The Stream, March 5: Severe Drought Grips Portugal

Water Shortages
A severe drought in Portugal is ravaging pastures and threatening to worsen the country’s economic crisis, Reuters reported.

Thousands of Texas rice farmers won’t get water for irrigation this year after the Lower Colorado River Authority said it won’t release water into the rivers and canals the farmers use for irrigation, AP reported. The announcement was expected as water levels in the state remain low after more than a year of drought.

Water shortages and pollution are the biggest environmental concerns in India, according to GlobeScan‘s global attitudes tracking.

Energy and Environment
A probe at Poland’s first shale gas exploration well using hydraulic fracturing has shown no harm to the environment, Reuters reported, citing a government study. There are 22 shale gas wells under way or on the drawing board for 2012 in Poland, according to Bloomberg News.

The environment remains the Cinderella of the European Union budget, EurActiv reported, citing an interview with Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment.

Climate Science
Is Antarctica getting warmer and at the same time gaining ice? Carbon Brief and the Guardian discuss the different scenarios.

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