Sediments and Loss of Coastline

• Like most delta systems, the wetlands in the Mississippi River Delta are maintained by a constant stream of sediments that travel down the river and stabilize coastal ecosystems. Development on the coast, from draining of wetlands for energy projects to channelling waterways for navigation, have changed or interrupted these flows, causing river sediments simply to flow into the Gulf of Mexico rather than being deposited along the delta to protect the coastline. The result has been a massive loss of coastal wetlands. In fact, scientists estimate that every 48 minutes a piece of wetlands the size of a football field disappears into the Gulf of Mexico.
  
  

Habitat and Biodiversity Loss

• The loss of delta coastline also represents a significant loss of coastal habitat and biodiversity. The penetration of saltwater into freshwater systems, caused by the destabilization of coastal barriers, is toxic for much of the plant and animal life in the area. Similarly, the lack of new sediments drastically reduces the health and resilience of coastal forests and wetlands, essentially starving them of water and nutrients. The Mississippi Delta is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, from numerous species of migratory birds to endangered sperm whales in its deeper waters, all of which are threatened by these changes and losses in habitat.
  
  

Chemical Contamination and Cancer Alley

• Cancer Alley, an unfortunate name given to the area along the Mississippi between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, in which more than 100 chemical and energy companies have set up processing plants, has a rate of cancer far above the national average, presumable caused by dangerous chemicals related to chemical production and refining. The area, predominantly inhabited by poor, minority communities, also has few medical facilities and limited infrastructure. Although Cancer Alley is an extreme example of chemical contamination in the area, it is far from exceptional. Much of the Mississippi Delta has high rates of chemical contamination, posing serious threats to wildlife and public health.
  
  

Climate Change and Vulnerability

• Coastal wetlands and barrier islands, in addition to housing rich biodiversity, act as physical barriers against coastal storms and changes in sea level. Delta systems can also absorb huge amounts of water, acting as natural sponges to reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of flooding. As most scientists agree that global warming could bring higher sea levels and stronger and more frequent storms to the area, coastal deterioration in the Mississippi River Delta could bring about catastrophic changes in the region, hastening the pace of saltwater penetration and wetland loss and leaving an already battered population even more vulnerable to the elements.