Understanding one's place in the watershed: How earth science can inform perceptions about the future of the New Orleans region

The Gulf Coast region will continue to be influenced by natural events including hurricanes, tornadoes, river flooding, as well as development of barrier islands and the elimination of wetlands and coastal wetland forests. These factors need to be placed in the context of rising sea levels, changing temperatures, and modified weather patterns resulting from global climate change. Even though the public focus and news media are currently following the reconstruction of New Orleans, it is urgent that the circumstances leading to the hurricane disaster be placed into a broader public understanding of anthropogenic changes in river systems within the US and the world. Earth sciences can inform our perceptions only if our society begins to understand our position and responsibilities in the wider realms of “place,” locally, regionally, and globally. Earth sciences should be taught as an integrated whole in courses. Two issues in particular must be understood: biotic integrity of watersheds and sustainable use of water resources.