The Stream, October 30: Violent Storms in Central Europe Leave Five Dead
The Global Rundown
At least five are dead in Central Europe as storms bring high winds and flash floods. Historical data shows that global warming is shortening the length of winter in the United States by up to one month. A proposal to extend a marine protection area in Antarctica fails. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to shrink the size of two national monuments in Utah to make way for drilling and mining operations. An embankment in Khon Kaen, Thailand, collapses, inundating farmland and low-lying areas.
“Any efforts to take away protections for America’s lands and waters will be met by deep opposition and with the law on our side.” –Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society, in reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to downsize two Utah national monuments. The change, which faces intense opposition from environmental groups and Native Americans, would open the land to drilling and mining as part of an effort to boost industrial activity. Reuters
By The Numbers
30 metres Length of a breach in the Ubonrat Dam of Khon Kaen, Thailand. The collapsed embankment has been releasing 54 million cubic metres of water per day, inundating large amounts of farmland. Residents in low-lying areas near the breach have been advised to move their belongings to higher ground. Bangkok Post
600,000 square miles Amount of ocean in Antarctica currently set to be protected from commercial fishing as of December 1. Additional efforts to extend protection to East Antarctica were vetoed by Russia and China. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
The length of United States winters is shortening, according to data gathered from 700 weather stations across the country, with records dating back to 1895. In many areas, the first frost of winter now arrives a month later than it did 100 years ago. The Guardian
On The Radar
Severe storms moved across Central Europe on Sunday, bringing high winds and flash floods to several countries. Deaths and injuries were reported in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Transportation has come to a standstill in many areas. ABC News
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
