The Stream, February 13: Global Ice Melt

Climate
The global ice melt from 2003 to 2010 resulted in enough water to flood the entire United States in a foot and a half of melted ice, according to researchers from the University of Colorado.

The U.K. Environment Agency has warned of a potential drought in England this summer after record low rainfall in the winter has failed to fill up rivers and underground aquifers, The Observer reported. The impending crisis – which could have severe consequences for farming, tourism, industry and domestic life – has been building for the past 18 months.

Energy
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has fined gas company Chesapeake Energy more than $500,000 for violating rules protecting streams and wetlands, Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved last week the first new nuclear reactors in the United States for more than 30 years, Financial Times reported.

China
A Chinese maritime court ordered the detention of a South Korean cargo ship over a chemical leak that polluted the Yangtze River, Reuters reported.

The main contractor of China’s Three Gorges Dam has signed a deal worth nearly $1.4 billion to build a hydropower station in South Sudan.

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.