Human Activity as a Cause of the Disappearing Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States and an essential asset to the environment around it. But does the river face issues regarding disappearing due to human factors? To understand this, we should first look into the factors that contribute to the vanishing of the river.
Human activity has contributed largely to the damage done to the river and its tributaries. The release of industrial and municipal wastewater into the river has seriously posed a threat, especially due to the presence of nutrients especially phosphates and nitrogen, that leads to and increases algae concentrations in waters. Many fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture also flow downstream and have a negative effect. Pollution, including trash, sewage and hazardous waste, regularly flows into and contaminates the basin.
The building of dams has been identified as another major factor that has caused the disappearance of the Mississippi River. The dams block the natural flow of the river and result in overall decreased water levels while also blocking off valuable spawning areas. In addition, the construction of the dams has caused an increase in the water temperature, a decrease in the concentration of oxygen, and significant changes to habitats, which all contribute to the destruction of aquatic life.
Furthermore, industrial water extraction has been reported as a cause of the diminishing of the river. In particular, heavy extraction for industrial use, such as for cooling purposes, impacts the river levels, especially over longer periods of time. Additionally, excessive water extraction for irrigation purposes is identified as an effective factor for the vanishing of the Mississippi River.
Rising Sea Levels: A Contributing Factor
It is not just human activity that has an adverse effect, as rising sea levels around the world have been identified as a major threat to the Mississippi River. The rising sea levels have caused greater saltwater intrusion into the delta and have impacted the natural water-soil systems and plant species in the area. This, in turn, translates to a more rapid flow of freshwater out of the basin towards the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a decrease in the overall river levels. Furthermore, rising sea levels mean more frequent extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, that cause increased erosion and sedimentation leading to water pollution and a decrease in the amount of sediment that is deposited upstream.
The Impact on the Economy and Ecosystem
The all-too-real effects of vanishing of the Mississippi River have had a significant impact on the economy and environment of the region through various industries that rely on the river and its tributaries. Water levels are becoming too low for many vessels to navigate and even minor water recessions can result in devastating economic losses. Furthermore, fish populations that inhabit the river and its tributaries have begun to decrease due to human factors such as fishing, pollution and previous dams, causing negative repercussions for the ecosystem.
Local Efforts for Restoration and Conservation
To counter the loss of the river and its tributaries, local governments, as well as international bodies, have taken steps to restore and protect the river and its ecosystem. For example, the International Joint Commission has been implementing numerous projects to help protect and restore the health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System and its tributaries. In the US, the Army Corps of Engineers have worked to restore and protect the wetlands in the Mississippi River Basin, as well as constructing and improving the protective levee system.
Progress Made and What Needs to Be Done
Overall, progress has been made in reversing the damages caused to the Mississippi River. However, this progress has been slow as the transformation of the area and its surroundings has been a difficult task. More efforts need to be done from local, national, and international levels in order to protect the river and its tributaries. This includes improved monitoring, increased conservation and restoration efforts, and better regulation of the water sources in the basin.
Educating the Public
Education of the public is essential to preserve the river and its surrounding environment. Increased public awareness would help promote sustainability and conservation. By informing the public the effects of human activities, along with the importance of the river and its ecosystem, people can be more conscious of their actions and their impacts on the environment. With this in mind, conservationists and public organizations should continue their efforts to spread the key messages of sustainability and environmental protection
Taking Action and Joining Efforts
The fact that the Mississippi River is vanishing has been established. Now, it is time for action. People can make a difference if they join efforts together and work towards this common goal. Everyone deserves to enjoy the health of the river and its surrounding environment. We can do our part by simply changing our daily habits, like reducing our water use, properly disposing of hazardous materials, and planting trees. Even if these efforts are small, they can have a meaningful impact on the health of the river.
Tax Benefits and Investing in the River
Finally, governments around the world should incentivize citizens and companies to invest in the river. In the US, for example, companies who invest in the river can take advantage of tax incentives, including income tax deductions and credits. This can help companies to support and be part of the solution of preserving the Mississippi River.
Restoring and Protecting the Gulf Coast
Restoration and conservation of the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment is invaluable to the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately, to the world. This will require cooperation between local, national, and international organizations to address the problems of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. The greater commitment and dedicated resources will help ensure the long-term protection of the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River.
Promoting Sustainable Development
Economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion should go hand in hand in order to achieve sustainable development. It is only through careful planning and regulation that the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment can be preserved and protected. Sustainable development requires the whole system to work together in the realization of a healthier environment and ecosystem, that brings both social and economic gains.
Managing Resources and Planning for the Future
Managing resources and increasing research activities are key strategies that can be used to improve the situation. Having informed data and an understanding of the underlying issues will help to identify potential threats and guide strategic decision-making. Government and private sector should work together to create policies and technological advances that are best suited for the environment. By increasing our knowledge, planning for the future and managing resources effectively, the fight to protect the river and its tributaries can be won.
