Low water levels disrupt transportation on the Mississippi River

Low water levels disrupt transportation on the Mississippi River

For the third consecutive year, drought in the Midwest is driving down water levels in the Mississippi River, hampering the transport of fuel and grain and pushing businesses to find alternatives.

Kristoffer Tigue reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Drought conditions in the Midwest have lowered Mississippi River water levels since mid-July, causing transportation delays and increased costs for goods like grain and fuel.
  • Barge operators are facing rising costs, with barge rates increasing by 57% compared to the three-year average, leading to higher shipping expenses for businesses.
  • Climate scientists warn that alternating wet and dry conditions may become more common as climate change affects regional weather patterns.

Key quote:

“This was front and center for us. One of the main things that we talked about were these rapid oscillations … between wet to dry and dry to wet extremes..”

— Aaron Wilson, Ohio’s state climatologist and a professor at Ohio State University

Why this matters:

The Mississippi River plays a crucial role in U.S. agricultural exports. Prolonged disruptions could hurt U.S. farmers, especially soy growers, and allow foreign competitors to gain an advantage in the global market.

Smiling people with signs marching in support of science.

U.S. science policy drifts, recalling Soviet era

Political scientists warn that the Trump administration’s handling of climate science and environmental policy recalls the Soviet dismissal of scientific integrity and comes amid a rapid erosion of democratic norms.

Lois Parshley reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
silhouette of buildings in Seville, Spain against a golden evening sky.

Traditional solutions in Spain combatting the challenge of modern heat waves

As Spain swelters under record-breaking temperatures, centuries-old coping methods — from siestas to thick-walled homes — offer practical lessons for a warming Europe.

Jason Horowitz and Ilvy Njiokiktjien report for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
Young girl foraging and picking for rose hips.

Urban food forests bring fresh food and nature into city life

Small plots in cities are being transformed into layered food forests, giving residents a chance to harvest fruits and nuts while supporting local ecosystems.

Allyson Chiu reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
Depiction of Planet Earth half-engulfed by raging inferno.

Human-driven carbon surge could mimic ancient extinctions

The planet’s breakneck release of carbon dioxide may be steering Earth toward a tipping point that echoes the planet’s most catastrophic die-offs.

Peter Brannen reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
A closeup of a wind turbine with green fields in the background.

Trump administration uses conservation laws to block wind and solar projects

The U.S. Department of the Interior is applying decades-old environmental laws to slow or stop renewable energy development on public land, using legal tools once aimed at fossil fuels.

Rebecca Egan McCarthy reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
City skyline with freeways winding through downtown.

EPA faces fierce opposition over plan to repeal greenhouse gas health finding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency heard overwhelming opposition Tuesday as it opened public hearings on its proposal to revoke its 2009 finding that greenhouse gases harm human health.

Aidan Hughes reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
A power station with smoke billowing from towers

Trump administration’s energy report draws legal fire from states over fossil fuel plant orders

Nine states are challenging the U.S. Department of Energy’s use of a flawed report that could be used to keep coal and gas plants running past retirement dates, raising legal and economic concerns.

Jeff St. John reports for Canary Media.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.