The Stream, October 26: Global Water Demand Outpaces Population Growth

Global water use is increasing at twice the rate of population growth, Reuters reported. Developing countries will account for the bulk of the increased demand, potentially using 50 percent more water by 2025, while poverty and climate change add further stress to the situation.

Glaciers in China’s Qinghai Province are melting faster due to climate change, Xinhua reported. The glaciers provide a source of freshwater for many of the country’s major rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang.

In Pakistan, construction is beginning on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which will store water for irrigation and generate electricity from the Indus River, according to India Infoline.

Water shortages and fears of cholera contamination are spurring fights over wells in Zimbabwe’s capital city, The Zimbabwean reported.

The Nebraska state legislature will meet in a special session on November 1 to discuss the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, the Los Angeles Times reported. Public concern about the pipeline has prompted the state’s Republican governor to ask the White House to deny the permit.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek