The Stream, November 10: Water Makes World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Trends for 2015

The Global Rundown

Worsening water stress was identified by the World Economic Forum as one of the top global trends to watch next year. Water stress has prompted Georgia to sue the U.S. government, while water stress in California is being exacerbated by illegal marijuana operations. Singapore’s smart water grid is reducing leaks and water waste. Kenya is looking to raise water rates in Nairobi, Abu Dhabi is considering cutting water subsidies, and Nigeria is borrowing millions to build water projects. Global cereal stocks have rebounded after the 2012 U.S. drought.

“Resource-constrained water stress will be the norm for Asia, while finance-constrained will be the norm for Africa.” –Matt Damon discussing increasing water stress, identified by the World Economic Forum as one of the Top 10 Trends of 2015. WEF

By The Numbers

90 percent Increase to water tariffs in Nairobi that is being considered by Kenya in order to fund infrastructure. Bloomberg

1 millisecond Time it takes Singapore’s state-of-the-art sensor system to monitor the city’s water grid for leaks, catching problems before they escalate and reducing waste. New Scientist

1.2 billion gallons Water stolen by illegal marijuana growers in California over the past two years. NBC News

$945 million Amount Nigeria will borrow from the International Development Association to finance irrigation and drainage projects. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

Global cereal stocks could reach a 15-year high due to record corn and wheat production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Stocks reached some of their lowest levels just two years ago after a major drought hit United States corn crops. FAO

On The Radar

Abu Dhabi is considering restructuring subsidies for water and electricity, according to an official from the International Monetary Fund. Subsidies account for 20 percent of Abu Dhabi’s annual expenditures. Reuters

Georgia has sued the United States Army Corps of Engineers due to its failure to address the state’s request for more water to supply Atlanta. Georgia is asking for more water from Lake Allatoona, which is part of a river basin the state shares with neighboring Alabama. Reuters

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