Imminent over-population and common effects of said over-population such as, access and quality to fresh water, changing air quality, harmful waste, impacts of over-use of soil, invasive species, impacts on biodiversity and overall climate change along with natural risks (fires etc) are all factors challenging the long-term stability of the Bitterroot Valley. These problems are historical in nature in two ways. First, each of the above listed issues takes time, and human impact, to accumulate to the point of becoming an issue. Generations of impractical and short-term focused living are beginning to take their toll on the once extremely stable and flourishing environment of the Bitterroot Valley. This concept is the premise for the second way in which these environmental issues are historical in nature. Ultimately, it has been determined that these very issues have continuously lead to the demise of great (large) civilizations throughout history, proving that as of yet, no sufficient solution to lowering the impacts of urbanization and high levels of human sustainment has been successfully employed.
The factors underlying the issues listed in the above paragraph that are currently threatening the Bitterroot Valley and Montana are not only common to the area, the mid-west or even the United States but have been posing as dangers to the majority of the world for quite some time. From the ultimate causes, such as geography and climate, to the following intermediate causes, including domestication, population, and impacts of supporting said population, the majority of the world is facing these exact issues. While the ultimate causes originally led to the success and sustainability of major population centers, they are now becoming the opposite in which they are disruptive to the land due to over use and timely climate change. Therefore, just as the Bitterroot Valley was once a paradise and perfect location for sustainability, this area as well as those similar around the world are feeling the wrath of growing population, technology and climate and therefore this area is indeed highly useful when predicting the needs and the future of the world’s environment.