The Rushing Rivers Institute invites you to...

Take Action to Reduce Impact of Climate Change

We Have a Global River Crisis

Global Warming has become a big issue in the scientific community. Even the most moderate predictions for climate change foresee the Earth warming at least several degrees by the year of 2100.

Rivers with all their living beings, are vital to the survival of the planet's life forms, and are tragically one of the systems most affected by this climate shift.

Consequences of Global Warming on our Rivers

Rising surface water temperatures, between 2.5 and 5° C, (37-41° F).This has caused fish which normally live in warm water to migrate to the North, where water temperatures are more suited now. Unfortunately these invaders outcompete the current residents, which are less able to adjust to the temperature changes and are dying off. The result is less biodiversity (the total number of different species in an ecosystem) in an area which is important for maintaining food webs.

Changes in the climate system: As the climate becomes warmer, we have to deal with extreme weather changes.

  • Downpours, heavy snowfalls, and flooding
  • Droughts increase water temperatures and pollution.
  • Less snow cover. With less snow to melt in the spring and a lack of rain in summer, river flows are decreasing, water temperature and pollution is rapidly rising.
  • Oceans are warming up. The shift from snow to water led to rising sea levels and coastal flooding. As the see levels rise, the salt water enters rivers along the coastline, forcing freshwater fish to migrate upstream. This migration is not always possible, due to both the lack of escape routes for the fish, and the presence of dams and other man-made structures.

“We conclude that interactions among climate change and life history events identified here will exert a profound influence on...salmon and perhaps the entire complex of coldwater fishes in British Columbia’s southern interior.”

-Kim Hyatt (presenting), Margot Stockwell, Clint Alexander. Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, B. C. Canada,ESSA Technologies Ltd. Vancouver, B. C. Canada

The negative effects of climate change on fish are not always as direct.

In the case of Alaskan Salmon, temperature rises have seen a movement of parasites out of their natural habitat into the north. Salmon, not familiar to these parasites, succumb to disease and are unable to make their upriver climb for spawning. This also hurts other animals that depend on them for survival (Grizzly Bears, Bald Eagles, etc.) that may starve.

Together with overfishing this may cause extinction, which will have negative impacts far beyond the world’s loss of the Alaskan Salmon alone.

In short:

"[Extinction] is sort of a time bomb. If people don't have a plan for it, it can be disastrous when it hits."

-Mary Ruckelshaus Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Other Contributing Factors:

  1. Man-made Structures such as dams
  2. Increased fresh water withdrawals.
  3. Increased pollution
  4. River channelization
  5. Watershed urbanization
  6. Insufficient regulatory frameworks not addressing climate change

These issues not only damage the populations of fish and other aquatic creatures, but dramatically increase the water temperatures, further exacerbate the impact of climate change.

"People think, 'If the impacts aren't going to happen for decades down the road, then we'll deal with it then,’.” We have a lot to lose if we let that happen."

-Patty Glick, National Wildlife Federation climate specialist

Therefore we need Solutions:

“Respondents [of a survey conducted in January 2008] from all groups supported management actions...and the development of science-based fish policies that incorporate climate change...which should include participation from all levels of government, science, academia, non-government organizations, and knowledgeable local stakeholders.”

-Lucian A. Marcogliese (presenting), John M. Casselman. Research Biologist, Ameliasburgh, Ontario, Canada, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

While the scientific community has agreed on global climate change, the development of preventative science and technology is lagging. Concerted and coordinated research dedicated to the protection and preservation of rivers and their organisms is needed now more than ever before.

Rushing Rivers Institute calls for the creation of a global network of River Research Authorities faciliating organized and focused search for solutions involving:


  • A research plan to define the best recommendations to combat Climate Change
  • An action plan on how best to implement those recommendations
  • A management network to reach out to other organizations and coordinate our efforts
  • Pool of resources to promote real change

Take Action NOW!

Continuing to talk without serious investment and action will not get us anywhere.

Rushing Rivers is committed to spearhead this action by:


  1. Initiating Northeastern River Research Authority
  2. Increasing public awareness
  3. Pushing for resources

However, we cannot do it alone.


Scientists, activists decision makers and public, we need your support NOW.


Don't wait any longer...

Help us to save our environment one or the other way:

  1. Making donation for financial support. Even a small amount will help to ensure a healthy environment.
  2. Sending a logo which we can place on our site, to show your support!
  3. Volunteering at Rushing Rivers
  4. Commenting on our blog
  5. Distributing this letter to friends, family and neighbors
  6. Calling your Local State and Federal legislators
    7.


Your contributions will help ensure that the same pristine Earth will continue to be enjoyed by your children, grandchildren, and generations to come.