Entries by Kayla Ritter

The Stream, November 21: Glacier Melt in China Threatens Water Supply of 1.8 Billion People

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The Global Rundown Glacier melt in western China increases, threatening the water supply of 1.8 billion people. Tests results following a massive fish die-off in Iraq’s Euphrates River show high levels of bacteria and heavy metals in the waterway. Scientists fear that deforestation of the Amazon rainforest will disrupt the global water supply cycle. Equipment […]

The Stream, November 20: Egypt and Ethiopia Reopen Talks on Contentious Dam

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The Global Rundown Egypt and Ethiopia announce another round of talks on the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Drought-tolerant juniper trees begin to die unexpectedly in parched Utah. Tropical depression Toraji triggers flash floods and landslides in central Vietnam. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister pledges an extra $500 million for water infrastructure projects. The Central Arizona […]

HotSpots H2O, November 19: Deadly Water Disputes Intensify in Central Asia as Glaciers Melt

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The Rundown In Central Asia, small-scale water conflicts flare frequently along the jigsaw borders that separate Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Sometimes, these disagreements turn deadly. Under Soviet rule, water-rich Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provided much of the water needed for the region’s agriculture, which is fed by canals that cross what are now international […]

The Stream, November 16: Drought Could Cause Summertime Power Blackouts in Australia

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The Global Rundown Heat and drought in Australia could cause power blackouts over the next several months, according to the country’s Energy Market Operator. A new study suggests that dams and reservoirs may actually worsen droughts in the long-run. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services begins testing state residents for PFAS contamination. California‘s deadliest wildfire of all time, exacerbated […]

PFAS: What You Need To Know

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Chemical contaminants called PFAS, toxic to humans at minuscule doses, are the tip of the spear for threats to groundwater in Michigan and nationally.

The Stream, November 15: Houston Skyscrapers Worsened Hurricane Harvey Rainfall, Study Says

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The Global Rundown A new study suggests that skyscrapers in Houston, Texas, worsened the city’s flooding during Hurricane Harvey. Analysts warn that Africa’s largest cities are at “extreme risk” from climate change. Hurricane Florence broke 28 stream and river flood records in North and South Carolina. Vapor-condensing panels provide water to a rescue center in […]

The Stream, November 14: Bombings of Colombian Pipeline Cause Water Contamination

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The Global Rundown Three bombings hit the Cano Limon pipeline in Colombia, polluting several waterways. A study shows that none of the wet wipes deemed “flushable” in the United Kingdom break down properly, causing sewer blockages. A government report names “failures and possible crimes” as the reason behind an illegal release of untreated water by […]

The Stream, November 13: Drought, Wind, Driving California’s Unchecked Wildfires

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The Global Rundown Drought and wind are key drivers behind California’s growing wildfires, scientists say. A United States judge halts construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. Millions of people across the Caribbean may face food insecurity due to drought. Tumbling water levels in Germany’s Rhine River impact worldwide fuel markets. Hot, dry weather increases […]

HotSpots H2O, November 12: Three-Day Tanker Strike Reveals Water Tensions in Chennai, India

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The Rundown Prompted by a court ruling restricting their access to groundwater, private water tankers in Chennai went on strike in October, a move that shut down hotels, IT firms, and other businesses and affected thousands of households that rely on water delivered by the trucks. The strike ended after three days, when the government […]

The Stream, November 9: Invasive Species Consume Huge Amounts of South Africa’s Water, Study Shows

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The Global Rundown Invasive species in South Africa consume shocking amounts of water. African island states call for help in combating the health effects of climate change, including a rise in water-related illnesses. California voters reject a $9 billion water bond in the U.S. midterm elections. Pope Francis says water is a basic human right, […]

The Stream, November 8: Michigan Governor-Elect Says Clean Drinking Water is First Priority

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The Global Rundown Michigan’s governor-elect names clean drinking water as her top priority. Mining replaces agriculture in India’s drought-stricken Bundelkhand region. Developing weather patterns spell more drought for parched Australia. A major lithium producer in Chile’s Atacama desert announces a new technology that triples lithium production without using additional water. Zambia’s pivotal Kafue river is […]

The Stream, November 7: Arizona Cities Request More Water Ahead of Possible Colorado River Drought

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The Global Rundown Arizona cities stockpile water in anticipation of a future Colorado River drought. Villagers in Bangladesh use geology to avoid arsenic-polluted groundwater. A new study explores the link between water scarcity and human migration in the Mediterranean region. Data shows that pollution from pharmaceutical drugs concentrates in stream bugs, which then spread the […]