Climate change is drying up the Colorado River|CC0
All cities and farms rely on water for their daily needs and irrigation, but climate change and increasing droughts are two of the main reasons that threaten this essential resource’s existence.
According to a report by American Rivers, for the first time since 2013, the whole Colorado River has been named the most endangered river in the country.
Colorado River
The Colorado River supports 40 million people, flows through nine National Parks, and drives a $1.4 trillion economy.
The river’s Lake Mead and Lake Pellow—the largest man-made reservoirs—have reached their lowest threshold.
According to Ceres, a sustainable investment advocacy group, its waters irrigate 15% of the country’s farmland and produce 90% of its winter vegetables.
Climatic changes, temperature rise, and increasing droughts are the main factors that threaten the river.
Experts predict the climate crisis will lead to a further decline in water—between 10% and 30% by 2050.
Not only the Colorado River, but the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest and the Mobile River in Alabama are also among the endangered rivers.
Snake River
Snake River in the Pacific Northwest came in second as the most endangered river in the country.
The river has lost 90% of its salmon population following the construction of four federal dams—Ice Harbor, Little Goose, Lower Granite and Lower Monumental on the Snake River.
“Those dams have been the reason why salmon populations are crashing in the Columbia Basin,” said Matt Rice, Director of Southwest Region for American Rivers.
Scientists advise the state government and the Biden Administration to remove the federal dams. The indigenous people in the region have been dependent on salmon since time immemorial.
Mobile River
The Mobile River in Alabama takes the third spot according to the American Rivers. Coal-ash, a by-product of burning coal, is the main culprit threatening the river.
According to studies, heavy metals and toxins from nearby power plants enter the river that may cause cancer and birth defects.
