The Stream, January 21: Obama Says Climate Change Is Biggest Threat to Future Generations

The Global Rundown

During the 2015 State of the Union Address last night, the President of the United States made it clear that he is concerned about climate change and that Americans should be, too. Pakistan is showing similar sentiments and reinstating its ministry for climate change. Chicago, Illinois is settling with a suburb that owes it millions in unpaid water bills, and Detroit, Michigan has invited the nearby city of Flint to connect to its water service again. Thailand‘s military government plans to invest billions in water infrastructure over the next two years, and physicists in New York have created an ultra-water-repellent material.

“The Pentagon says that climate change poses immediate risks to our national security. We should act like it.” — Barack Obama, President of the United States, during the 2015 State of the Union address. (CNN)

By The Numbers

$US 7.5 billion – Amount Thailand’s military government is planning to invest over the next two years on water infrastructure projects. The investments are part of a 10-year water management initiative that replaces the previous administration’s plan. Reuters

$US 18.5 million – Amount the suburb of Harvey will pay the City of Chicago in a settlement over Harvey’s unpaid water bills. The amount represents just the principal owed – Chicago is waiving the late fees. The sum will be paid back at 3 percent interest over the next 7 years, with monthly payments of $244,000. Chicago Tribune

Science, Studies, And Reports

Scientists at the University of Rochester in New York have created metal so water-repellent that water droplets bounce off of it. The technology involves laser-treating titanium, platinum and brass, and could be used in the future to build structures and devices that do not rust or ice and are ultra-hygienic. BBC

On The Radar

Pakistan has reinstated its ministry for climate change, a move in part to prepare for the upcoming U.N. climate conference in Paris. The ministry was downgraded to a ‘division’ back in 2013 when the current government took power. Reuters

Amid concerns about the safety of the public water supply in Flint, Michigan, the newly-formed Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has extended an offer for the city of Flint to reconnect. Flint disconnected from the Detroit water supply in April 2014 and is currently using water from the Flint River while it waits to connect to a Lake Huron supply. Detroit’s offer would come with an extra $12 million per year in costs for Flint. Detroit Free Press