The Stream, July 13: Major Sea Level Rise Still Likely, Study Finds

The Global Rundown

Global seas could still rise well above current levels even if temperature increases are curbed, scientists found. Several people were arrested and water supplies were shut down in Kosovo’s capital city over the weekend, and Typhoon Chan-Hom brought heavy rainstorms to China. North Korea’s drought may be easing, while water rationing is still in place across much of Thailand. California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta tunnel project is at risk from a proposed ballot measure.

“We are checking the quality of the water and we will not restart until the tests say the water is clean.”–Arjeta Mjeku, spokeswoman for the water utility in Kosovo’s capital city, on an incident that shut down 40 percent of the city’s drinking water. Five people were arrested Saturday on terrorism charges near an artificial lake that is used as a water supply. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

1/3 Proportion of Thailand that is under water rationing due to a drought, which will likely cut rice production in the world’s second largest rice exporter. Reuters

1 million people Number evacuated over the weekend from China’s Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces as Typhoon Chan-Hom approached the country. Heavy rain from the storm hit Shanghai, while Zhejiang province could tally $US 410 million in economic losses. ABC

90 percent June rainfall, as a percent of average, recorded in North Korea. The rain may have loosened the grip of a drought that was causing food security concerns. Guardian

Science, Studies, And Reports

Global sea levels could rise as much as 6 meters (20 feet) even if temperature increases are kept to 2 degrees Celsius, according to a study published in the journal Science. The study’s conclusion is based on the height of seas 3 million years ago, the last time carbon dioxide levels were as high as today. Guardian

On The Radar

California may vote on a ballot measure in the 2016 elections that would require voters to approve financing for public projects costing more than $US 2 billion. If passed, the measure could jeopardize the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water tunnels, which cost $US 15 billion. The Sacramento Bee

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