The Stream, September 14: Has Thailand Done Enough to Prepare For Floods?

Floods
A recent spate of flooding in Thailand has raised concerns that the country is still not adequately protected against heavy rains and overflowing rivers, Reuters reported. Floods last year killed more than 800 people and shut down major industries.

The largest weather field research project in European history aims to improve flash flood monitoring and forecasting in the Mediterranean region, according to a press release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Climate Change
The melting of Himalayan glaciers—the headwaters of some of Asia’s biggest rivers—will not impact the region’s water supply in the next few decades as much as changing snow and rainfall patterns, according to a new report from the National Research Council, The New York Times reported. The glaciers are, however, melting at accelerating rates, which could intensify water scarcity in the future.

Failed seasonal rains in Ethiopia are being linked to climate change, AlertNet reported. An increasing number of people face food insecurity due to the changes in precipitation, and the Ethiopian government estimates that 3.7 million citizens will need aid between August and December this year.

A United Nations economist has made the latest call for big businesses to put a price tag on the services they get from rivers, forests and other natural resources, Reuters reported.

Water Rights
The state of Arizona cannot retroactively claim the water rights for its 3.7 million hectares (9.3 million acres) of trust land, the state’s Supreme Court ruled. Arizona believes that the land would generate more revenue for services like public schools if water rights were attached, Capitol Media Services 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