The Stream, March 3: Study Links Drought to Syria Conflict and Climate Change

The Global Rundown

Climate change was likely behind the drought that helped push Syria into civil war, scientists found. Two separate oil spills contaminated river water used for drinking and irrigation in Washington state and Virginia, while ongoing problems with water and sanitation infrastructure are contributing to food insecurity in Gaza. A cholera outbreak in Mozambique led to violence over water purification chemicals. Tastings of bottled water, like those for wine, are catching on in Los Angeles.

“We were living on bread and tea and my five children were badly malnourished as my husband and I couldn’t afford proper food.”–Safa Subha, a Gaza resident, on her family’s difficulties finding food. Food security has diminished due to blockades and conflict, which have also destroyed important water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza. Inter Press Service

By The Numbers

5,600 liters Amount of motor oil that leaked from a storage tank into Washington state’s Yakima River system, used for irrigation. A separate spill of diesel fuel shut down a drinking water plant and closed schools along Virginia’s Appomattox River. Reuters; Associated Press

$18.8 billion Amount consumers in the United States spent on bottled water in 2014. A water sommelier in Los Angeles is campaigning to put water on tasting menus similar to those for wine. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Climate change caused the drought that helped push Syria into civil war, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found. Scientists say the severe drought conditions were two to three times more likely because of a drying trend they linked to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The New York Times

On The Radar

Communities in Mozambique, fearing rumors that the chemicals officials use to purify water actually contain the cholera disease, have reacted violently in some cases. Thirteen people were arrested on suspicion of beating a local chief to death last week after hearing that he stored the chemicals. Xinhua

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