Mountain Lake Biodiversity: Protecting Critical Ecosystems Dr Dirk Schmeller

From 2019 to 2025, Dr. Dirk Schmeller, AXA Chair on Functional Mountain Ecology, of Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse in France has concluded an impactful research project which focuses on the environmental changes occurring in mountain lakes worldwide. His comprehensive studies have documented alarming shifts in water chemistry, biodiversity, and microbial communities, highlighting an urgent ecological crisis that threatens both wildlife and human water security. 

The core findings of Dr. Schmeller’s research expose a complex web of environmental stressors impacting mountain lake ecosystems. From accelerated ice melting and rising water temperatures to widespread chemical pollution and disease outbreaks among amphibians, his work underscores how these pristine environments are increasingly vulnerable. A key insight reveals the change in color for lakes from crystal blue to summer green should be treated as symptoms of ecological distress thus highlighting the critical role of microbial communities in protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health, suggesting innovative avenues for conservation. Ultimately, his research aims to inform strategies that can mitigate imminent ecological collapse and safeguard the vital freshwater resources that these mountain lakes provide. 
 
For a comprehensive understanding of the findings and implications, please refer to the full detailed report below.