The Stream, October 21: Mexico City Turns to Rainwater Harvesting

The Global Rundown

Communities in Mexico City are expanding rainwater harvesting efforts to manage floods and water shortages. The Dalai Lama called on the world to protect Tibet’s glaciers from climate change, and New York City and Jerusalem created a new partnership to protect city water supplies from cyber attacks. Researchers in Vermont found that hydraulic fracturing operations could trigger methane leaks from abandoned oil wells.

“The Tibetan Plateau needs to be protected, not just for Tibetans but for the environmental health and sustainability of the entire world.” –The Dalai Lama, in a statement drawing attention to the effect of climate change on Tibet’s glaciers. Rising temperatures threaten glacier-fed rivers that provide water for 1.3 billion people. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

40 percent Water supply lost to leaks in Mexico City, where insufficient infrastructure and water management exacerbate both floods and water shortages. Some communities are turning to rainwater harvesting to help solve the problem. Deutsche Welle

Science, Studies, And Reports

Methane leaks from abandoned oil wells could be linked to new hydraulic fracturing operations, according to a study by researchers at the University of Vermont. A lack of data on abandoned oil wells in the United States could make it harder for fracking companies to avoid working in areas at risk of a leak. Reuters

On The Radar

A new partnership between New York City and Jerusalem aims to identify how city water systems could be vulnerable to cyber attacks, then create protections to prevent them. Cyber security is a growing focus for countries concerned about attacks on critical infrastructure like water and power. 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