Over the past century, Pennsylvania has experienced significant changes in its population, water resources, temperature, and overall development. As a state rich in history and natural beauty, Pennsylvania has seen rapid growth and urbanization, as well as environmental challenges. This essay will explore the evolution of Pennsylvania over the last 100 years, focusing on population growth, water resources, temperature changes, the status of wildlife, and the state’s progress in civilization.
Pennsylvania’s population has grown steadily over the past century, reflecting both national trends and the state’s economic development. In 1920, Pennsylvania’s population was around 8.7 million. As of the 2020 census, the state’s population had grown to approximately 13 million. This growth has been driven by urbanization, the expansion of industrial sectors, and immigration, particularly to cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Pennsylvania’s economy transitioned from a heavy reliance on coal, steel, and manufacturing to a more diversified economy that includes finance, healthcare, and education. This shift attracted new residents to the state, although growth has slowed in recent decades as industries evolved and many rural areas faced population declines. Today, Pennsylvania remains one of the most populous states in the U.S., with urban areas continuing to grow while some rural communities experience stagnation or decline.
Water Resources in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is blessed with abundant water resources, including rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Major rivers like the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Allegheny have played critical roles in the state’s development, providing water for cities, agriculture, and industry. These rivers also support biodiversity and serve as recreational sites for fishing, boating, and tourism.
Despite its ample water supply, Pennsylvania has faced challenges related to water quality and management. The state has a long history of industrial pollution, particularly from coal mining and steel production, which has led to contamination of rivers and groundwater. The Susquehanna River, for example, has suffered from pollution linked to agriculture and urban runoff, affecting both water quality and aquatic life.
Efforts to improve water quality have been ongoing, with legislation like the Clean Water Act and state-level regulations helping to reduce pollution. However, issues like nutrient runoff from farms and abandoned mine drainage still pose significant challenges.
Temperature and Climate Change
Pennsylvania’s climate has also undergone notable changes over the past century, particularly in terms of rising temperatures. Like much of the northeastern United States, Pennsylvania has seen a gradual increase in average temperatures due to global climate change. Over the last century, average temperatures in the state have increased by approximately 2°F, with more frequent heatwaves in the summer and warmer winters.
These temperature changes have had various effects on Pennsylvania’s environment. Warmer temperatures have led to shifts in growing seasons for agriculture, affecting crops like apples and corn. Additionally, higher temperatures have contributed to increased precipitation in some areas, resulting in more frequent flooding, particularly in river basins like the Susquehanna and Delaware.
Drying Water Reservoirs and Drought
Although Pennsylvania is not typically known for severe drought conditions, certain regions have experienced issues with water supply in recent years due to climate variability and human activity. While no major water reservoirs have completely dried up, the state has seen reduced water levels in some reservoirs and aquifers during extended dry periods, especially in the summer months.
The demand for water, particularly in growing urban areas, combined with the effects of climate change, has led to periodic concerns about water shortages. Drought conditions in the early 2000s and again in 2016 raised alarms, prompting calls for better water conservation and management practices.
Extinct or Endangered Animals in Pennsylvania
As Pennsylvania’s environment has changed, so too has its wildlife. Over the past century, several species have become extinct or critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting. One notable example is the eastern elk,
which was driven to extinction in Pennsylvania by the late 1800s due to overhunting and habitat destruction. However, efforts to reintroduce elk in the state have been successful, and today a small population of elk exists in north-central Pennsylvania.
Other animals, such as the eastern cougar (or mountain lion), have also disappeared from Pennsylvania’s wilderness. The eastern cougar is considered extinct, although unconfirmed sightings occasionally occur. Meanwhile, the Indiana bat
and bog turtle are among the species currently endangered, primarily due to habitat loss and environmental degradation.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and species reintroduction programs, have helped prevent the extinction of some species. For example, the bald eagle, which once faced extinction, has made a remarkable comeback in Pennsylvania due to conservation initiatives and legal protections.
Progress in Civilization and Urbanization
Over the past century, Pennsylvania has seen significant progress in civilization, with advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare contributing to the state’s modern development. The rise of cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg as hubs of industry, culture, and technology has fueled economic growth and improved the standard of living for many residents.
The expansion of transportation networks, including highways, railroads, and airports, has connected Pennsylvania to the rest of the nation and facilitated trade and commerce. At the same time, the state’s universities, such as Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania, have become leaders in research and innovation, particularly in fields like healthcare, engineering, and the life sciences.
However, this progress has not been without challenges. The decline of heavy industry in the late 20th century led to economic downturns in cities like Pittsburgh, which had to reinvent themselves as centers of technology and education. Rural areas, too, have struggled with population decline and economic stagnation as agriculture and mining have become less central to the state’s economy.
Conclusion
The evolution of Pennsylvania over the past 100 years is a story of growth, change, and adaptation. Population growth and urbanization have transformed the state, while shifts in climate and environmental challenges have tested its natural resources and wildlife. Conservation efforts, combined with progress in civilization, have helped Pennsylvania navigate these changes, though ongoing efforts will be required to protect its environment and ensure sustainable development for future generations. From its abundant water resources to its diverse wildlife, Pennsylvania remains a dynamic state that continues to evolve in response to both human and natural forces.
