The Future of Rivers: Insights from River Science








Rivers cover less than 1% of Earth’s surface yet support nearly 10% of all known species. They provide freshwater, food, and livelihoods to billions of people. Yet river ecosystems face mounting pressure from pollution, climate change, and over-extraction. Understanding why…

River basins are among the most ecologically complex and economically vital landscapes on Earth. They sustain freshwater supplies, support biodiversity, regulate regional climates, and underpin the agricultural systems that feed billions of people. Yet, for much of the twentieth century,…

Rivers are among the most ecologically vital systems on the planet. They sustain biodiversity, regulate freshwater cycles, support agriculture, and underpin the economies and cultures of communities across every continent. Yet decades of industrialization, land-use change, dam construction, and pollution…

Rivers are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth. They support roughly 10% of all known species—including more than 40% of the world’s fish species—despite covering less than 1% of the planet’s surface. Yet despite this remarkable concentration of…