Brief

New map ranks US rivers by climate resilience and vulnerability

A study of 5.2 million miles of waterways identifies which rivers can sustain aquatic life and which need urgent protection.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:48:22 GMT

A four‑year analysis of 5.2 million miles of rivers and streams in the lower 48 states has produced a colour‑coded map that shows which waterways are most resilient to climate change and which are most vulnerable, according to the study published in PLOS One.

What happened

The researchers evaluated river networks on connectivity, water quality, surrounding land condition, flow alteration and volume. About one‑third of the rivers scored above average for resilience, while 15 percent were classified as vulnerable or below‑average. Resilient rivers cluster along the Pacific Coast, the Northern Rockies, the Great Lakes region, northern Maine and the Gulf Coast. Vulnerable sections appear in the Southwest deserts, lower New England, the short‑grass prairie east of the Rockies and the agricultural Midwest.

What the reports add

Mary Khoury, a freshwater ecologist with The Nature Conservancy, told Science News that the map allows officials to pinpoint where protection or dam removal could boost biodiversity. The study also notes that human needs were not factored into the resilience scores, but the authors suggest that integrating socio‑economic data could guide future conservation decisions.

Key facts

The map covers 5.2 million miles of rivers and streams in the lower 48 states. (independent.co.uk)
One‑third of the waterways are above‑average in climate‑change resilience. (independent.co.uk)
Vulnerable river networks make up 15 percent of the studied system. (independent.co.uk)
Resilient rivers are found on the Pacific Coast, Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, northern Maine and Gulf Coast. (independent.co.uk)
Mary Khoury of The Nature Conservancy said the map can guide protection and dam‑removal efforts. (independent.co.uk)