The Stream, January 13: Methane Emissions From Freshwater Lakes Could Rise Sharply

The Global Rundown

Emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, could increase more than 50 percent from northern freshwater lakes by the end of the century, researchers found. A small glacier in Colorado could disappear in 20 years, and a rule to protect U.S. streams from coal mining may be defeated in Congress. Drought threatens livestock herds in Zimbabwe. Developing countries with vulnerable water supplies share a number of underlying factors, according to a new study. A series of graphics illustrates where California’s water supply stands now.

“Jordan is a peaceful and generous country that has absorbed hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. The U.S. has an opportunity to help Jordan deal with the consequent stress of inadequate water supply, which will improve its political stability, so it’s really in our best interest to do so.” — Steven Gorelick, a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and co-author of a new study that examined countries with vulnerable water supplies. The study found that the countries have common factors, such as corruption, that inhibit water management and development. (Stanford News)

By The Numbers

$150 Price of a cow in Zimbabwe, down from $500 because a drought is forcing many farmers to sell their livestock, flooding the market. Reuters

20 years Time it could take for the Arikaree Glacier in Colorado to disappear due to drought and warming temperatures. The glacier is small, covering about 9 hectares. Associated Press

7 charts Number featured in an article by Grist, illustrating how snowfall and rainfall this winter have affected the California drought. Grist

Science, Studies, And Reports

Methane emissions from freshwater lakes at high northern latitudes could increase between 20 and 54 percent by the end of the century, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Methane is a type of greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. Phys.org

On The Radar

An environmental rule proposed by the Obama administration to protect streams from coal mining faces a challenge from Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to block implementation of the rule. Associated Press

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