The Stream, September 14, 2022: How China’s Drought May Give Us a Glimpse Into the Future

The city of Chengdu, China in 2007. Photo © J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue

Editor’s Note: 

As Circle of Blue searches for fresh writers to join The Stream’s editorial team, you may notice a gap in our coverage. Do you or someone you know have an interest in freshwater science and a background in writing or communications? Apply to be a Circle of Blue Communications Associate today. More information about the position can be found here. 

Thank you for your readership. The Stream will be back soon, bringing you what you need to know about the world’s water. In the meantime, follow Circle of Blue on social media for the latest.

– Jane Johnston, Stream Editor

YOUR GLOBAL RUNDOWN

• The British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission suspended water permits for a dozen energy companies as drought conditions continue to deplete water levels in regional rivers, streams, and lakes. Read the story. 
• The west African country of Chad saw its heaviest rainfall in more than 30 years, leaving some streets navigable only by boat. Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes. Read the story. 
• In South Africa, a flood caused a mine dam wall to collapse, killing one person and injuring dozens more. Read the story.
• In China, drought shut down factories and disrupted international supply chains. The New York Times reports this trend may become the norm as climate change worsens. Read the story.
• India and Bangladesh signed several major agreements last week, including a renewed commitment to share the waters of the Kushiyara River. Read the story.
• Power blackouts and water supply cuts hit residents in Ukraine’s northeastern region of Kharkiv amid Russian attacks on infrastructure sites. Read the story.

Recent WaterNews from Circle of Blue

Farms in Six Southeast Michigan Counties Are Major Sources of Lake Erie Toxic Blooms – Water sampling finds no reduction in bloom-reducing nutrients. 

HotSpots H2O: Foods Subside, Pakistan’s Economy Is on a Knife-Edge – Monsoon Rains arrive as the country battles a financial crisis. 

What’s Up With Water–September 13, 2022 – This week’s episode of What’s Up With Water covers what to expect at COP27, new research on the link between water and the fossil fuel industry in Texas, and an update on Jackson, Mississippi’s failing water system. 

Jane Johnston

Jane is a Communications Associate for Circle of Blue. She writes The Stream and has covered domestic and international water issues for Circle of Blue. She is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she studied Multimedia Journalism and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. During her time at Grand Valley, she was the host of the Community Service Learning Center podcast Be the Change. Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jane enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time outdoors.