According to a recent article in the NYT, excessively dry weather in its watershed has left long stretches of the Mississippi River at the lowest levels seen since records have been kept. The piece goes on to say that shipping will become more expensive for the $17 billion agricultural products which pass down the river to ports on the Gulf of Mexico. The lower water levels will force shippers to put less weight on barges which will increase traffic on the diminished river.
The same thing is happening on the Rhine river in Europe. Even popular river cruises are being interrupted by low water levels. Much of Germany's industrial production moves on the Rhine, so it will cost more to transport goods, again leading to higher prices for consumers.
We face an existential crisis as climate change becomes more apparent and starts affecting things like water levels in rivers. It is a short step from higher freight pricing to water shortages and rationing in cities around the world. The alarm bells are ringing. Will we answer them or hit the snooze button one more time?
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