The Stream, January 23: Andean Glacier Melt a Risk to Water Supply

Water Supply
A new study about Andean glaciers found that the pace of ice retreat in the tropical Andes is “unprecedented,” putting the water supply for many South American communities at risk, the Guardian reported. The study, published in Cryosphere, claims that an average temperature rise of 0.7 degree Celsius over 70 years is behind the accelerated melting.

Iran may purchase water from Tajikistan in order to relieve shortages in the country’s eastern region, Bloomberg News reported, citing the Iranian Students News Agency. The plan is currently being reviewed by a parliamentary committee, according to the report.

Philippines
The recovery from December’s Typhoon Bopha could take years in the southern Philippines, according to the governor of Compostela Valley, one of the areas hardest hit by floods. The governor recently appealed to aid agencies for an extension of relief efforts, AlertNet reported.

In Manila, the utility supplying water to half of the city plans to double its spending on water infrastructure projects this year, Bloomberg News reported.

United Kingdom
Flood warnings have been issued in the United Kingdom, where river levels are rising due to extensive snowfall, the Guardian reported. The winter weather already forced schools to close and stranded travelers.

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