The Stream, June 20: UN Calls For Safe Water In Yemen

The Global Rundown

A report by the United Nations urges the international community to address unsafe water in Yemen, which is fueling a deadly cholera outbreak. Hydropower along the Teesta river may be exacerbating dry-season water shortages, complicating negotiations between India and Bangladesh. Protests over access to grazing land and fresh water led to the detention of nine people in Inner Mongolia. Political and economic instability, coupled with saltwater intrusion along Venezuela’s Orinoco River, is pushing indigenous communities to immigrate to Brazil. A proposed pipeline in San Diego, California could be the first to transfer water from Mexico to the United States. Bangkok is moving forward with infrastructure projects to safeguard the city from rising flood risks.

“We need hydropower but not this much … undertaking so many hydropower projects in Sikkim without any proper overall scientific study is going to impact Teesta’s ecology and ecosystem. It’s a scam.” — Sonam Wangdi, former chief secretary of Sikkim, commenting on the Indian state’s plan to build 29 hydropower plants capable of producing nearly 4,400 megawatts. A series of existing hydropower dams along the Teesta river may be complicating water-sharing negotiations between India and Bangladesh. (The Third Pole)

By The Numbers

9 people Number detained in Inner Mongolia during protests by herders who claim Chinese authorities have blocked access to water and grazing lands near Lake Dalinur. Radio Free Asia

In context: Desert’s stronger grip shakes Inner Mongolia.

12,000 Venezuelans Number who have immigrated to Brazil over the past three years, according to Human Rights Watch. In the case of the indigenous Warao community, saltwater intrusion along the Orinoco River has exacerbated pressures from the country’s political and economic upheaval. Los Angeles Times

In context: Venezuela drought aggravates instability.

$765.6 million Estimated cost of 28 infrastructure projects planned by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to safeguard the Thai capital against growing flood risks driven by climate change and urbanization. Budgets for four of the projects have been approved. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

The “underlying problem” of unsafe water supplies created by the conflict in Yemen must be addressed to stop the spread of a deadly cholera outbreak, according to a report from the United Nations Human Rights Council. The outbreak has sickened more than 135,000 people and killed more than 950, with more deaths expected. UN Human Rights Council

On The Radar

A proposed $30 million pipeline project could be the first to bring water across the border from Mexico to the United States, according to officials in San Diego County, California. The project gained a presidential permit last month, but depends on approvals in Mexico and the completion of the Rosarito Beach Desalination Plant in Baja California, which would be the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The San Diego Union-Tribune