The Stream, January 18: Belo Monte Dam License Suspended

The Global Rundown

Brazil’s Belo Monte hydropower dam faces further delays following a court ruling last week that suspended its license. South Africa plans to provide electricity to drought-hit Zambia, while the severe drought in southern Africa will also force countries to import more grain. In a besieged Syrian city, water supplies are only available a few hours each week. U.S. President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency over drinking water in Flint, Michigan. Three-quarters of waterways in England are unlikely to meet European Union pollution standards by 2021.

“Because of the conduct by Governor Snyder’s administration and his refusal to take responsibility, families will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives. Children in Flint will be plagued with brain damage and other health problems. The people of Flint deserve more than an apology.” –U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a presidential candidate, in a statement on the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan. President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in the city over the weekend. (The New York Times)

By The Numbers

10.9 million metric tons Amount of grain countries in southern Africa will need to import due to a severe drought in the region. Bloomberg

300 megawatts Amount of electricity South African power utility Eskom agreed to provide Zambia, where low water supplies have crippled hydropower production. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

Residents in the besieged city of Deir al-Zor, Syria have water supplied only three hours each week, according to a United Nations report. Unverified accounts say as many as 20 people in the city may have died from starvation last year. Reuters

Only a quarter of lakes, rivers, and aquifers in England will comply with water pollution standards under the European Union’s Water Framework Directive by 2021, Environment Agency documents show. The cost of improving conditions could total more than $US 35 billion. ENDS

On The Radar

A federal judge suspended the license for Brazil’s Belo Monte dam last week after finding that the company behind the project did not adequately compensate and support local indigenous communities. The suspension will likely further delay the dam’s completion. Guardian

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