Intro Freshwater Overview (12-18) 17/24

Intro Freshwater Overview (12-18) 17/24

Freshwater environments have been mismanaged, leading to pollution, drying rivers and damaged habitats. Mismanagement practices include: Addition of pollutants into freshwater ecosystems, Dams being build which disrupt natural river flow, Ponds being filled in, Peat removal which damages wetland ecosystems, Straightening of rivers, changing what species can survive in the river, More concrete and tarmac - this effects the lands ability to absorb water, Unsustainable water use. Climate change causes more extreme weather events - this can increase flooding and droughts. Also, climate change induced sea-level rise can result in salt penetrating freshwater ecosystems. Intro Freshwater Overview (12-18) 17/24