The Stream, January 31: Mining and Food Production

Australia’s first law intended to protect prime agricultural land from mining has come into effect in Queensland, ABC reported. Though the law covers about 4 percent of the state’s land, critics say it will only apply to open-pit mining and not cover underground mining, exploration work or coal seam gas (coal-bed methane) production.

Australia is building a $100 million water pipeline to supply four coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas plants, according to ABC.

The Atlantic highlights some of the U.S. cities most likely to suffer from future drought conditions.

Elizabeth Economy asks whether China’s potentially game-changing water reforms can take root and blossom.

The world is running out of time to ensure sufficient food, water and energy to its rapidly growing population, a new U.N. report has warned. By 2030, the world will need at least 50 percent more food, 45 percent more energy and 30 percent more water.

Why is Chesapeake Energy drawing down some of its shale gas operations after selling numerous pieces of its vast shale gas holdings to the world’s largest energy companies?

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