The Stream, March 23: Water Security Is National Security

Water scarcity will likely create conflict in regions around the world within the next decade, according to a report from the United States Director of National Intelligence, launched March 22 in Washington. The report, available here, predicts that water-linked instability is most likely to occur in South Asia and the Middle East.

Providing enough water to feed the planet is essential for building a sustainable future, said United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, Xinhua reported. The theme of yesterday’s UN World Water Day was water and food security.

Mining
Water pollution from acid mine drainage poses a significant challenge to South Africa, whose government has called on citizens to offer solutions, News 24 reported.

Global mining companies were ranked according to their social and environmental performance in a report from Zurich-based RepRisk, a business information firm, according to United Press International.

United States
President Obama has agreed to speed up construction on an oil pipeline running from Oklahoma to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico, the southern portion of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, the Guardian reported. In its entirety, the Keystone XL pipeline would carry crude oil from Canada’s tar sands to the Gulf, potentially crossing important water resources.

Texas farmers suffered the costliest drought in state history in 2011, with losses reaching $7.6 billion, according to research from Texas A&M University, Reuters 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