The Stream, June 12: China Detains Factory Managers For Water Pollution

The Global Rundown

China has detained three factory officials in connection with a water pollution case. A new study suggests droughts and floods linked to climate change could increase violence over food shortages. A clash between soldiers distributing food aid to drought-hit communities in Somalia killed five bystanders. Thousands of farmers in Zimbabwe are adopting no-till agriculture to improve their resilience to drought. Officials and researchers in the Middle East are using satellite data to improve water efficiency and locate new water sources. Seven years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill in Michigan, environmentalists say the cleanup is ongoing.

“The cruel irony is we knew this pipeline had defects right in that section where it ruptured over Talmage Creek. We knew. We also know where Line 5 runs under the Straits of Mackinac.” — Mark Schauer, a former congressman from Michigan, remarking on the 2010 rupture of an oil pipeline that contaminated the Kalamazoo River. It was the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history, and a new video released by the National Wildlife Federation details the ongoing rehabilitation efforts. (National Wildlife Federation)

In context: Congress strengthens Great Lakes oil pipeline oversight.

By The Numbers

3 people Number that could face up to seven years in prison after being detained for allegedly releasing wastewater contaminated with high levels of zinc into a river near Linhai, China. Reuters

5 people Number killed during a clash between soldiers who were distributing food aid to drought-displaced communities in Somalia. Reuters

300,000 farmers Number in Zimbabwe who have adopted no-till planting practices, which improve the soil’s ability to hold water and help crops withstand drought. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Droughts, floods, and other shocks linked to climate change could increase the likelihood of violence related to food shortages, according to a study published in the Journal of Peace Research. Researchers at The Ohio State University, however, emphasized the importance of good governance in avoiding conflict, noting that “a capable government is even more important to keeping the peace than good weather.” Reuters

On The Radar

Imagery collected by NASA satellites is being used to help locate groundwater and other resources to improve agricultural production in the Middle East. Maps that employ satellite data can also help officials assess the extent of water-intensive crops and cut back on water use. Newsweek