Community-born environmental movements often bring about most significant change, particularly in countries with a lack of stringent environmental regulations. As in the Times of India, one of many examples is a grassroots driven river restoration project occurring in Bangalore, capitol of the state of Karnataka in India. Environmentalists in the region are staging a campaign [...]
Entries from December 2007
December 29, 2007
Water Resource Video Seminars from Distinguished Scholars
The California Colloquium on Water is a lecture-series presented by the Water Resources Center Archives (WRCA) at the University of California – Berkley. They have made available presentations from 2001 to 2007 in video format on-line. While many of the presentations focus on regional specific water resource issues, several topics are relevant in the international arena of watershed [...]
December 26, 2007
Drought Continues in Kashmir
The Kashmir region (India, China, and Pakistan) is hoping for additional precipitation in form of snow. The region, while traditionally arid, has received little snow or rain over the past several months to replenish waterways. December 22nd commenced an annual season of 40-days known as “Chillai Kalan”, characterized with heavy snowfall and blustery temperatures. However, as of yet, this “Chillai Kalan” [...]
December 22, 2007
China Faces a Range of Water Problems
The Peoples Republic of China is a country of over 1.3 billion people with 20% of the world’s total population. Extensive environmental pollution in the region is often blamed on increased industrialization, with little or no environmental regulatory oversight. Water problems are many and include: The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River South-to-North Water [...]
December 19, 2007
Hunger Strike to Save River – Brazil Bishop Luis Flavio Cappio
Bishop Cappio’s health is beginning to deteriorate, as he continues a 23-day hunger strike in a non-violent action against artificial diversion of the Sao Francisco River, fourth largest river in Brazil. Bishop Cappio began his fast on November 27, 2007. Initially, the diversion project on the river was denied by lower courts in Brazil, but [...]
December 17, 2007
Holy River – Disease Fighting Water
Many in India look to the Ganges (Ganga) as a sacred river. The river is mentioned in early Hindu texts, and bathing in the river holds much religious significance (millions partake in this ritual each year). With such numbers bathing in the river, it is unbelievable that diseases such as dysentery and cholera are not [...]
December 15, 2007
Water Words – Quote of the Day
Water, is taught by thirst. “Water, is taught by thirst. Land — by the Oceans passed. Transport — by throe Peace — by its battles told Love, by Memorial Mold Birds, by the Snow.” -Emily Dickinson
December 14, 2007
Nepal Discontent Over Climate Change Talks in Bali
Nepal, land on the edge of the mighty Himalayas. Although rather small (only the size of Arkansas), Nepal is known the world over for Mount Everest, highest mountain in the world (elevation 29,029 feet). As the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change wraps-up in Bali, Nepali officials are worried water supplies may become even more [...]
December 9, 2007
Rainwater Harvesting for all Household Needs
An industrious friend of mine is planning life off of the grid. She will grow her own food, utilize alternative forms of energy, and supply her own water (without having to dig a well). Recently, she questioned, is it possible to provide water for a home using only rainwater? In my neighborhood in Washington, many people [...]
December 6, 2007
Singapore – Water Technology Clearinghouse
Previously, on this water web-log, we have heard of Israel’s attempts to become the next “Silicon Valley” of water technology. Right on schedule, other investment minded countries are jumping on-board. Singapore has stepped-up with hopes of being a major water-technology provider for Asian countries, as reviewed on Earthtimes. The island of Singapore, south of Malaysia, [...]
