The Stream, May 10: India Expects Record Grain Production On Normal Monsoon

The Global Rundown

A second year of normal monsoon rains could help boost grain production to record levels in India. The Philippines’ new environment minister insists the country can balance mining and environmental protection. A new study documents the many climate change laws enacted around the world. Farmers in the United Kingdom worry that unusually dry weather will harm crops. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is looking to the states as it rewrites an important federal water rule.

“There are countries where mining contributes a lot to the economy and environmentalists are not screaming. I think it can be done … (balancing) environment (protection) and responsible mining.” –Roy Cimatu, the new environment minister of the Philippines, alluding to the battle between his predecessor, Regina Lopez, and the country’s mining industry. Lopez was removed from her post last week after issuing controversial orders to ban pit mines and halt operations at dozens of nickel mines due to water pollution and other environmental concerns. (Reuters)

In context: Clear goals to enforce pollution laws jeopardize Regina Lopez’s job.

By The Numbers

47 percent of average Amount of rainfall that fell across the United Kingdom last month, making it one of the driest Aprils on record. Farmers say the dry weather could cut harvests. Guardian

273.38 million metric tons Estimated grain production in India this year, a new record. A second year of normal monsoon rains, upon which many crops depend, is helping to drive the increase. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

There are more than 1,200 laws enacted globally to cut the emissions that cause climate change, according to a study by the London School of Economics. Researchers say the abundance of regulations should help ensure progress on climate change, even if the United States pulls out of the Paris climate agreement. Guardian

On The Radar

The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking governors for input on the federal Clean Water Rule in an effort to restore “states’ important role in the regulation of water.” The agency is repealing the rule, which was issued under the Obama administration to clarify federal protections for waterways. The Hill