The Stream, February 8: Dakota Access Lake Oahe Easement Approved

The Global Rundown

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a controversial easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline to cross Lake Oahe in North Dakota. Global mining executives highlighted water as one of the industry’s top risks. China announced deadlines for its provinces to draw “ecological red lines” to protect the environment from development. Thailand approved monetary aid for farmers struggling with floods. Scientists documented the longest freshwater fish migration in the world — a title that belongs to the Amazon’s dorado catfish. The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town highlighted water inequality in South Africa. Climate change is damaging significant cultural and natural sites in the United Kingdom, a report found.

“Whereas one family waters their vast lawn and fills their swimming pool, another shares a single tap with 20 neighbors. Whereas one family has four bathrooms, another shares a communal toilet with dozens of people.” –Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, referring to water inequality in South Africa during a speech kicking off an international church initiative that will highlight water issues around the globe. (ACNS)

By The Numbers

2.4 kilometers Distance remaining before the Dakota Access oil pipeline is complete. The U.S. Army Corps announced it will approve a controversial easement for the line to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, meaning construction could resume today. NPR

$1 billion Amount Thailand’s government will provide to aid southern farmers that have been hit by persistent and unseasonable floods. Reuters

11,600 kilometers Distance travelled by the dorado catfish along the Amazon River, the longest freshwater fish migration in the world, according to a new study. Dams, mining, and deforestation along the river could disrupt this route, researches said. Guardian

Science, Studies, And Reports

Stronger floods and storms linked to climate change are damaging important cultural and natural sites in the United Kingdom, according to a report released by Leeds University and the Climate Coalition. Warmer temperatures are also affecting the abundance of fish and birdlife found in rivers and wetlands, researchers concluded. Guardian

On The Radar

Water scarcity is now one of the biggest concerns for global mining companies and their investors, according to top mining executives at an industry meeting in South Africa. In particular, executives cited the risk of community opposition stemming from concerns about water. Reuters

In context: Read Circle of Blue’s special report on water risks in the global mining industry.

The major manufacturing region near China’s Yangtze River delta must map out by 2018 where it will limit development to protect natural resources and the environment. The Chinese government is directing all provinces to create “ecological red lines” to control development within the next three years. Reuters