The Stream, January 29: Oceans Reached Record-High Temperatures in 2017, Data Shows
The Global Rundown
Researchers conclude that 2017 was the hottest year on record for earth’s oceans. Residents in Haiti implore the international community for help in obtaining clean drinking water. The risk of disease in coral reefs is increasing due to plastic pollution, a study finds. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan will meet on Monday to continue negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. More than a thousand people evacuate in Paris, France, as the River Seine continues to rise.
“The waters will only go away slowly.” –Michel Delpuech, head of the Paris police body, in reference to recent flooding throughout the city. Nearly 1,500 people have evacuated their homes in Paris, France, as the River Seine continues to overflow its banks. The floodwaters are expected to peak early Monday morning. U.S. News & World Report
Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue
Deadly Legionella Bacteria Are Common in U.S. Building Plumbing – Water samples from cooling towers across the country show signs of the bacteria.
World Economic Forum Sees Big Risks in Water and Climate – Environmental change viewed as a leading cause of disruption.
By The Numbers
11 billion Number of plastic pieces lodged into coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region, according to a recent international study. The plastic fragments often cut the coral, raising the risk of infection and disease by up to 89 percent. Yale Environment 360
2 million Number of people in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who struggle to access clean drinking water after the country’s 2010 earthquake devastated water sources and sanitation systems. Residents are imploring the international community for help in restoring infrastructure. Al Jazeera
Science, Studies, And Reports
A world-class Chinese research team recently released data showing that 2017 was the hottest year on record for the world’s oceans. Researchers found that the upper 2000 meters (over 6000 feet) of the ocean were notably warmer in 2017 than in 2015, the previous hottest year on record. The Guardian
On The Radar
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan will meet on Monday to discuss the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Negotiations have stalled for months following a contentious study on the dam’s environmental impact. 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
