The Stream, January 19: EU Cereal Crops in Good Condition Amid Bountiful Rainfall and Mild Temperatures
The Global Rundown
Cereal crops across the European Union are in good condition due to plentiful rainfall and mild temperatures. Data shows that 2017 was the hottest year on record without an El NiƱo event. Scientists warn against purchasing seafood caught in the area of the Sanchi oil spill, which took place in the East China Sea earlier this year. Drought in Argentina threatens to cut the countryās corn yields by millions of tonnes. The aging water system of New Orleans, Louisiana, struggles to function amid below-average temperatures.
“We have an old, tired system that hasn’t had the kind of deferred maintenance that a system requires. It breaks.” –Mitch Landrieu, mayor of New Orleans, in reference to ongoing issues with the cityās water system. Below-average temperatures have wreaked havoc in recent weeks, prompting boil water advisories, broken pipes, and drops in water pressure. NOLA
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By The Numbers
3.7 million tonnes Amount of Argentina’s corn crop that could be lost due to drought, according to local analysts. Argentina exports the third-largest amount of corn worldwide. KTIC
100 square kilometers Area of the East China Sea that has been visibly polluted by the Sanchi oil spill, which took place on June 6 when an Iranian oil tanker collided with a freighter. Scientists have warned consumers to be careful of seafood caught in the contaminated area. The Guardian
Science, Studies, And Reports
2017 was the hottest non-El NiƱo year on record and the third hottest of all time, according to data released on Thursday. The warm temperatures came alongside a series of severe weather events including hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts. The Guardian
On The Radar
Cereal crops in Europe are progressing well amid plentiful rainfall and mild temperatures. Analysts predict a good harvest as long as no severe cold spells hit the continent in the coming weeks. Reuters
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
