In 2019, the Mississippi River experienced a severe drought. Following a period of months with very little rain, the river had all but dried up in parts of Mississippi. Despite the fact that this region is known for its extreme weather, the Mississippi River – which is the second longest river in North America – hadn’t dried up in almost 70 years, so this was certainly a cause for concern.
The Mississippi River is considered an integral part of the local economy and a major contributor to the country’s food and transportation networks. Its dramatic drying up raised immediate questions about how such a vital part of the United States – and indeed the world – could suddenly be so adversely affected.
Experts have pointed to a variety of causes for the Mississippi River drying up. Heavy rainfall in the eastern states, combined with lower levels of snowfall over the winter months, led to reduced river flows and prolonged drought in the region. This had the double effect of making the drought worse, given that the Mississippi River’s water levels rely heavily on these two defining weather conditions.
In addition, another cause of the crisis was human-induced environmental change. The burning of fossil fuels for industrial and agricultural purposes has led to an increase in carbon emissions, and thus an increase in global temperatures. The hotter temperatures, also known as climate change, lead to an increase in evaporation from the river, leading to lower volumes of water being available.
Some have also attributed the crisis to the actions of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps are responsible for managing US waterways, and while they have implemented various efforts to manage the river in the past, many believe that the situation could have been avoided with more aggressive efforts.
Despite the fact that the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, it is not the only one to be affected by drought. In recent years, rivers in China, India and various other countries have experienced sudden and dramatic drops in water levels, with many of them now reduced to a trickle in some areas. This further underlines the severity and ubiquity of the global water crisis.
As the world continues to grapple with the impact of climate change, it is essential that steps are taken to protect and preserve the Mississippi River. With careful management, it may be possible to reduce the impact of droughts on the river and ensure that it remains a vital natural resource for generations to come.
Effects on Wildlife and Plant Life
The dramatic drying up of the Mississippi River has had a profound effect on the region’s wildlife and plant life. The river is home to various species of fish, birds and other creatures, and the severe drought has caused their habitats and food supply to deteriorate. This has had a knock-on effect on the region’s ecosystem, with species becoming more vulnerable to predators and the balance of the region’s flora and fauna being thrown into disarray.
Overall, the effects on wildlife have been serious and concerning. Reports of dead fish in the river, and birds and other animals struggling to find food, have demonstrated the stark reality of the situation. As such, it is essential that steps are taken to help protect the region’s wildlife in this difficult time.
Vegetation has also been affected by the drought. The prolonged dry spell has caused trees and other vegetation to become weakened and even die in some cases. The situation is particularly serious for mosses and lichens, which depend on water from the river in order to thrive. With these particular species so vulnerable, it is essential that the region’s conservation authorities take steps to help protect them.
With the dry spell now entering its second year, it is essential that steps are taken to help protect both the wildlife and the vegetation of the region. Without the proper effort and funding, it is likely that the region’s ecosystem will suffer further damage in the coming months.
The Impact on the Economy
The Mississippi River is a vital part of the US economy. Its waters are used to transport goods and materials across the country and its banks have provided a source of income for many people in the region. As such, the sudden drying up of the Mississippi has had an obvious and marked effect on local businesses and the economy as a whole.
In particular, the tourism sector has been hit particularly hard. With parts of the river unusable, or even completely dried up, many of the typically popular activities associated with the Mississippi have become unavailable, depriving businesses of a major source of income. In addition, many of the businesses that rely on the river’s waters for their very existence – such as fishing, canoeing and other water sports – have had to shut up shop.
The livelihood of many of the region’s inhabitants has also been affected by the drought. Farmers, in particular, have had to struggle to survive, with the water shortage making it difficult to support crops and livestock. In addition, many small businesses that depend on the river – such as cafes, restaurants and hotels – have had to close due to the lack of visitors and a fall in trade.
Overall, the effects of the Mississippi River drying up have been wide-reaching and severe. For those with a stake in the region’s economy, the long-term consequences may yet be even worse.
The Solutions Available
Given the severity of the situation, it is essential that steps are taken to combat the effects of the Mississippi River’s drying up. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions that can be implemented to ensure the river’s future.
Firstly, it is essential that more is done to tackle climate change. By reducing the amount of carbon emissions being produced and using more sustainable forms of energy, it may be possible to reduce the effects of global warming, and thus reduce the chances of a similar crisis occurring in the future.
In addition, it is also essential that steps are taken to reduce water usage in the region. By reducing the amount of water taken from the river and encouraging conservation practices, it may be possible to reduce the strain on the region’s water supply, and thus help to protect the river for generations to come.
Finally, it is also important to ensure that the US Army Corps of Engineers does more to manage the water levels of the river. By implementing plans to increase the effectiveness of their efforts, it may be possible to reduce the severity of future droughts, and help to protect the region in the long-term.
Societal Impact
The drought has had a profound effect on the local population, with many feeling a heightened sense of anxiety over the future of the region and the state of their income. In particular, many of the region’s residents rely heavily on the river for their livelihoods, and they are understandably worried about their future prospects in a world without the Mississippi River.
The drought has also had a psychological impact, with many in the region feeling a sense of hopelessness in the face of the crisis. This feeling of powerlessness has led to a rise in the region’s crime rate and a general feeling of despondency amongst the population.
It is essential that steps are taken to address the societal effects of the drought. Efforts should be made to provide help and support to those affected by the crisis, as well as to tackle the feeling of hopelessness that many in the region feel. By providing social services and education opportunities, it may be possible to mitigate the impact of the drought on the people of the region.
Education and Awareness
In order to ensure that a similar situation doesn’t occur again, it is essential that steps are taken to educate people about the importance of water conservation. Educational programs should be put in place to increase awareness of the importance of the river and the effects of climate change on the region.
In addition, it is also crucial that the potential solutions to the crisis are made known. By sharing information about the steps that can be taken to tackle climate change and conserve water, it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of a similar crisis occurring in the future.
Finally, it is important to also raise awareness of the consequences of the drought. By showcasing the impact on the region’s wildlife and plant life, as well as the economic, social and psychological effects, it may be possible to ensure that people understand why the crisis needs to be addressed and why the steps taken to combat it are crucial.
Conclusion
The sudden drying up of the Mississippi River in 2019 has caused a crisis in the region and raised serious questions about how such a vital part of the US could suddenly become so adversely affected. It is essential that steps are taken to ensure the river’s future, and that more is done to tackle climate change, reduce water usage and manage the river’s water levels. It is also important to address the societal effects of the drought and raise awareness about the potential solutions available. Only with a strong and concerted effort can the Mississippi River be preserved for generations to come.
