The Earth’s climate is changing faster now than at any point in modern history.
Temperatures have risen in recent years and intense weather events have impacted the timing and intensity of rain events leading to an increase in flooding intensity and duration.
These increases in temperature and precipitation have profound impacts on the Upper Mississippi River ecosystem and the wildlife that rely on it. Greater discharge rates have brought more nutrients and sediment into the river that further degrade water quality. Rising water temperatures could affect habitat for animals affecting fish distribution, increasing the presence of invasive species, and limiting the production of aquatic vegetation.
