The Stream, October 1: India Sees Consecutive Years of Drought For First Time In Three Decades

The Global Rundown

Below-normal monsoon rains this summer left India in a drought for the second year in a row. Zambia’s former vice president blamed poor water management for the country’s hydropower troubles. A new report from an international medical organization detailed the high costs of chemicals in the environment. Forecasters warned that heavy rains along the East Coast of the United States could compound flooding problems if a nearby hurricane hits. And a new type of porous concrete could help cities absorb more stormwater.

“What we have now is a weak regulator sitting between two puppies drinking milk from the same saucer.”–Guy Scott, former vice president and current member of parliament in Zambia, on what he sees as poor management of water resources in the Lake Kariba reservoir, where declining water levels are forcing the country to cut hydropower output. (Bloomberg)

By The Numbers

14 percent Monsoon rain deficit in India from June through September, marking the first consecutive drought in the country in three decades. Reuters

3,997 liters Amount of water, per minute, that can be absorbed by a new type of porous concrete. The material could be used to improve stormwater management. Climate Progress

Science, Studies, And Reports

Environmental toxins in air, food, water, and soil contributed to childhood diseases that cost more than $US 76 billion in the United States in 2008, according to a new report outlining the risks posed by chemicals released into the environment. The report, released by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, also noted that chemical manufacturing is expected to grow fastest in developing countries. Reuters

On The Radar

Heavy rains have saturated the East Coast of the United States just as Hurricane Joaquin is poised — maybe — to strike from the Atlantic. Pressure systems across North America could also contribute to high surf along the coast. Bloomberg

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