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This week journalist and author Peter Annin joins Bill and Ben to explore the geopolitics, climate threats, and cross-border tensions surrounding the Great Lakes Water Basin.
From the shocking history of water diversions to modern battles over access, privatization, and climate migration, this episode reveals why the next great resource war may not be over oil — but over water.
Annin, author of The Great Lakes Water Wars, explains why this region could become a global flashpoint — and what’s being done to protect it.
00:00 - Intro 02:10 - Meet Peter Annin: Author, Journalist, Water Advocate 06:40 - What Makes the Great Lakes So Unique (and So Vulnerable) 10:55 - The Great Lakes Compact: A Deal That Changed Everything 15:30 - Climate Change, Drought & U.S. Cities Looking North 19:45 - The Chicago Diversion: Legal or Loophole? 24:20 - Can the Great Lakes Be Bought, Sold, or Traded? 28:50 - Why Canada Needs to Watch These Borderline Water Politics 33:15 - The Role of Indigenous Communities in Water Protection 36:40 - A Future of Climate Migration: Will People Come for the Lakes? 40:55 - Final Thoughts
