Erie algae bloom forecast. This summer’s bloom was forecast to be moderate to larger-than-moderate, and is already measuring nearly 1500km2.
A toxic algae bloom is bad news for the lake and the people and animals that rely on it. That’s why Canada and Ontario must work together to protect Lake Erie, and address the root causes of these algal blooms, including actions to reduce nutrient pollution from agricultural and urban sources.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: The 8th annual #WeAreLakeErie Day hosted by Environmental Defence Canada.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, All day.
WHERE: Online. People will participate by sharing their Lake Erie stories and photos on social media with the hashtag #WeAreLakeErie.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Karishma Porwal, Environmental Defence Canada, media@environmentaldefence.ca
