The Stream, July 9: Study Links Extreme Rainfall Increase to Climate Change

The Global Rundown

Extreme rainfall events are happening much more frequently due to warming global temperatures, scientists found. Drought threatens to cut rice production in Thailand and North Korea. A trial for an oral cholera vaccine was successful in Bangladesh. Oregon’s governor is planning ahead for worsening drought conditions.

“From a political perspective, a prolonged period of drought in rice-growing areas will increase anti-military sentiment. The situation is unlikely to become destabilizing in the near term without additional catalysts. The government has been adept at clamping down on dissent, but it’s also treading carefully to avoid provocations.”–Ambika Ahuja, an analyst for political-risk adviser Eurasia Group, on the pinch Thailand’s rice farmers are feeling from a severe drought and the military government’s desire to cut subsidies. (Bloomberg)

By The Numbers

100 years Time since North Korea last experienced a drought as severe as current conditions, according to state media. The drought threatens the lives of children who are already malnourished, the United Nations Children’s Fund said. Guardian

40 percent Reduction in severe cholera cases in Bangladesh slums during the trial of an oral vaccine for the disease. The vaccine costs $US 1.85 per dose.

Science, Studies, And Reports

Extreme rainfall events are occurring 12 percent more often globally than they would in the absence of climate change, according to researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Southeast Asia has been particularly affected, with strong rainstorms occurring 56 percent more often due to warming global temperatures. Bloomberg

On The Radar

In preparation for worsening drought conditions, the governor of Oregon will ask state agencies to develop water conservation strategies. The state has the lowest snowpack on record this year, and the governor has declared drought emergencies in 20 counties. Reuters

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