Rivers are Shrinking

Are Healthy Rivers a Thing of the Past?

For a lot of people, the weather outside is hot, dry, and getting worse by the day. In multiple regions around the world, rivers are changing while the human-caused climate crisis continues to worsen. The importance of these waterways lies in their ability to retain and disperse water, organisms, gases, and nutrients. They are repositories for rainwater, and they are home to countless plants and animals. Speaking plainly: rivers are essential to our collective well-being on this planet. And, on a worldwide scale, they are in trouble. CNN recently shared an article looking at the current state of 6 rivers, noting: “Most people on the planet depend on rivers in some way, whether for drinking water, to irrigate food, for energy, or to ship goods.”

Colorado River (United States)

Water levels have lowered consistently since 2000
An estimated 40 million people (from seven states and also Mexico) rely on the river

Yangtze River (China)

Low water levels have affected power generation for the people living in the province of Sichuan
With half the rainfall (compared to the past), empty reservoirs, and a power grid that is highly dependent on water flow, 84 million people are at risk of worse conditions

Rhine River (Germany)

Low water levels have had a detrimental effect on ships’ ability to navigate the river
Shipping goods has become more costly, leading to higher-priced goods for consumers

Po River (Italy)

Dry weather combined with minimal water from winter snow has sent this region into the worst drought in 70 years
30% of Italy’s food is produced along this river

Loire River (France)

The water is so low now that there are areas where folks can walk across the river bed to the other side
Just one year ago, the area was vibrant with flowing water and growing plant life

Danube River (Romania)

Another crucial shipping route, laborers in Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria are working on dredging the river to ensure boats can still pass through
This region’s economy depends on tourism, and low water levels cause route delays and closures for passenger vessels.

The changing patterns in rivers around the world are noteworthy because people need healthy rivers to thrive on this planet. The human-caused climate crisis continues to derail historically valuable survival methods by restricting these rivers' access and use. Across the globe, people depend on rivers for nourishment, livelihood, homes, and entertainment. They are vital to the present and future health of everyone, everywhere. It is time for future planning on this important topic in the United States. We cannot sustain the well-being of ourselves and our neighbors without these rivers. NPG believes we must work together to slow, halt, and eventually reverse population growth to preserve these critical lifelines for future generations. Their existence is crucial to our existence.

To read more on population-related issues, please see our Forum paper series here.