The Stream, September 25: Sustainable Development Summit Kicks Off In New York

The Global Rundown

Global leaders meet in New York today at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit to adopt a new set of international goals. Water pollution is one of the top three concerns of people living in China, according to a survey. The number of coal mines in the United States is declining, while mines in Peru are cutting back as global metal prices drop. Las Vegas is one step closer to completing a new project to secure water supplies from Lake Mead.

“UNDP is totally committed to working alongside all developing countries to achieve the SDGs and to work with developed countries on making it possible through getting the funding which will help support us to help build and develop the capacity of countries to fly.”–Helen Clark, administrator of the UN Development Programme, on the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals set to be adopted this weekend in New York City. For the first time, the international development agenda includes a dedicated goal for water. (UN News Centre)

By The Numbers

75 percent Survey respondents in China who listed water pollution as either a “very big problem” or a “moderately big problem”, ranking it third behind corruption and air pollution. Bloomberg

8.6 tons Weight of a steel ball removed from a new water intake on Lake Mead, another step toward opening what is known as the “Third Straw”. The project is meant to ensure water supplies for Las Vegas even if water levels in the reservoir continue to decline. Associated Press

Science, Studies, And Reports

The number of coal mines in the United States is declining, with 2013 recording the lowest number of active mines in a decade, according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The report attributed the decline to competition from natural gas, low levels of investment, stagnant electricity demand, weak export markets, and regulatory and permitting challenges. Coal fired power plants are significant water users in the United States. Yale Environment 360

On The Radar

As prices decline for metals like copper and silver, mining companies in Peru are cutting spending on personnel, supplies, and services. Nonetheless, officials said mines in the country are more likely to remain open than those in competing countries due to lower energy and labor costs and higher water availability. 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