The Stream, December 28: Lower Himalayas of India and Nepal Face Water Crisis
The Global Rundown
Rising ocean temperatures and poor waste management devastate the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Aging water lines in Omaha, Nebraska, break as frigid weather sweeps across the Midwestern U.S. Small towns and villages in the lower Himalayas of India and Nepal run low on water. New Delhi, India, raises water tariffs by 20 percent. Aid agencies name water and sanitation as one of the top priorities in 2018.
“The government does not consider the side effects [of tourism], such as trash and damage to our environment.” –Rabeen Vasudev, a teacher in Mussoorie, India, in reference to the growing environmental threats facing the lower Himalayas. Increased tourism, shrinking groundwater resources, and changing weather patterns are sapping the region’s water supply. The Guardian
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By The Numbers
5 Number of water lines that have broken in Omaha, Nebraska, amid this week’s frigid temperatures. Many of the pipes are 100 years old and made of cast iron, which can fracture when the weather is cold and dry. U.S. News & World Report
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20 percent Amount that water tariffs increased in New Delhi, India, earlier this week. The jump in water and sewage charges applies to water use above 20,000 liters. The Economic Times
Science, Studies, And Reports
Environmental societies are calling for greater protection of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches 700 miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Mass tourism, poor waste management, and global warming are wreaking havoc on the reef, with up to 80 percent of corals in the southern region showing signs of bleaching. The Guardian
On The Radar
In a summary of aid agencies’ priorities for 2018, the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRC) listed providing access to water and sanitation as one of their top goals for the upcoming year. Other groups, such as ActionAid, highlighted the importance of supporting drought-stricken communities. 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
