The Stream, November 27: Warmer Weather, Drier Summers, Predicted in UK by 2070s

The Global Rundown

A UK government report warns that Britain will experience warmer temperatures, driers summers, and wetter winters by the 2070s. Egypt expands sugar beet planting as a water-saving alternative to cane sugar. Government pressure fails to deter farmers in Zimbabwe from planting maize crops. Officials say the deadliest California wildfire of all time is finally contained. An Australian cotton farmer pleads guilty to water theft from the Barwon-Darling River.

“Today’s result sends a strong message to those water users who do not follow the rules – your actions will have serious consequences.” –David Harris, chief executive of WaterNSW, in reference to a guilty plea by Anthony Barlow, an Australian cotton farmer accused of stealing water from the Barwon-Darling River. Barlow pleaded guilty to three water misuse offences, each carrying a maximum penalty of $247,500. The case hearing is scheduled for February 2019. The Sydney Morning Herald

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By The Numbers

114,000 fedans (118,314 acres) Area that has been allocated to sugar beet planting in Egypt this year, up by 20,000 feddans (20,760 acres) from last year. Egypt is broadening sugar beet planting in an attempt to move away from water-hungry cane. Reuters

153,000 acres Area that was engulfed by the Camp Fire, California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire of all time. On Sunday, officials announced that the blaze had been contained after 17 days of intense firefighting. The fire, which left at least 85 people dead, was fueled by severe winds and dry conditions. The Washington Post

Science, Studies, And Reports

A report by the UK Met Office, in conjunction with the government and Environment Agency, warned that Britain will likely face hotter temperatures, drier summers, and wetter winters by 2070 due to the effects of climate change. The report also warned about rising sea levels, which will raise the risk of flooding and threaten coastal communities. Reuters

On The Radar

Meteorologists forecast another dry growing season in Zimbabwe, but the news has not deterred most farmers from continuing to plant water-guzzling maize crops. In hopes of improving food security, government campaigns and subsidies are trying to persuade farmers to grow drought-resistant crops like rapoko, millet, and sorghum. Farmers, however, say there are few buyers for these alternative grains, while demand for maize remains high. Reuters

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