The Stream, August 6: Bangladesh Proposes Canal to Reduce Dhaka Water Pollution

The Global Rundown

In Bangladesh, a canal is being dredged to remove pollution from a major source of fresh water, despite claims it will not solve the root causes of water pollution. A study from a university in Canada explores the tradeoffs between water demand and food security in urban agriculture. Chile is expecting rain this week, which would ease water stress in the drought-stricken capital. From Israel to Iran, a punishing heat wave is scorching the Middle East.

“That was one of the most incredible temperature observations I have ever seen and it is one of the most extreme readings ever in the world.”–Accuweather meteorologist Anthony Sagliani, on the heat wave in the Middle East. The heat wave comes amid power cuts in a number of countries. (Guardian)

By The Numbers

162 kilometers Length of a canal being dredged in Bangladesh to divert water from the Jamuna River to flush pollution from the Buriganga River. The canal is expected to clean up water pollution in Dhaka, the capital, though critics claim it will not address the root of Bangladesh’s water crisis. The Third Pole

Science, Studies, And Reports

Researchers from the University of British Columbia recently published a paper that explored the stress that urban agriculture places on urban water use. While urban agriculture increases food security in certain communities, if pursued on a large scale it could increase urban water demand by more than 50 percent, the study found. Environmental Research Web

On The Radar

Santiago, Chile, is awaiting storms that may ease the region’s punishing, months-long drought. Forecasters predict the capital city could see up to 50 millimeters of rain before returning to a pattern of dry weather. ETurbo News