Entries by Kayla Ritter

HotSpots H2O: Worst-Ever Power Outage Deepens Venezuela Water Insecurity

When a nationwide power outage struck two weeks ago, parts of the country slipped into total chaos.

The Stream, March 15: Millions at Risk of Premature Death Due to Freshwater, Air Pollution, UN Warns

The Global Rundown A UN report warns that millions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa could die prematurely if environmental protections are not improved. Hundreds fall ill in Malaysia after toxic waste is dumped into a river. Increased rainfall in Iraq leads to a larger-than-expected wheat crop. Cyclone Idai closes in on the coast […]

The Stream, March 14: A Week After Deadly Flooding, Malawi Faces Tropical Cyclone Threat

The Global Rundown A week after flood waters killed at least 56 people, Malawi braces for a tropical cyclone. A slow-rising flood deluges homes in the Mississippi Delta. Looters take food, water, and other items as Venezuela’s nationwide power outage continues. Malaysia puts bauxite mining projects on hold to conduct environmental studies. Researchers rush to understand […]

The Stream, March 13: Insurance Premiums Set to Rise in Most Flood-Prone Areas of U.S.

The Global Rundown A new plan by the Trump administration hopes to overhaul the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program by raising premiums for the most flood-prone homes. Russia vows to audit a planned water bottling plant on Lake Baikal in response to public outcry. California seals its participation in the Colorado River drought contingency plan. […]

The Stream, March 12: Venezuelans Queue for Water As Nationwide Blackout Continues

The Global Rundown An ongoing power blackout in Venezuela forces residents to queue to buy water. The incidence of motor neuron disease spikes in parts of New South Wales, Australia, and experts say contaminants in water may be the culprits. Flooding kills 28 people in Malawi and impacts an estimated 227,000. Water costs escalate in […]

HotSpots H2O: Drought, Violence Spread Hunger in Ethiopia

A web of violence, past droughts, and current dry conditions is ensnaring Ethiopia in an ongoing food crisis.

The Stream, March 8: EU Seeks Fine Against Greece for Nitrate Pollution in Waterways

The Global Rundown The European Union asks it’s top court to fine Greece over nitrate pollution in its waters. Agriculture stresses water resources in rural California. The Prime Minister of Thailand calls for crisis management plans as dam levels drop in parts of the country. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announces the country will begin filling […]

The Stream, March 7: Vale Executives Step Down, Criminal Negligence Case Builds in Wake of Brazilian Dam Collapse

The Global Rundown Top executives at Brazilian mining company Vale step down in the wake of January’s tailings dam collapse. The United Arab Emirates allocates $1.6 billion to water and energy projects, including dams and a desalination plant. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposes $120 million for improvements to state drinking water infrastructure. A human rights […]

The Stream, March 6: Flooding Kills Dozens, Swamps Homes in Afghanistan

The Global Rundown Flooding kills dozens and displaces thousands in Afghanistan. Another deadline passes for states in the western U.S. to complete a Colorado River drought contingency plan. Changing weather patterns stunt olive groves in Italy. Damages from recent flooding in northern California top $155 million. Villagers in Mexico push back against mining activities on […]

The Stream, March 5: Coal Ash Tainting Groundwater Near Most U.S. Coal Plants, Study Finds

The Global Rundown Components of coal ash are discovered in groundwater near most U.S. coal plants. Serbia rethinks wastewater processing in a bid to join the European Union. Disease spikes in drought-stricken Pakistan as people consume salty, contaminated water. Nearly half of water basins in the United States could fail to meet demand by 2071, […]

The Stream, February 20: Despite Easing Restrictions, Cape Town Residents Still Carefully Conserving Water

The Global Rundown Residents of Cape Town, South Africa, continue to conserve water even as restrictions relax. The water supply in Dayton, Ohio, is deemed safe after a water main break affected 100,000 residents. Tribal leaders in the Philippines resist construction of a dam on the Kaliwa river. New water filters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, […]