Distilling Science at the Experimental Lakes Area: Studying mercury in ecosystems
This video highlights the role that IISD-ELA has played in helping the world understand and respond to the effects of mercury in our ecosystems, particularly excessive mercury that comes from human sources.
Mercury affects the central nervous system, including the brain, and is an endocrine disruptor.
This video highlights the role that the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), a freshwater science research facility in northwestern Ontario, Canada, has played in helping the world understand and respond to the effects of mercury in our ecosystems, particularly excessive mercury that comes from human sources.
Mercury affects the central nervous system, including the brain, and is an endocrine disruptor. That means we have to be careful about how much of it is in the food we eat.
The research at the ELA has provided critical answers on how mercury gets into the food chain, and what we should do about it. For instance, ELA research on mercury influenced decisions in Canada and the United States to require controls on emissions from the smokestacks of coal and oil-fired power plants. In addition, the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury includes controls on mercury emissions into the atmosphere; ELA research helped provide scientific justification for measures proposed in the convention.
To support IISD-ELA, consider making a donation, or to learn more, visit http://www.iisd.org/ela/.
You might also be interested in
Bonn Climate Talks: What to watch for the fossil fuel transition
As governments return to Bonn for the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meetings (SB64), the transition away from fossil fuels will be a key test of whether growing political momentum can translate into practical progress.
Energy Subsidy Reform Urgent as Spending Jumps 266.5%, Experts Say
Reforming Indonesia’s energy subsidies would strengthen fiscal credibility, ease pressure on the state budget, and support President Prabowo Subianto’s energy transition agenda, according to policy experts.
Vietnam, Indonesia launch new regulations for forest carbon projects
Vietnam’s rules say that revenue from forest-based carbon credits will be prioritised for forest protection and development, as well as community livelihoods. Indonesia has introduced a nesting framework to avoid double counting.
The world is moving off fossil fuels as Canada continues to live in the past
Like generals fighting the last war, our national debate is still dominated by fossil fuel exports. We’re still building LNG terminals and oil pipelines. While Canada’s auto strategy offered some support for EV buyers, Ottawa is still providing a half-billion-dollar taxpayer subsidy to a single diesel-engine pickup manufacturer.