Beneath the Surface: What Lakes Reveal About a Warming World

Lakes around the world are changing at unprecedented rates, offering some of the clearest signals of a warming planet.

In this lecture, freshwater ecologist Dr. Catherine O’Reilly will explore how long-term lake monitoring, satellite observations, and global data synthesis are transforming our understanding of freshwater resilience and vulnerability. Drawing on research from Lake Tanganyika—where her work provided the first evidence of how global warming affects fisheries and food security —Dr. O’Reilly will highlight how shifts in lake temperature, water clarity, and productivity extend far beyond individual watersheds and reflect broad climatic trends.

The evening will begin with a TERC Summer Intern Poster Session from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on the Granlibakken Mountain Deck, where undergraduate interns will share their summer research and engage with attendees.

Appetizers and a no-host bar will be available during the poster session.