Land subsidence: Due to geological processes, the Mississippi River Delta is subsiding at an estimated rate of 13.5 mm (0.5 inches) per year, which is faster than the rate of sediment deposition from the river.

Human activity: Human activities such as the construction of levees along the Mississippi River have cut off the supply of sediment to the wetlands and disrupted the natural flow of water and nutrients.

Sea-level rise: Rising sea levels due to climate change exacerbate the problem by inundating coastal areas and submerging wetlands. The subsidence of land and sea-level rise lead to coastal erosion, threatening ecosystems and coastal settlements.

Erosion: The loss of wetlands and vegetation makes the coastline more vulnerable to erosion. The strong waves and currents from hurricanes can cause severe erosion and loss of land, especially in areas where protective measures are inadequate.

Climate change impacts: Changes in climate patterns can also affect the hydrology and ecology of coastal ecosystems, leading to alterations in plant communities and increased stress on wildlife populations.