Could a Billionaire or Trillionaire Buy Lake Superior?

Could a billionaire or trillionaire buy Lake Superior? The short answer is: No, and that answer will always stay the same, no matter how wealthy the person might be.

Every once in a while, whispers circulate that a wealthy individual or entity, often characterized as a trillionaire, is interested in purchasing Lake Superior. However, there are several reasons why this is not possible:

Is There a Trillionaire?

The first thing to clarify is that there are no trillionaires. The wealthiest individuals in the world come the closest to this sum but are far from reaching the trillion-dollar mark.

International Boundaries and Legal Restrictions

Another reason why Lake Superior cannot be bought is the international boundary running through the middle of the lake. Any attempt to purchase the entire lake would require two separate deals, one with the United States and another with Canada, due to their shared borderline. This makes the transaction incredibly complex and improbable.

Importance of Lake Superior as a Shipping Lane

Moreover, Lake Superior serves as a significant shipping lane, facilitating the movement of resources between the northern tier states and the northeastern United States. Its value cannot be underestimated in terms of economic and environmental impact.

Regional Agreements for Water Use

Furthermore, there is an agreement among all states and Canadian provinces with shoreline access to Lake Superior that aims to preserve the lake's water. This agreement includes provisions that deny access to any foreign entities attempting to transport the water to new locations. For instance, Nevada has been trying to negotiate access for a pipeline to Lake Superior but faces strong opposition. The states around the lake do not see Los Angeles' golf courses as being a significant enough concern to warrant such a drastic measure.

Financial Scale

For some context, a quadrillionaire is one thousand times richer than a trillionaire, and a quintillionaire is one million times richer. Given these scales, it's clear that the goal of a trillionaire, which is already a far-fetched concept, is not a realistic target for purchasing Lake Superior.

Sarcasm and Misleading Claims

Some might try to play along with the idea by suggesting that Lake Superior is for sale, with prices as low as a mere $0.01 per acre. This is nothing but a mischievous joke, playing on the idea of how much wealth a trillionaire would possess. In reality, the thought of selling such a vast, vital resource for such a low price is highly unlikely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of a billionaire or trillionaire buying Lake Superior is a fun thought experiment, it remains an unrealistic and legal impossibility. The Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, play a vital role in the ecosystem, economy, and culture of the regions they serve, and their preservation is a priority for all related parties.