Amidst funding challenges and federal limitations, a significant scientific gathering focusing on the Great Lakes is commencing in Milwaukee, but with reduced participation due to recent policy changes.
On May 23, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order aimed at “restoring Gold Standard Science” to rebuild trust in the scientific community. However, this move has drawn criticism from various scientific circles.
The Union of Concerned Scientists has voiced strong opposition, labeling the executive order as a “smoke screen” intended to advance the administration’s political motives under the guise of scientific reform, according to a blog post on their website.
Jerome Marty, the executive director of the International Association for Great Lakes Research, is overseeing the 68th annual conference in Milwaukee. The event typically attracts around 700 scientists and officials, but this year anticipates only 450 attendees.
Marty attributes the decline to restrictions that hinder federal scientists from participating and budget cuts that have led to cancellations. He notes a growing sentiment of sadness and fear among Great Lakes researchers—sadness over the diminished exchange of research and fear of facing consequences for sharing their findings.
“We are losing the capacity to report on findings,” Marty stated. “We’re going to put people in danger, because there are things that could be very dangerous and harmful to them if they are not being tracked and detected on time.”
Marty points to climate change and the proliferation of algal blooms, commonly known as Cyanobacteria, as significant threats to the world’s large freshwater lakes. Additionally, he warns that oil spills and other pollutants pose serious risks to major freshwater resources, critical for millions relying on them for drinking water.
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