The Stream, October 24: U.K. Flood Defense Funding Not Equitable

The Global Rundown

An investigation into the way the United Kingdom allocates flood defense funding concluded that wealthier areas may get more protection. Floods in Pennsylvania ruptured a pipeline, causing gasoline to spill into a tributary of the Susquehanna River. In Thailand, flood conditions eased in the Chao Phraya River basin. Water laws need better implementation in Afghanistan to prevent water disputes, according to the United Nations. Dozens of people were arrested in North Dakota over the weekend as they protested the Dakota Access oil pipeline. A meatless hamburger produced with less water and fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the traditional variety is gaining traction in California.

“Whether you are rich or poor, having your home damaged by flooding is devastating – and a postcode lottery to decide who gets protection simply isn’t fair. It’s simply wrong for richer areas to get more protection than poorer ones.” –Caroline Lucas, a member of Parliament in the United Kingdom and co-leader of the Green Party, on the formula used to decide which flood defense projects the government funds. The current system could favor projects in wealthier areas, according to an investigation by the Press Association. (Press Association)

By The Numbers

1,473 cubic meters per second Amount of water being released from Thailand’s Chao Phraya dam as of Sunday, the lowest rate of flow in a month. Flood conditions in the Chao Phraya River basin are abating, and officials expect water levels to return to normal by the end of the month. Bangkok Post

83 protesters Number arrested in North Dakota Saturday while demonstrating against the Dakota Access oil pipeline. The pipeline, currently under construction, has sparked protests across the country over its potential to harm water resources and Native American cultural sites. Reuters

74 percent Reduction in the amount of water required to make an Impossible Burger compared to a traditional hamburger. The company behind the burger hopes it will reduce the world’s reliance on livestock, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use. While use of the burger is not yet widespread, some chefs are saying the meat-free, plant-based patty is strikingly similar to the real thing. Guardian

Science, Studies, And Reports

Water laws in Afghanistan are not implemented sufficiently enough to prevent and resolve disputes over water rights, according to a report released by the United Nations. The report called for greater transparency and improved administration of the laws to peacefully diffuse disagreements, many of which occur over water resources for agriculture. UN News Centre

On The Radar

More than 200,000 liters of gasoline spilled from a pipeline in Pennsylvania into a tributary of the Susquehanna River on Friday. Flooding caused the pipeline to rupture, but as of Saturday no drinking water supplies had been contaminated, according to the company. Associated Press