The Stream, November 12: Concerns Grow About Food Supply’s Reaction to Heat Waves, Water Scarcity

Climate Change
The next report released by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is expected to contain stronger warnings about the security of the world’s food supply, The New York Times reported, citing a leaked version of the report. Previous releases from the IPCC reflected hope that the increased plant growth prompted by rising carbon dioxide levels would offset the negative effects of higher temperatures and greater water scarcity, but advances in climate modeling have researchers worried that this will not be the case.

Warming temperatures and the development of Alberta’s oil sands may be contributing to a drought in Canada’s Peace-Athabasca Delta, one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world, Yale Environment 360 reported. Though cyclical drought is natural in the delta, researchers are worried about an increasingly long dry period that could negatively affect the region’s biodiversity.

Philippines
Some delegates at international climate talks in Warsaw, led by a delegate from the Philippines, have promised to fast until there is positive action taken to curb climate change, Bloomberg Businessweek reported. The stand comes after deadly Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc in the Philippines last week, and the release of a new report that shows Haiti and the Philippines had the most damage from climate disasters in 2012.

The spread of disease remains a top concern in the storm-hit Philippines, where many survivors have little access to clean water and sanitation, The Wall Street Journal reported. Health officials in the Philippines say that the greatest risks are diarrhea and leptospirosis, which can lead to meningitis and liver failure, among other symptoms.

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