Consider This from NPR What Happens When The Mighty Mississippi Becomes The Measly Mississippi
Nov 4, 2022
Join NPR reporter Debbie Elliot, who specializes in climate change, as she discusses the alarming drops in Mississippi River water levels due to unprecedented drought. Debbie highlights the dangerous encroachment of salty Gulf waters into the river, threatening local water supplies. She also shares stories from Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco and Eva Tesfaye, who reveal how flooding exacerbates challenges for river communities. Listen as they explore innovative solutions and the emotional toll on families faced with these drastic environmental changes.
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Dredge Hurley's Struggle
- Captain Adrian Perani, piloting an Army Corps of Engineers ship, describes the Mississippi's low water levels as the worst he's seen.
- His ship, the Dredge Hurley, works to keep sections of the river north of Memphis navigable.
Mississippi's Importance and Climate Impact
- The Mississippi River is a crucial trade route, transporting 500 million tons of goods annually.
- Recent years have seen both record highs and lows in the river's depth, exacerbated by climate change.
Mississippi's Export Role
- About 60% of U.S. exports travel through the central Gulf, utilizing the Mississippi River.
- Goods from states as far north as Wisconsin and Minnesota flow down to New Orleans via this route.