The Stream, July 21: UN Declares Famine in Somalia

The United Nations has declared famine in two regions of southern Somalia amid a relentless drought that has gripped east Africa, the Guardian reported. Here’s an interactive map of the drought in the region.

This Foreign Affairs article argues that the world does not necessarily face a food price volatility problem. It faces a high food price problem.

An investigation requested by Congress found that 14 U.S. states inaccurately reported hundreds of violations at public water systems to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009, according to the Associated Press.

The Australian Senate is investigating whether the booming coal seam gas industry in the country could contaminate underground water aquifers, AAP reported.

Is the clean energy industry in decline? Foreign Affairs argues that Washington’s policies have encouraged quick and easy projects that cannot compete with conventional carbon-based sources.

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