The Stream, March 16: Sources of Power

As Japan’s nuclear emergency unfolds, the Guardian reports on the surging investor confidence in renewable energy, while a Peabody Energy executive says that the nuclear crisis will benefit the coal industry. Who’s got the power?

Data
According to this infographic in The Economist, the United States is the world’s biggest nuclear-energy producer, followed by France and Japan. And here’s a map that shows the locations of earthquakes and nuclear power plants around the world.

Mining
South Dakota has eased state rules for uranium mining, giving green light for the construction of an uranium mine near a popular tourist destination. Opponents say the mining technique could lead to groundwater contamination.

Transboundary cooperation
Angola, Botswana and Namibia are preparing a cross-border plan to manage Okavango River, Africa’s fourth largest. Foreign experts note that the issues in the basin, ranging from post-conflict restoration and poverty to water supply and biodiversity, are much larger than just the river that runs through it.

Water Leaks
During Fix a Leak Week, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency urges Americans to conserve more water. Across the country, household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water per year, which is enough to meet the water needs of Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles combined.

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.