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How a Changing Climate Is Impacting US River Systems

Provided by: The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) |Published on: May 20, 2021

Articles/Websites Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

This short article discusses various climate change impacts on river systems in the United States and the resulting issues related to drinking water, pollution, energy production, and recreation.
Students will learn how changes in river levels, flooding, precipitation, snowpack, and seasonal variability impact US water sources.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Geography

Authors: The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Nick Bradford

Region: USA - Northeast, USA - West, USA - South, USA - Midwest

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This article thoroughly explains the impacts of climate change on water quality and the threats that U.S. rivers face.
A map shows how climate change impacts the water supply and quality in different regions of the US.

Prerequisites

Although this resource focuses on the US, climate change is also impacting river systems around the world.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students could identify their region using the map and discuss any changes or problems they have noticed with the water supply or water quality in their communities.
Engineering or design classes could discuss how each region should start preparing for water supply problems. Students could work in small groups to design a plan for infrastructure and policies to ensure all people have access to clean drinking water as climate change continues to impact the water cycle.
Other resources on this topic include this interactive mapping tool that shows the path a raindrop will take through the waterways of the Earth, this TED video on granting rivers and lakes legal personhood, and this podcast on water scarcity.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

National Environmental Education Foundation

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is the nation's leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, creating opportunities for people to experience and learn about the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. NEEF is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization working to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to people's daily lives.