The Stream, October 27: Sea Levels Estimated to Rise 1.3m by End of Century Unless Carbon Pollution is Curbed
The Global Rundown
Sea levels could rise by 1.3 metres this century if coal-generated electricity is not eliminated by 2050, a new report finds. Recent drought trends in Europe follow climate change projections, with fewer droughts in the north but more in the south. The Australian government may have bought ‘ghost water’ in a $78 million water rights deal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviews how laws like the Clean Water Act affect job losses in the energy industry. Scientists claim that pollutants from fracking, such as airborne particulates and heavy metals, could affect child neurodevelopment.
“The risks to people exposed to air and water pollutants associated with fracking have to be taken seriously.” –Antoine Simon, campaigner for Friends of Earth Europe, in reference to the possible health dangers of fracking. An analysis of sites in the US revealed that fracking pollutants could damage the neurodevelopment of babies and children in the area. Pollutants, such as heavy metals and hormone-disrupting chemicals, have been linked to IQ deficits, behavioral problems, and learning disorders. The Guardian
By The Numbers
22,000 megalitres Amount of water that the Australian government purchased rights to in a $78 million buyback deal for Tandou, a cotton and grain property east of Broken Hill. Experts have raised concerns that the government purchased ‘ghost water’ due to unreliable water availability in the region. Water shortages have left Tandou unable to plant crops in 5 of the last 14 years, and upstream extractions may lead to even less water in the future. The Guardian
1.32 metres Estimated amount that sea levels will rise by the end of the century if nothing is done to curb carbon pollution. The estimate, published by the University of Melbourne, is 50 percent higher than previously thought. The Guardian
Science, Studies, And Reports
European drought trends are closely following climate change predictions, a study by Utah State University found. Climate simulations forecasted that droughts would become more common in southern Europe but less frequent in the north, a trend that has begun to consistently emerge across the continent. Science Daily
On The Radar
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will move forward with a review of how laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act impact the energy sector job industry. The review is meant to determine how these regulations affect job losses in sectors like coal. It is one of several steps that U.S. agencies plan to take to “reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens” on business. Reuters
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
