The Stream, July 11: Tensions High in Israel and Lebanon Over Water

Tensions have heightened between Israeli and Lebanese troops near the site of a tourist center being built on Lebanon’s side of the Hatzbani River, which Israel fears will be used to divert water,The Jerusalem Post reported. Israel has previously threatened military action if Lebanon diverts water from the river.

More than 9.5 billion metric tons of sewage, approximately 76 percent of the total amount generated in China’s Guangdong province in 2011, was released directly into the province’s rivers, China Daily reported, citing a government bulletin.

Indian-controlled Kashmir plans to form an economic advisory council aimed at addressing agreements between India’s central government and Pakistan that it feels exploit the region’s natural resources, Xinhua reported.

Low water flows in the Indus River, caused by delayed glacier melt, are threatening crops in Pakistan, AlertNet reported.

The first half of 2012 was the hottest on record in the United States, while the U.S. Climate Extremes Index also reached a record high, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Tourist resorts in Gambia and other nations are depleting local water supplies and threatening access for local communities, according to a new report from British organization Tourism Concern, Voice of America reported.

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