Between aquatic ecosystems, rare species, and sporting challenges, this lake is far more than a beautiful landscape: it is a living world to explore and protect.
A dynamic ecosystem
Covering 580 km² and reaching 310 meters at its deepest point, Lake Geneva is the largest Alpine lake in Western Europe. It is home to more than 30 species of fish, such as perch and Arctic char, as well as rare birds (great crested grebe, cormorant) and even discreet mammals like the otter, which has returned after decades of absence.
A lake under close monitoring
Scientists study the impact of climate change here: in 50 years, the water temperature has risen by 1.5°C, disrupting fish reproduction cycles and encouraging the spread of invasive species such as the quagga mussel.
A treasure to protect
Lake Geneva also provides drinking water for more than one million people. Its shores host essential wetlands, such as reed beds, where migratory birds nest.
🏄♂️ A sporting playground… with a mission
Lake Geneva is the largest freshwater nautical playground in Europe. Every year, it hosts legendary races such as the Bol d’Or Mirabaud (the biggest inland-water regatta in Europe) and endurance challenges in kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or rowing.
Among the key players, Sails of Change, the offshore racing team founded by Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard, embodies a committed philosophy as a signatory of the Sport for Nature framework:
- Zero emission: Their goal is to decarbonize sailing using renewable energy and sustainable materials.
- Awareness: Through their races, they engage the public in protecting aquatic ecosystems, working with scientists and local associations.
Other initiatives are emerging:
- Clean sailing: Some regattas adopt strict rules (protected zones, ban on combustion engines).
- Nettoyages collaboratifs : Les skippers deviennent des ambassadeurs de la biodiversité, comme lors des opérations de nettoyage des rives organisées après les compétitions.
Activities for your students – Grades 2 to 5 (Cycle 2 & 3)
Understanding climate change and visualizing its impact on bodies of water (1 hour)
Introduction (5–10 minutes) Invite students to reflect on what climate change means to them. You can draw a diagram showing the sun’s infrared rays reflecting off Earth and being trapped partly due to the ozone layer (O₃). Note: The ozone layer thickens because of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The thicker it becomes, the fewer infrared rays escape, and the more heat remains on Earth. Questions to ask: What is climate change? How does it happen?
Activity 1: Visualizing greenhouse gases (20 minutes)
Equipment:
- 0.5 L plastic bottle
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Balloon
- Funnel
Steps:
- Pour a small amount of vinegar into the bottle.
- À l’aide de l’entonnoir, verser une cuillère à café de bicarbonate de soude dans le ballon.
- Place the balloon over the bottle’s neck without spilling its contents.
- Pour out the contents of the flask once it is securely in place.
- Observe what happens.
Explanation:
The balloon inflates due to the reaction between baking soda and vinegar. Encourage students to think about CO₂ emissions on Earth and their link to the ozone layer. Question: What do CO₂ emissions cause, based on what you observed?
Activity 2: Impact of warming on water (20 minutes)
Equipment:
- Glass bowl
- Jam jar with lid
- 4 cm straw + hot glue
- Food coloring
- Kettle
Steps:
- Make a hole in the jar lid and insert the straw so it sticks out on both sides. Seal with hot glue.
- Fill the jar to the brim with warm colored water and close it.
- Place the jar in the bowl and pour boiling water around it.
- Observe.
Caution: Handle hot water carefully. Explanation: The hot water warms the water inside the jar, causing it to overflow through the straw. This shows that warm water takes up more space than cold water, explaining rising sea and lake levels. Questions: What is happening? What does this mean for oceans and lakes?
Conclusion (10 minutes) Summarize the impact of human activities (CO₂ emissions) on the atmosphere and the consequences for bodies of water. Encourage students to think about solutions to reduce emissions.
Extension activity:
Melting glacier experiment (20 minutes)
Equipment:
- 2 ice cubes
- 2 glasses of water
- Piece of polystyrene
Steps:
- Place one ice cube directly in a glass of water. Place the second on the polystyrene floating in the other glass. Mark the water level.
- Observe after the ice melts.
- To work out what is happening on a larger scale.
Note :
Start this activity first to give the ice cubes time to melt.
Explanation:
The glass with the polystyrene shows a higher water level. On a larger scale, melting glaciers raise sea levels, especially since warming water expands.
Question: What does this tell you about rising water levels on Earth?