Michigan’s waterways are challenged by climate change, invasive species, trans-basin diversions, and pollution—all of which are man-made problems. One Michigander seeking justice for the Great Lakes and the communities that rely on them is attorney Nick Schroeck.
Schroeck will speak about Great Lakes water rights and conservation on Thursday, March 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 202 of the Great Lakes Regional Training Center at WCC. The event is free and open to the public.
Schroeck is executive director of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. It’s charged with protecting the world’s greatest freshwater resource and the communities that depend on it. He will discuss ground water rights, conservation, and the controversial practice of “fracking,” which could become a reality for a number of communities in Michigan. Fracking is a method used to increase the quantity of oil and gas extracted from wells.
“The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system on earth,” said David Mackres, who is helping to coordinate Schroeck’s visit to campus. “They hold 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater and 21 percent of the world’s freshwater supply. They need to be protected; they need strong advocates like Nick Schroeck and his team at the Environmental Law Center.”
“We live in a region with tremendous freshwater resources,” Schroeck said. “Protecting and conserving our water is increasingly important due to a warming climate and increased pressure from land use changes. Clean water is a necessity for human health and the environment, and it also drives our economy.”
Schroeck’s visit to WCC is the latest in a series of free events for students and the community designed to build awareness around environmental issues. It’s sponsored by the WCC Faculty Sustainability Literacy Task Force, which is comprised of educators from diverse disciplines across campus.
For more information, contact David Mackres, Dale Petty, or Maryam Barrie.