The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world and considered to be one of the most valuable and influential systems on earth, supplying the United States with fresh water for drinking, irrigation, and power generation. As the climate continues to change, this precious resource is at risk of drying up, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people who call its banks home.
Climate change has already caused the average annual flow of the Mississippi to decrease by one third since the 19th century. Higher temperatures mean less precipitation, less snowmelt and fewer floods, resulting in an overall decrease in the flow rate of the Mississippi. In addition, as the population increases, overpopulation and overuse put further pressure on this finite resource.
According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, the Mississippi River’s north-flowing current is becoming artificially rerouted and redirected due to man-made dams, which can create a warm current circulating in the opposite direction. This warm current decreases the volume of water downstream and creates dry depletions in its wake. As the climate warms up, the rate at which this warm water is circulating will likewise increase, resulting in more speed and less volume of water making its way to the north.
Experts are also worried about the increasing levels of sediment and pollutants polluting the Mississippi River. Pollutants like industrial run-off, agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, and wastewater from cities introduce high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, driving up the oxygen demand and making it difficult for aquatic life to survive. At the same time, sediments and sediment pollutants are released, leading to a decrease in water clarity and smothering bottom-feeding species.
These changes to the Mississippi River could have far-reaching implications for this already fragile and delicate ecosystem. Without enough water upstream, the river could become a shorter and shallower tributary, unable to settle the sediment that is essential to maintaining the health of its aquatic habitats. This, in turn, would have a ripple effect on communities who rely on the Mississippi River for their own livelihood and health.
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help protect this precious resource. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends practices such as reducing sediment and pollutant runoff, improving land use management and restoring wetlands to reduce erosion. In addition, research and monitoring are necessary to understand the long-term ecological effects that climate change may have on the Mississippi River.
What the Local Community is Doing
The communities whose livelihoods are at risk from the drying of the Mississippi are not standing by. Various local initiatives have sprouted up around the country to help reduce the effects of climate change on the river, such as the Wetlands Restoration Project in New Orleans. Established in 2010, the project works to reintroduce wetland vegetation and other forms of aquatic life to restore and balance the natural ecosystems of the Mississippi.
In Mississippi itself, the City of Greenville is leading the way with innovative projects to conserve water, such as installing rainwater catchment systems, promoting more efficient irrigation practices, and encouraging the use of water-wise landscaping. In addition, various local green businesses are working with the community to install water-saving technology to reduce the amount of water consumed.
The Delta Regional Authority is another organization leading the fight to protect the Mississippi River. This agency works with local communities to promote sustainable economic development, environmental conservation, and improved water quality and management.
Adapting to Climate Change and the Drying of the Mississippi
As the climate continues to change, scientists and policy makers need to prioritize adapted strategies that can help manage the impacts of the drying Mississippi River. For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers recently approved a plan to raise the height of a dam near the river, which could lessen the effect of the river’s natural drying. Other measures include the introduction of “living river” plans, which seek to restore the balance between development and the environment by establishing buffer zones along rivers, reservoirs, and streams.
In the end, protecting the Mississippi River requires a combination of policy, education, and scientific research. It is also important to recognize that this is not just an environmental issue, but also a humanitarian one. Saving the Mississippi River is about safeguarding future generations and providing people with access to clean water and healthy aquatic habitats.
The Importance of Public Education
In order to effectively protect the Mississippi River, there needs to be an increased focus on public education. The main goal of public education initiatives should be to raise awareness about the link between climate change and the drying of the Mississippi, as well as to create a greater understanding of the causes and potential risks. Local schools, organizations, and public agencies can lead the charge in spreading the message that protecting the river requires collective action.
One example of a successful public education campaign is “The Great River: The Battle For The Mississippi”, an interactive exhibition created by the Art Alliance of the Mississippi. The exhibition explores the river’s history and the scientific, social, and ecological implications of the climate-driven drying of the Mississippi. In addition, it provides critical information on the role of conservation and restoration in preserving the river and the people who depend upon it.
The Vital Role of International Policy
In order to effectively manage and protect the Mississippi River, it is important to have an international policy in place. The United Nations and other organizations have created various initiatives to bring countries together and address the global effects of climate change. These include goals for reducing greenhouse gases, providing technological assistance and finance, and encouraging sustainable development.
In addition, the Paris Agreement has helped catalyze global action on climate change and provided a framework for collective action. This agreement quantifies the commitments of countries to reduce emissions, and provides incentives and resources for adaptation to climate change and protection of the environment.
Technology as a Potential Solution
Along with policy and public education, technology can also offer potential solutions to the drying of the Mississippi. Various high-tech projects are helping to monitor, protect, and restore the health of the Mississippi River. For example, the Mississippi River Conservation Project is using satellite imagery and data analysis to identify and monitor ecological changes caused by drought and drought-like conditions.
In addition, researchers are developing advanced water management systems to help manage water scarcity and reduce water consumption. For example, the Sustainable Trading System (STS) brings together water producers and customers to maximize efficiency and incentivize water conservation. With technology like this, it may be possible to mitigate the effects of climate change and secure the future of the Mississippi River.
