The Stream, December 16: Electronic Waste Expected to Increase 33 Percent in Four Years, Poses Water Pollution Threat
Pollution
Discarded computers, tablets, refrigerators, and other electronics are the fastest growing type of waste in the world, according to a report from the United Nations Step initiative, the Guardian reported. The toxic “e-waste”, primarily generated in the developed world, poses a serious pollution threat to the water, air and soil of developing countries, where it is often dumped.
A proposed United States Coast Guard rule requiring shipping companies to test the components of fracking wastewater before transporting it by barge on rivers is not enough to protect waterways, environmental groups argue, the Associated Press reported. The rule would still allow wastewater containing toxic chemicals to be shipped—a solution proponents say would cut down on truck traffic and decrease the risk of spills on land.
Water Supply
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting the Mekong River Delta to learn more about how climate change and large hydropower projects could affect water flows and supply along the river, Reuters reported. Plans for four more Chinese dams as well as two dams in Cambodia have the potential to significantly alter sediment levels and fisheries in the basin.
Water Aid
The United Nations has appealed for $US 6.5 billion to provide aid for victims of the Syria conflict in 2014, Reuters reported. The record appeal is meant to provide drinking water, food, shelter, medication and other services to 16 million people affected by the conflict.
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.
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
If there’s ever been a case where environmentalists have been clearly proven to over exaggerate, it’s with their opposition to the US Coast Guard rules regarding transportation of Fracking wastewater. The amount of toxic chemicals in fracking wastewater is less than 1% and for it to spill into even a medium-sized waterway would result in a 0% damage due to the fact that these chemicals would be diluted down to a point where it would be less toxic than your typical storm water runoff from a city street