I would say that another critical element of civilization is Energy production. Existing infrastructure requires energy to run, even as it is phased out as spare parts become irreplacable. A serious source of energy is going to power whatever civilizations rise. The Mississippi may be able to run on Hydroelectric energy, but they will be well-advised to try to secure uranium from the Colorado rockies to really keep the machines running.
That's a great point. I don't think that we'll run "out" of energy any time soon insofar as it's required for function. I do think that energy will become necessarily more expensive over time leading people or peoples to develop more energy-efficient methods of survival and industry. If the US does re-open atomic power, the Mississippi river and the Missouri river will absolutely be regions where energy is cheap in comparison to the costal metropoles.
I would say that another critical element of civilization is Energy production. Existing infrastructure requires energy to run, even as it is phased out as spare parts become irreplacable. A serious source of energy is going to power whatever civilizations rise. The Mississippi may be able to run on Hydroelectric energy, but they will be well-advised to try to secure uranium from the Colorado rockies to really keep the machines running.
That's a great point. I don't think that we'll run "out" of energy any time soon insofar as it's required for function. I do think that energy will become necessarily more expensive over time leading people or peoples to develop more energy-efficient methods of survival and industry. If the US does re-open atomic power, the Mississippi river and the Missouri river will absolutely be regions where energy is cheap in comparison to the costal metropoles.