The Stream, July 27: Resource Conflicts in Nigeria Deadlier than Boko Haram in 2018, Report Finds

The Global Rundown

Conflicts over water and pasture in Nigeria have killed more people than terrorist group Boko Haram this year, according to a new report. Aid organizations warn that Yemen could be on the brink of another cholera crisis. The project manager of the $4bn Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is found shot dead in his car. The Chinese environment ministry predicts that the country will need nearly $150 billion to combat river pollution. In the state of Bihar, India, the water table in 28 districts is lower than this time last year. Jakarta, Indonesia, installs a mesh net to hide the polluted Sentiong River during the 2018 Asian Games.

“Its function is to elevate the beauty [of the river] so that the black water cannot be directly seen by international athletes.” –Supriyono, an official from the Jakarta water resources agency, in reference to a large mesh net placed over the tainted Sentiong River. The decision to hide the river has drawn criticism, with some arguing that city officials should instead be working to clean the river. The Guardian

In context: Jakarta, the World’s Fastest-Sinking City, Also Faces Rising Sea Levels and River Pollution

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

HotSpots H2O, July 23: Chaos Engulfs Venezuela as Mismanagement and Drought Cut Water Access  – Last week, a 12-year-old boy was shot in the chest during a protest over water and electricity outages. Similar protests are igniting across the country as Venezuela’s economy and infrastructure collapse.

More Evidence of Nitrate Cancer Risk in Drinking Water – Case builds of health damage from a common pollutant.

In Flint Water Crisis, EPA’s Friendly Relationship with State Regulators Delayed Use of Legal Authority – Despite warning signs, federal authorities were slow to act in Flint, the agency’s internal watchdog says.

By The Numbers

1 trillion yuan ($148 billion USD) Amount of funding required to construct a network of wastewater pipelines that would reduce severe river pollution in China’s cities, according to the country’s environment ministry. Officials say that an estimated 400,000 kilometers (248,548 miles) of pipeline are needed. Reuters

3,000 Number of suspected cholera cases that were reported in Yemen during the first week of July, the highest total in months. As war continues to devastate the country’s infrastructure, aid organizations warn that another cholera epidemic could spread rapidly during the warm summer months. Al Jazeera

Science, Studies, And Reports

A new study by the International Crisis Group (ICG) found that clashes between farmers and herdsmen over water and pasture have led to at least 1,300 deaths between January and June 2018. In comparison, about 250 people have been killed by terrorist group Boko Haram. Experts fear that the fight for resources will continue to escalate in the lead-up to the county’s 2019 elections. Al Jazeera

In context: HotSpots H2O, April 30: Spotlight on Herder-Farmer Conflict in West Africa

On The Radar

Simegnew Bekele, the project manager of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, was found shot dead on Thursday in the country’s capital Addis Ababa. People in the capital and in Bekele’s hometown staged protests calling for justice in what many believe was a murder. Authorities have not confirmed the full details of Bekele’s death. Reuters

In context: HotSpots H2O, March 5: Spotlight on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Spotlight: India

Follow The Stream for daily coverage on India’s water crisis.

An analysis of water supply in Bihar, India, found that 35 of the state’s 38 districts are facing drought. Overall, rainfall in the state is at a 48 percent deficit, and the water table in 28 districts has fallen between one and three feet since last year. At the end of July, Bihar officials will determine whether to declare an official drought in the state. The Indian Express

Kayla Ritter

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