The Stream, March 13: South American Gold Rush Triggers Worries Over Water

What are “social-environmental” conflicts? Why are mining projects triggering mass protests in Argentina and Peru? Le Monde reports on the gold rush for South America’s mineral resources and the local response.

Agriculture
Water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture is costing billions of dollars a year in developed countries and will become worse in China and India as farmers race to increase food production to feed growing populations, Bloomberg reported, citing a new study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Meanwhile, the United Nations warned that farming will need 19 percent more water by 2050 to meet the soaring demands for food, much of it in regions already suffering from water scarcity, Bloomberg reported.

The U.N. has also unveiled the 4th World Water Development Report, which comes out every three years, at the World Water Forum in Marseille, France.

Europe
Europe needs to redouble its efforts in water efficiency to avoid undermining its economy, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency.

Seven water companies in Britain imposed water restrictions on their customers after the U.K.’s Environment Agency warned that the drought in the country could spread to more regions if the dry weather continues this spring, Reuters 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.