The Stream, October 17: America and the Climate Change Question

Why is the United States agnostic about climate change while nearly every other nation considers it a pressing problem?

Mexico and the United States are planning two huge desalination plants proposals to wean themselves from the drought-prone Colorado River, Associated Press reported. But not everyone agrees with the desalination negotiations.

Asia
China is rapidly accumulating leverage against its neighbors by undertaking massive hydro-engineering projects on transnational rivers in Asia, according to Brahma Chellaney, professor of Strategic Studies at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research.

Floods in Thailand have swept over a third of the country, killing 297 people since late July and causing $3 billion in damage, Reuters reported. But officials are confident that the low-lying capital Bangkok will be spared after the strengthening of its system of defensive dikes and canals.

Major areas of Malaysia are rapidly running out of water, according to the The New Straits Times.

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.