Entries by Codi Kozacek

The Stream, November 30: Paris Climate Talks Begin

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The Global Rundown International climate negotiations that could lead to a binding global emissions deal kicked off today in Paris. Major countries pledged billions to fund research into renewable energy, much of which is being stored with pumped storage hydroelectricity. Governments in Brazil announced a lawsuit against the owners of the Samarco iron mine, which […]

The Stream, November 27: India Agriculture Needs to Conserve Water, Officials Say

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The Global Rundown Two consecutive dry seasons are taking a toll on groundwater in India’s agricultural regions, while communities in northern India are asking the government to stop a Coca-Cola plant’s groundwater use. During a visit to Nairobi, Pope Francis called on cities to include all people in their provision of essential services like water. […]

The Stream, November 26: 2015 Will Be Hottest Year On Record

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The Global Rundown This year will almost certainly be the hottest on record, the World Meteorological Organization announced, and global carbon emissions slowed last year, increasing 0.5 percent. Alaska and British Columbia signed an agreement to improve water quality monitoring in transboundary waters, focusing on mine development in the wake of the Mount Polley mine […]

The Stream, November 25: $16 Billion Plan For Africa Climate Adaptation Proposed

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The Global Rundown The World Bank announced a $US 16 billion plan to invest in climate adaptation projects in Africa, and a new report warned that current carbon reduction pledges are too weak and will be costly for developing countries. South Africa’s economy nearly went into recession this year as major industries declined and drought […]

Great Lakes States Take Halting Steps Toward Water Protections

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Governments in the nation’s most water-rich region are responding to public pressure over high-profile water pollution concerns, but have left fundamental policy changes largely untouched. Photo courtesy Joshua Mayer via Flickr Creative Commons A petition filed by 16 Wisconsin citizens to the U.S. EPA last month claims budget cuts and changes to state law have […]

The Stream, November 24: Weather Disasters Increased 14 Percent In Last Decade

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The Global Rundown The number of natural disasters occurring each year has increased, according to a new report from the United Nations. Floods could put thousands at risk in Ethiopia, while China is pursuing a project to guard its cities against flooding. Newly installed sensors aim to protect Paris’ water supply from a terrorist attack. […]

The Stream, November 23: Drought Raises Water Disputes in Maharashtra

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The Global Rundown Farmers in India’s Maharashtra state debated how much water should be held or released by the state’s dams as they struggle with drought, while government officials in South Africa said they may set aside more emergency funds to aid drought-affected farmers in the country. China signed a multi-million-dollar deal to build water […]

The Stream, November 20: European Commission Targets Greece Over Wastewater

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The Global Rundown The European Union’s executive body is pursuing fines against Greece for the country’s failure to address wastewater treatment problems. Poor conditions in a South Sudan refugee camp are leading to sickness, and rainstorms in Kenya are clogging a major East African trade route. Kiribati’s president continued to call for a global moratorium […]

The Stream, November 19: International Agreement Restricts Coal Financing

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The Global Rundown More than 30 countries, including the United States, agreed to dramatically scale back financing for overseas coal-fired power plants ahead of the Paris climate change negotiations. A United Nations board urged the organization to create a scientific body focused on water. Flood risks are growing in Chennai, India, while a drought in […]

The Stream, November 18: Groundwater Dwindles in Mexico’s Chihuahua State

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The Global Rundown Farmers in Mexico’s Chihuahua state are seeing their groundwater dry up, and some are moving out of the area. South Africa’s abandoned gold mines pose a serious health threat to nearby communities and waterways. Residents of a town in Colombia are suing the government over long-term water contamination. A new study found […]

Hunger Spreads in Africa As El Nino Cuts Harvests

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Trifecta of drought, floods, and fighting could set the stage for a deeper food crisis in 2016. Photo courtesy Andrew Heavens via Flickr Creative Commons Floods near Ethiopia’s Lake Tana displaced thousands of people in 2006. Aid agencies warn that floods linked to this year’s El Nino could exacerbate food insecurity in Ethiopia and Somalia. […]

The Stream, November 17: U.S. Oil Draws Water From Other Countries

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The Global Rundown The production of oil used by the United States relies heavily on freshwater supplies in other countries, a new study found. El Nino will continue to strengthen through the end of the year, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Floods in India and Sri Lanka turned deadly, and the drought in South […]