The Stream, October 15: Lake Turkana At Risk of Disappearing, Human Rights Watch Says

The Global Rundown

Development along the Omo River in Ethiopia is a threat to the existence of Lake Turkana, a report from Human Rights Watch said. Australia approved the Carmichael coal mine for the second time. Maps available on mobile devices show water access points in Aleppo, Syria, while digital maps based on Landsat images can now display agricultural water consumption at the field level. Giant sequoia trees in California are under increasing stress as the state’s drought continues. Today is Global Handwashing Day.

“Lake Turkana is in danger of disappearing, and the health and livelihood of the indigenous peoples of the region along with it.”–Joseph Amon, the health and human rights director for Human Rights Watch, on the potential effects of hydropower and agricultural development along Ethiopia’s Omo River, which is the primary water source for Lake Turkana. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

800 children Number who die each day globally from diarrhoea linked to inadequate water and hygiene. Today is Global Handwashing Day, which is meant to focus attention on the issue. Reuters

80 water points Number across the city of Aleppo, Syria, that residents can now find by accessing maps on their mobile phones. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

A new application created by researchers at the University of Nebraska, the University of Idaho, and Google will allow farmers and water managers to access digital maps of water consumption at field level. The application uses Landsat satellite images to detect the amount of water leaving plant leaves and soil. NASA

The severe drought in California is placing the state’s giant sequoia trees under stress, scientists found. The trees typically get most of their water from snow, which has been scarce the last two winters because of warm temperatures. PBS

On The Radar

A $16.5 billion coal mine project in Queensland received federal approval for the second time following a reassessment to take into account two vulnerable species. Australia’s environment minister said the Carmichael mine must submit a groundwater monitoring and management plan before starting production. Guardian

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