The Stream, September 28: India to Conduct a ‘Break Analysis’ on More Than 5,000 Big Dams
The Global Rundown
India plans to conduct its first-ever ‘break analysis’ on more than 5,000 of the country’s largest dams. A federal judge orders Michigan and Flint officials to continue discussing the future of the city’s water supply. The scorching heatwave in Mediterranean Europe last month was made 10 times more likely by climate change, scientists claim. A crude oil pipeline in Peru is fully functional after experiencing more than a dozen spills since early 2016. The International Monetary Fund implores rich countries to help poorer nations cope with the effects of climate change.
“Rising temperatures would have vastly unequal effects across the world, with the brunt of adverse consequences borne by those who can least afford it.” –The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in reference to the need for rich countries to help poor countries deal with the impacts of climate change. The IMF stated that advanced and emerging market economies are responsible for the majority of global warming thus far, making it a “humanitarian imperative” for them to help less-advantaged nations. The Guardian
By The Numbers
5,247 Number of large Indian dams that will undergo a ‘break analysis’ inspection. The analysis will identify potential dam failures that could lead to an uncontrolled release of water. An emergency action plan will be put in place for the evaluated dams, including the 196 dams that are more than 100 years old. The Economic Times
15,000 barrels Amount of oil that flowed through a state-owned crude oil pipeline in Peru prior to a year plagued by line breaks and oil spills. Since the beginning of 2016, the pipeline has ruptured more than a dozen times, which disrupted oil firm operations and polluted rivers that indigenous communities used for drinking water. The pipeline is fully operational as of Tuesday. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
Mediterranean Europe’s “Lucifer” heatwave, which brought temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in early August, was made at least ten times more likely by climate change, according to scientists. The scorching temperatures were felt throughout Spain, southern France, Italy, and the Balkans, causing a spike in hospital stays, death, and forest fires. Scientists believe temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius will be commonplace by 2050 unless steps are taken to slow global warming. The Guardian
On The Radar
U.S. Federal Judge David Lawson has ordered Michigan and Flint officials to continue mediation over the future of the city’s water supply. The state is suing Flint in an effort to get the City Council to sign a 30-year deal with the Great Lakes Water Authority, which has provided the city’s water since the 2015 lead crisis. Flint says it needs more time to conduct its own research before locking into a long-term deal. Detroit Free Press
In context: Circle of Blue’s reporting on the Flint water crisis.
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
