The Stream, July 14: Israel, Palestine Agree On Water-Sharing Deal

The Global Rundown

A water-sharing deal reached between Israel and Palestine aims to relieve shortages in Gaza and the West Bank. A startling number of environmental activists are being killed around the world, with nearly 100 dead this year. Climate change will deepen poverty and reduce development in the Asia-Pacific region, which includes some of the cities most at risk from sea level rise and flooding, a report found. Ecuador has suspended work on a controversial wall along its border with Peru that was meant to reduce flood risks. A water-intensive copper mine proposed for Arizona could benefit from a review of U.S. mining regulations.

“This will reduce the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has been worsened by the beginning of summer and the crises that they are living through.” –Mazin Ghunaim, head of the Palestinian Water Authority, commenting on a water-sharing deal reached Thursday in which Israel will sell up to 33 million cubic meters of water to Palestine each year at reduced rates. The deal is meant to alleviate shortages in Gaza and the West Bank, where groundwater supplies are unfit for drinking. (Los Angeles Times)

In context: Israel and Jordan agree to share water, but fall short of saving Dead Sea.

By The Numbers

4 activists Approximate number killed each week around the world for defending their land, water, and other environmental resources. In the first five months of 2017, 98 environmental defenders have been killed. Guardian

In context: Murders of activists defending safe water and environment rise sharply.

24.6 million cubic meters Amount of water each year that would be required for the proposed Resolution copper mine in Arizona. The massive mine could receive a boost as the Trump administration reviews regulations for mining projects. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Dramatic shifts in temperature, precipitation , and coastal flooding will increase poverty and impede development in the Asia-Pacific region if nothing is done to stop climate change, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The report found that many of the world’s cities most at risk from sea level rise and flood losses are located within the region, and that annual precipitation over much of the region could increase 50 percent. Bloomberg

On The Radar

Ecuador suspended work Thursday on a wall along its border with Peru that is meant to control flooding in towns near the Zarumilla River. Peru has opposed the project, fearing it would increase flood risks for Peruvian towns, and recalled its ambassador to Ecuador earlier this week. Reuters

In context: Ecuador touts flood prevention measures amid record rains.