The Stream, June 10: White House Reveals Plan to Help Developing Countries With Climate Change

The Global Rundown

A United States plan would provide rainfall and temperature data to help developing countries prepare for climate change. The United Nations secretary-general reiterated the importance of keeping water on the international development agenda, and officials from the Middle East and Northern Africa raised concerns about water conservation in their region. Michigan unveiled a long-term plan for water management in the state, while high nitrate levels prompted a do-not-drink advisory in Columbus, Ohio.

“Access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene represent some of the highest development priorities of countries worldwide. These are also important human rights issues.”–Ban Ki-moon, United Nations secretary-general, speaking at a conference in Tajikistan about the importance of keeping water on the global agenda. (UN News Centre)

By The Numbers

$34 million Cost of a White House plan unveiled Tuesday to help developing countries prepare for climate change by providing them with detailed data on rainfall, temperature, and other weather trends. Guardian

11.7 parts per million Nitrate levels in the drinking water in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday. The levels are above federal limits, prompting a do-not-drink advisory for pregnant women and infants that could last days. The Columbus Dispatch

Science, Studies, And Reports

Reducing nutrient pollution in Lake Erie and creating a water fund are two of the goals outlined in a 30-year plan for Michigan’s water management. The draft plan was released last week by the state Office of the Great Lakes and is currently available for public review. MLive

On The Radar

Growing populations and droughts are putting increasing pressure on water supplies in the Middle East and Northern Africa, necessitating improved conservation efforts and new technology, according to country officials. Agriculture uses approximately 85 percent of the region’s available fresh water. 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