Impact of Global Warming on Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is known as the largest river system in the United States of America. It is well-known for its vital role in transportation, irrigation, recreation and hydropower services. With increasing global warming, there have been many changes that have been noted in the Mississippi River affecting its ecology, environment, and human activities.
In recent times, the surface temperature of the Mississippi River has been rising considerably. According to the United World Conservation Society, from 1980 to 2020, the surface temperature has increased by an average of 1.1 degrees per decade. Such an increase in temperature has had a direct effect on the Mississippi River system. It has led to slower currents, less water flow and a weakened conservation system.
The presence of more algae blooms has been noted in recent times due to the increased water temperature. Algae blooms cause a decrease in the levels of oxygen in the water, which affects the local flora and fauna adversely. The population of fish, crawfish and other aquatic organisms have seen a sharp decline in recent times. The presence of more nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients further nutrient pollution. This further increases the process of eutrophication, leading to an unhealthy aquatic ecosystem.
Apart from the impact on aquatic life, global warming has also been affecting the human activities around the Mississippi River. With increased temperatures, the region has been witnessing more instances of floods, droughts and storms. The levees have been weakened due to this flooding and storms, causing a vulnerability to the region. The plantations, industries and other human activities have been severely impacted due to these natural disasters. The risk of the floods has also caused an increase in the insurance costs for the region.
Moreover, the increased warming in the atmosphere has been causing snow or sleet precipitation to freeze over. This has been especially reported in the winter months. The frozen water over the surface can cause ice jams, blocked rivers, rapid flooding and other human disruptions.
The changing environment of the Mississippi River has also been causing a disruption in the regular commercial activities in the region. With more extreme weather conditions, the navigation of boats through the river has become more difficult. The higher temperatures have been resulting in decreased waterway distance, increased waiting times and increased wait times.
However, the authorities are taking necessary steps to mitigate the effects of global warming on the Mississippi River. Various organizations are working together to reduce the pollution and conserve the environment around the river. With better regulation and awareness, the adverse effects of global warming can be tackled to a certain extent.
Alternate solution for Conservation
Organisations such as ‘Replant Mississippi’ are taking initiatives to conserve the Mississippi river. The organisation works towards replanting the trees alongside the river. They ensure that the trees can be used as a form of windbreak to reduce soil erosion caused due to gust of wind. Besides, these trees also serve as natural biofilters in the environment, helping in cleaning the river water.
The organisation also helps in creating more wetlands, swamps, and marshes near the Mississippi River. These wetland systems help in controlling the floods, recharge groundwater, and reduce pollution levels. The wetlands provide a suitable habitat for birds and other aquatic organisms, which helps in promoting biodiversity.
Apart from participating in such initiatives, the locals can also help in prioritizing the conservation of the Mississippi River. Every individual can participate in their local initiatives to take care of the river, reduce pollution, and limit the use of water. This can help in a great manner in preserving the river in the long run.
Decreased Productivity
The changing climate of the Mississippi River has also been affecting the agricultural productivity of the region. The increase in temperature has led to a decrease in water availability and an increase in the soil erosion in the region. With the decreased water flow, the river is unable to provide the irrigation services for agricultural purposes. This is further leading to decreased vegetation, and loss of agricultural produce.
Moreover, the increase in the temperature of the river is making it less favorable as a habitat for aquatic organisms. This is reducing the fishery production in the region, which is resulting in a decrease in fish stock and aquatic wealth. The reduced fish production is also leading to a loss of income for the fisherman and nearby villagers.
Economic Implications
The Mississippi River also serves various economic and recreational activities of the people in the region. With the hotter climate and more extreme weather conditions, it is becoming more difficult to utilize the river for economic benefits. Various tourist sites, cultural and recreational activities have been impacted due to the drastic climatic conditions. The less availability of water has also affected the drinking water and other essential services to a great extent.
Apart from this, the transportation of cargo through the river has become very difficult due to the higher temperatures andstorms. This has led to a loss of revenue for the merchants and human transportation, who are using the Mississippi River on a regular basis. This has further resulted in an overall financial loss for the region.
Public Awareness
The increasing problem of global warming can only be solved if public awareness and participation is efficiently gained. To this end, the government and non-profit organisations have started conducting various awareness programmes around the Mississippi River. These programmes spread the message of climatic change and the importance of protecting the environment. The residents of the region are also encouraged to do their bit for the preservation of their environment.
Apart from this, educational activities are also conducted which help in spreading the knowledge about global warming. The students living in these areas are encouraged to plant more trees, minimize their water and energy consumptions, recycle various items and reduce pollution. These activities help in familiarizing people with the conservation of their environment to a great extent.
Government Initiatives
Various states around the Mississippi River have started taking initiatives to reduce global warming. Last year, the state of Missouri has launched an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard program. Under this program, the government is working towards increasing energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and other establishments by 2030. The program focuses on increasing the efficiency of electricity production and other essential services with the help of renewable sources.
The authorities are also focusing on reducing urban emissions and other pollutants. This can be done by increasing the use of electric vehicle, limiting the use of gasoline-powered cars, and introducing other biofuels. Such initiatives have an important role in limiting the point source air pollution in the region.
Moreover, the government is also coming up with an update to the existing zoning codes. This will help in increasing the green spaces and reduce the amount of concrete surfaces air in the region. The wetland restoration is also given focus by creating more wildlife habitats for various organisms. This will also help in reducing soil erosion and flood control.
Conclusion
The changing climate of the Mississippi River has caused multiple environmental, economic and social issues for the region. With global warming on an alarming rate, the preservation of its environment and sustenance of its ecology needs to be given the utmost priority. Only with an efficient use of resources and better awareness, the adverse effects of global warming can be reduced.
