Environmental Instability
The Mississippi River provides a gateway to the vast American south, its 2,320 miles coursing through 10 states before reaching its end in the Gulf of Mexico. For centuries it has also been a source of flooding, a reminder of the uncertainty of the environment and our fragile connection to nature. This spring, however, the flooding has been especially severe. The region around the small town of Carmen, Illinois has been hit particularly hard, characterized by rapidly rising water levels, overflowing banks, and an onslaught of related problems.
Extreme Weather
Climate experts have said the flooding is caused by an excess of snow and rainfall in the region over the fall and winter months. This, compounded with already higher than average water levels, created a strain on the banks of the river, and conditions continued to worsen in the face of higher temperatures. Some areas of the Mississippi were recorded to have risen to levels which were 5 feet higher than the historical average. A result of this, hundreds of homes in the area around Carmen were flooded, many of which had experienced flooding in the past.
Economic and Health Problems
The intensity of the flooding has had a range of economic and health related impacts. David Walsh of the state department of Agriculture commented on the effect of the flooding on farming, “Farmers in the region have lost over $20,000 in crops and livestock. This will have a long-term implication on the economic stability of many of our farmers and their families”. The rising water has also brought with it a host of health and safety concerns, as sewage and debris have been spotted in the water, leading to advisories against all public contact.
Collaborative Community Efforts
In spite of the immense turmoil experienced by the Carmen area, many stories of hope and communal resilience have emerged. Local non-profit organizations such as ExcelloWorks have aided displaced people and made a significant impact on the community. Churches and other religious institutions have offered aid and relief as well. It’s also important to note that the wider community has addressed these issues. Aid has come from a range of states and other organizations further afield.
Lack of Preventive Measures
Despite the inspiring efforts of those affected by the flooding, the general consensus is that the state and federal governments have been slow to react. In particular, the lack of flood prevention measures such as reinforcing the banks of the river, have been called into question. One example of such a measure is the installation of something called ‘levees’, which are walls erected at the edge of a river which prevent water spilling out. Local environmental experts have said that investments like this have been ignored by the authorities in recent years, and believe this has contributed to the severity of the flooding.
Focus on the Future
The situation in Carmen, and the greater Mississippi area, is ongoing. Unfortunately, it’s likely the flooding will continue to cause problems during the coming months due to the rainfall of late spring season. Key to a better future, however, will be an attitude shift towards the Earth and its resources. Both the approaches of the government and those of individuals must change if the environment and its people are to receive the protection they deserve.
Opportunities for Education
The flooding of the Mississippi is a tragedy that provides an opportunity for learning. Education on how to create a more stable environment and how to better manage resources when faced with natural disasters can help protect at-risk communities in the future. Educators and schools can use current events such as the flooding to teach students practical steps that can be taken when faced with similar issues, such as building protective levees, emergency funds, and other preventive measures. Additionally, more emphasis within the curriculum could be placed on topics like the environment and climate change, deepening knowledge on the importance of protecting our Earth.
Political Framework for Change
Although education is essential, the ultimate responsibility for managing the environment rests with governments and other authorities. As such, one key step towards mitigating problems such as flooding would be the development of better legislative measures. Concrete steps must be taken towards protecting the planet, such as the implementation of laws that impose fines on environmental polluters. Furthermore, important investments must be made towards flood prevention plans such as levees or dams. It’s also important to note the current disparity between funding for rural and urban areas in terms of environmental preservation operations. Governments must step up and publicly address the issues adversely impacting the most vulnerable members of their constituents.
Fitting the Pieces Together
The recent flooding of the Mississippi is a troubling sign of things to come if immediate action is not taken. Putting all the pieces together, it’s clear that many different actors have a role to play in tackling complex environmental issues, from individuals to authorities. Having a basic understanding of the issue is key to developing solutions that can lead to a better, more stable future for all. Education is essential, especially for children, in order to inspire responsible action, and policies must be developed to support and empower at risk communities. The situation in Carmen is one of many – but by coming together to examine, understand and address it, a brighter future awaits.
