Rivers and Global Warming

Preparing rivers and communities for the impacts of a changing climate

The impacts of global warming will hit rivers and river communities first and worst, in the form of increased droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases. Along with decreasing global warming pollution, protecting and restoring rivers must be part of the solution. Healthy rivers boost community safety and security, building resilience against these impacts and helping communities thrive in the face of a changing climate.


American Rivers is shining a national spotlight on how global warming is threatening river health, clean water, and water supplies, and we are promoting 21st century green infrastructure solutions that protect communities and enhance health, safety and quality of life. 

American Rivers is also working to strengthen and pass legislation in Congress that will address this growing threat. The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive climate bill in June 2009 and the Senate is currently considering similar legislation.

Our Rivers and Global Warming Work The Solution: Greening Water Infrastructure Overview of Climate Impacts The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733) The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) Hydropower Dams in an Era of Global Warming

Press Releases Bill to Add Wind Coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program Was Pulled from the House Floor Today (07/23/10) ‘Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2010’ Introduced to Senate (07/09/10) American Rivers and 13 Milwaukee Groups Receive $3.7 Million in Green Infrastructure Grants (05/10/10) Reforms Needed as Flood Insurance Reauthorization Moves Forward (04/27/10) More

Blog Posts Stopping Sewage Overflows (08/23/10) EPA Confirms Milwaukee as a Leader on Green Infrastructure (08/23/10) Falls Lake -- Cleaning the Lake Means Cleaning the Rivers (08/20/10) Supporting Agricultural Conservation Programs (08/18/10) More