The Stream, January 20: Mongolia’s Mining Boom

Vast mineral wealth and growing demand from China are driving a huge mining boom in Mongolia, where the International Monetary Fund predicts the economy will grow an average of 14 percent a year between 2012 and 2016, The Economist reported. The rapid growth could impact the region’s aquifers.

The mismanagement of groundwater resources could threaten 60 million people in Bangladesh, Xinhua reported. Saltwater intrusion and depletion due to irrigation are the biggest concerns.

How researchers are finding water-saving ways to grow paddy rice. Voice of America reports on one of the world’s most water-intensive crops.

Ongoing drought is testing Texas’ system for allotting the rights to surface water, which gives senior rights holders preference over junior rights holders, according to The Texas Tribune.

Reducing CO2 emissions 30 percent by 2020 instead of the current goal of 20 percent would cost the European Union less than previously thought, according to a European Commission Staff Working Paper, EurActiv reported.

World natural disasters in 2011 caused a record $366 billion in economic damage, AlertNet reported. The previous record, set in 2005, was $243 billion.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek