Mitigating Mississippi River Flood Risks to Food Systems

Flooding along the Mississippi River has long been a significant concern, especially as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. In response to this growing threat, Two Degrees Adapt teamed up with EDF's Climate-Smart Agriculture team to assess the increasing flood risks to food systems infrastructure, focusing on the vulnerability of grain facilities. Our work is helping to highlight the urgent need for innovative, nature-based solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding on critical agricultural infrastructure.

Combining Data to Quantify Flood Risks

Our team used a combination of historical observations and climate projections to assess flood risks along the Mississippi River. By analyzing flood events from the past and considering future scenarios, we were able to quantify the potential damages to grain storage facilities under both 1% and 10% flood risk levels. These calculations were not just about flood depth; we also evaluated the economic consequences of lost grain and the broader impacts on the regional economy. This thorough analysis provided a clear picture of the risks faced by grain elevators and other key infrastructure along the river.

Engaging Stakeholders to Develop Resilient Solutions

One of the key elements of our approach was engaging with stakeholders directly impacted by flooding. We worked closely with grain elevator operators to understand their challenges, gather local insights, and develop practical, resilient solutions. This collaboration helped ensure that the strategies we proposed were both grounded in real-world needs and capable of being implemented effectively.

The Need for Nature-Based Solutions

Through our analysis, it became clear that traditional flood protection measures alone would not be enough to safeguard the Mississippi River’s food systems. Instead, we emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions—strategies that work with, rather than against, natural processes. These measures include wetlands restoration, riparian buffer zones, and other ecosystem-based approaches that reduce flood risk while providing additional environmental and economic benefits.

Our team quantified the potential benefits of these nature-based strategies, such as reduced flood depths and minimized damage to infrastructure. By evaluating these solutions in practical terms, we were able to offer a robust case for integrating green flood risk mitigation strategies into long-term planning for the region.

Delivering Actionable Insights for Decision-Makers

To support informed decision-making, we provided EDF’s Climate-Smart Agriculture team with comprehensive reports, detailed PowerPoint presentations, and supporting datasets. These materials helped synthesize our findings into actionable insights, outlining both the risks and the potential solutions in a format that could be easily shared with policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Looking Ahead: Advancing Green Flood Risk Mitigation

As climate change continues to impact flood patterns, addressing the vulnerability of food systems infrastructure is more urgent than ever. Our work with EDF’s Climate-Smart Agriculture team underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines data, stakeholder engagement, and nature-based solutions to reduce flood risks along the Mississippi River.

By leveraging the power of natural systems, we can help ensure that the region’s grain facilities are more resilient to future floods, safeguarding both food security and the livelihoods of those who rely on the Mississippi River’s agricultural economy.

If you're interested in learning more about our work on flood risk mitigation and climate resilience, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can build a more sustainable and flood-resilient future for Mississippi River food systems.