The Stream, October 13: Antarctic Ice Shelves At Risk of Severe Melting, Study Finds

The Global Rundown

If greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, the melting of Antarctica’s ice shelves could accelerate to risky levels by the end of the century, scientists found. Agricultural land grabs covered more than 30 million hectares around the world over the past 15 years, according to a new report. Japan will begin freezing soil near its damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant to stop the flow of contaminated water. Nicaragua denied permits for a proposed gold mine due to concerns about its effects on water supplies and nearby communities.

“As the radiation levels decrease via natural decay, water management becomes the main issue. It is a very important issue for the public, and good water management is needed for Tepco to restore the public’s trust.”–Dale Klein, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on the continuing challenge of controlling contaminated water at Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Tepco, the utility that operates the plant, soon plans to freeze a barrier of soil to stop water from entering the plant. (Bloomberg)

By The Numbers

36.2 million hectares Area of land leased or bought around the world by foreign investors hoping to use it for agricultural production — a practice that is sometimes called land grabbing. Most of the land is in Africa. Yale Environment 360

Science, Studies, And Reports

Surfacing melting on Antarctic ice shelves could double by 2050, meaning the shelves could be at risk of collapsing by the end of the century, according to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The projections of ice melt were based on current rates of greenhouse gas emissions. Guardian

On The Radar

Nicaragua rejected a proposed gold mining project Monday citing environmental concerns. The mine project, pursued by Canadian company, would negatively affect water sources and communities, according to the government. Reuters

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