The Stream, October 12: Millions in Pacific Could Face Water Shortages From El Nino

The Global Rundown

A strong El Nino event in the coming months could leave millions of people in the Pacific region short of food and water, according to the United Nations and aid organizations. A drought in Tanzania is forcing the country to close all of its hydropower plants, and wildfires continue to burn across Indonesia. A survey found that most Australians would feel safe drinking recycled water. A federal court in the United States placed the country’s new clean water rule on hold.

“Petitioners have demonstrated a substantial possibility of success on the merits of their claims.”–U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a decision that puts the Environmental Protection Agency’s new clean water rule on hold across the country. Thirty-one states have taken legal action to stop the rule — designed to clarify which waterways are protected by the federal Clean Water Act — which they say is an overreach of federal authority. (The Wall Street Journal)

By The Numbers

4.1 million people Number living in the Pacific region who are at risk of food and water shortages in the coming months due to an El Nino. Guardian

35 percent Share of Tanzania’s electricity produced by hydropower. The country decided Friday to close all of its hydropower plants because of low water levels. BBC News

Science, Studies, And Reports

Nearly 70 percent of respondents across Australia expressed confidence in drinking recycled water, the Australian Water Consumer Survey found. The survey represents a shift in public attitudes that could influence policy decisions about how to secure freshwater supplies during the country’s next major drought. The Conversation

On The Radar

Aircraft from Malaysia and Singapore have joined Indonesian forces for water-bombing operations to put out wildfires on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Authorities have struggled to control the fires, which are creating smog across Southeast Asia. Agence France-Presse

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