Peter Annin - The Great Lakes Water Wars

Praise for Peter Annins The Great Lakes Water Wars

If you are one of the many people who care about the Great Lakes, you must read this book. Annin is undisputedly the preeminent journalist writing about the most significant freshwater resource on the planet.

Todd L. Ambs, Director, Healing Our WatersGreat Lakes Coalition

The Great Lakes are far more than five arcs of blue on the map in the heart of North Americathey are the motivating force behind 150 years of human dreams, schemes, growth, and maneuvering. Peter Annins The Great Lakes Water Wars brings to life the rapscallions, the politicians, the environmentalists, and also brings to life the five lakes themselves. Every tale is a reminder that just when the Great Lakes seem secure, someone is quietly plotting a freshwater grab.

Charles Fishman, best-selling author of The Big Thirst

Annins The Great Lakes Water Wars is one of those rare books that weaves together current events, policy, science, and law, using the most important force of all: great storytelling. You have to force yourself to remember that youre actually reading about policy, science, and law.

Cameron Davis, Great Lakes Czar under the Obama administration

The Great Lakes have been central to the lives of people in Michigan since before recorded history. We must protect the treasure that these magnificent lakes represent. In this updated edition of The Great Lakes Water Wars, Peter Annin looks at the policy challenges facing our Great Lakes, laying a critical foundation for sound management as we make the decisions today that will impact the Lakes tomorrow and beyond.

Candice S. Miller, Public Works Commissioner, Macomb County; member, Great Lakes Commission, and former Michigan Congresswoman (R)

A deeply researched history of interstate and cross-border cooperation addressing the vulnerability of an essential resource. This fascinating read is a thorough analysis in policy making that will be a source of facts and wisdom when Great Lakes diversion projects reemerge.

Pierre Marc Johnson, former Premier of Qubec, international trade negotiator, and adviser to sustainable development organizations

Impressivethe first word that came to mind after reading this thoroughly researched and eminently readable account of the Great Lakes water wars. Annins historical narrative, based on hundreds of interviews and documents, includes tensions caused by water diversions from the Great Lakes spanning three centuries, as well as the twenty-first centurys regional cooperation effort aimed at permanently protecting this precious resource.

Jim Nicholas, former Director, Michigan Water Science Center, US Geological Survey

By capturing the amazing story of our struggles to manage the Great Lakes, Peter Annin demonstrates how water challenges in this region will become more complex and unpredictable than anyone imagined. All who live near and depend on these waters will find new insights into the binational sociopolitical system we must transform to sustain our Great Lakes for future generations.

Michael Reuter, Midwest Division Director, The Nature Conservancy

The Great Lakes Water Wars provides essential context for the regions ongoing discussions about the sustainable use of Great Lakes water resources. The book offers a thorough, informative, and insightful recounting of how the regions struggle to manage Great Lakes water resources has informed the way future uses will be reviewed and evaluated. The book is especially important now, as the region works to balance its commitment to protecting water resources with the widespread acknowledgment that the Blue Economy is the key to the regions future health and prosperity.

Kathryn A. Buckner, President, Council of Great Lakes Industries

This book oozes power, from the awe-inspiring crash of waves on Lake Superior to the visceral conflict over water diversion fights, the audacity of pumping schemes, and the big idea that the Great Lakes region should have control over its own destiny. Never boring, the writing zooms along at a pleasant pace that allows the reader to absorb the issues and a quest for resolution.

Tim Eder, Program Officer, C.S. Mott Foundation, former Executive Director, Great Lakes Commission

This extensively revised edition of The Great Lakes Water Wars places the Great Lakes in the context of water wars across the globe. Annins meticulous research and historical backstories mesmerize Great Lakes nerds like me and present a captivating story for general readers. It is a vitally important book by a master storyteller for anybody who relies on fresh water for life. Yes, thats all of us.

Andy Buchsbaum, Vice President, National Wildlife Federation

Not mere water, the Great Lakes are a spirit, ecology, economy, brand, political movement, and human right that millions will defend like family. Annin deftly draws these competing forces into his narrative of a century of water that alternately points this saturated region toward vibrant renewal or a spiral of conflict. Essential for anyone who believes Great Lakes water is the next grand idea.

Joel Brammeier, President and CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes

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Copyright 2018 Peter Annin

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher: Island Press, 2000 M Street, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20036