As ice melts in the Far North, Canada faces growing challenges but also opportunities to lead international governance in ocean law. David VanderZwaag, a leading expert, emphasizes the country's strengths in ocean governance and suggests advancing laws on shipping regulation, ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection.
Climate change is linked to increased bacterial loads in potable water, putting indigenous populations at risk of waterborne diseases. Sherilee Harper's research finds similarities between Inuit and Batwa peoples' experiences with extreme weather events and waterborne illnesses.
Researchers, led by Canada Excellence Research Chair Marcel Babin, are studying Arctic micro-organisms to better understand their response to environmental changes. The findings suggest that phytoplankton blooms are occurring earlier and more frequently, which could impact the entire food chain.
Phytoplankton, tiny single-celled algae, act as a natural sponge for carbon dioxide and are critical to the global carbon cycle. Research by Canada Research Chair Maria Maldonado has shown that phytoplankton adapt to iron limitation by increasing copper uptake, leading to more efficient carbon absorption.