The Stream, June 11: More Flooding Ahead For World’s Major Rivers

Severe flooding will likely increase in many of the world’s major river basins due to climate change, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, AlertNet reported. The study reviewed 29 rivers and found that the Mekong, Nile, and Amazon rivers, among others, will become more prone to severe floods, while the Mississippi and Danube rivers will likely see fewer floods.

Water Disparities in the U.S.
Ranchers in Oregon’s Klamath Basin are turning off irrigation pumps after the Klamath Tribes, whose senior water rights were confirmed by a March court ruling, requested that enough water remain in the basin’s rivers to protect fisheries, the Associated Press reported. A drought has intensified the conflict between water users in the basin.

Meanwhile, rains are drenching farm fields in the Midwest after last year’s severe drought, posing new problems for the region’s farmers, The New York Times reported. The rain is destroying some infant crops, while preventing others from being planted.

Mining in El Salvador
El Salvador is debating a ban on metals mining, which aims to protect the country’s water supplies from further degradation, but faces stiff opposition from mining companies and political groups, the Guardian reported. The practice has been effectively banned since 2008, but the ban is not yet law.

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