The Stream, December 24: Climate Change Not a Threat to White Christmas – Yet

The Global Rundown

Climate change is leaving your Christmas snow alone for now – it’s coming first for your early spring flurries. It’s also coming for food and water security in the Middle East, prompting Arab cities to take green building quite seriously. A water price agreement is proving contentious for Dallas, Texas, and a water-sharing agreement is proving contentious for India and Bangladesh. Thailand and Malaysia are flooding heavily, and golf courses are recognizing the importance of conservation.

“The new reality for American golf is that water is far too precious to be squandered on golf courses.” – Ron Whitten, writer for Golf Digest, in an article praising the conservation measures of two well-known golf courses. (The Washington Post)

By The Numbers

20,000 Number of people evacuated from their homes after heavy flooding in Thailand and Malaysia. Al Jazeera

15 percent Potential increase in water bills which is putting the City of Dallas at odds with the Sabine River Authority. The authority is trying to increase prices of water from Lake Fork, one of Dallas’ most important reservoirs. The Dallas Morning News

Science, Studies, And Reports

Experts say that green building is essential for the Arab world to adapt to the effects of climate change. Increasing urban populations and tightening resources will require cities to be built to the highest standards of ‘green’. Reuters

Climate.gov has released a map of the impact of climate change on Christmas snow cover. Much of the country actually sees increased snow compared to the past; however, spring snow is disappearing. Climate.gov

On The Radar

A river sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh is causing disagreement both within and between the two countries. In the meantime, experts have stated that both countries need to reduce their desired water allotments, as there is simply not enough water available. The Times of India