Brown, J. (2022, August 3). Algae blooms, warming waters cause biggest changes to Tahoe in 50 years, report says. SF Gate. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/algae-blooms-threaten-lake-tahoe-17345685.php
Lake Tahoe’s algae growth is increasing. The article shares this in a recent report. Climate change and microscopic shifts, like the increase in algal growth, as well as the wildfire smoke impact are three topics of focus and are all reasons for the changes the lake is experiencing. Climate change is warming up the lake, the weather is hotter than it has ever been. With less rain and snow the lake water decreases in volume. This is concerning. Algae blooms are more present now in Lake Tahoe because of climate change.
This article really relates to environmental science because one of the main sources of this issue is climate change. As temperatures rise the problem grows. This article was surprising to me because I have always viewed Lake Tahoe as a place with “crystal clear” water. Now this reputation seems to be changing as algae blooms become more common in Lake Tahoe as well as other bodies of water all over the US. Along with algae blooms increasing, researchers are also now noticing less zooplankton and Mysis shrimp in Lake tahoe. The researchers are trying to learn more about if these things are connected to the algae bloom growth given they are happening all in one year. Scientists are studying all of these impactful environmental science issues and how humans are at the center of the cause.
It’s definitely worrisome that such a beautiful and close natural body of water is threatened from an environmental effect. The good thing is that I think it will help bring more attention to other climate related causes. I would also say that there is great exposure for this issue, as I have seen many ‘Keep Tahoe Blue’ stickers adorned on cars.
I agree with your concern regarding the algae blooms. It is easy to dismiss the consequences of climate change until they begin to affect local nature and it’s a shame that the once-clear lake is experiencing rapid algae blooms. My question is, do you think this will encourage California to install stricter laws to halt climate change? And if so, what changes do you think are the most feasible?
I definitely agree with you point about this being a worrisome situation. I had no idea that even Lake Tahoe is being affected by climate change this severely. It is crazy to see the effects so close to home. What would be the worst case scenario if this keeps happening? How would the Lake’s ecosystem change?
It’s sad to hear that such a beautiful lake is feeling the wrath of climate change. I can’t even imagine Lake Tahoe with algae blooms. How do you think California policymakers will act to try to decrease the algae bloom that has been showing up in Lake Tahoe?