The Dead Sea is dying (it’s not as funny as it sounds)The Dead Sea is more like a dry creek than a sea these days. It also contains eight times more salt than a normal ocean, meaning it’s too salty for any living thing to survive in it. Who will fix it?
Water
Murray-Darling: where to now for water reform?
After a dramatic year of plans, resignations and community consultations over the guide to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Chris Miller reflects on the future of water reform in the Basin.
Time for talk on water reform is over — as the MDBA boss walks out the door
The Murray-Darling Basin reforms are in turmoil, with the shock resignation this morning of Mike Taylor, chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
Murray-Darling authority losing the spin war with councils’ PR flacks
As the beleaguered Murray Darling Basin Authority sinks further into the public relations mire following its disastrous run of community consultations last month, the other side of the debate had a powerful ally in prominent spin doctors Socom.
Panicky govt will stuff up the river
The Government’s panicked reaction to anger over the Murray-Darling Basin plan is straight from the Rudd years. This Government is no better at reform than its predecessor.
Murray Murmurings: It’s no wonder rural people are angry
It’s not surprising that farmers, business people and community members are scared and angry about the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s plan. Water is everything in these communities, writes Shepparton farmer David Furphy.
States continuing to impede progress towards a sustainable Murray-Darling
A sustainable Murray-Darling Basin — and the regional communities that depend on it — need a properly-working water market. The states are preventing one from developing.
Some things to bear in mind on the Murray-Darling Basin…
There’s a lot of hypocrisy and self-interest when it comes to debating the future of the Murray-Darling Basin. And that’s just from the politicians…
Infrastructure isn’t the (whole) answer
The Murray-Darling debate has laid bare the basic problem of how to support regional communities, and whether they should be asked to bear the cost of fixing an historic problem alone.
Experts slam easing of water restrictions as “political opportunism”
Water groups have labelled an easing of water restrictions in South Australia and Victoria as “political opportunism”, as disquiet grows over the delayed construction and cost blowouts of desalination plants.
Murray-Darling Basin policies: bullshit detectors in overdrive
When politicians tell you that issues are “above politics” and that they’ll “end the politicking”, your bullshit detector should be twirling like a low-carbon wind turbine, writes Andrew Gregson.
Water: the new oil
The world’s thirst for water is growing stronger and stronger, and it may soon become one of the planet’s most sought-after commodities. The Economist wades into the murky politics and science of H20.
INTERACTIVE MAP: The world’s fresh water supply
97% of the world’s water supply is salty, and 2% is frozen. So where is the 1% we can actually use to keep the planet alive? Have a play with National Geographic’s great infographic.
Video of the Day: The story of bottled water
A lovely (if slightly sanctimonious) animated doco on how the bottled water industry has convinced us all to pay bucketloads for something we can get free.
Murray-Darling: deal or no deal?
SA Premier Mike Rann’s “deal” to deliver 400 gigalitres of water down the Murray is a crock, says Hendrik Gout: SA is simply going to get what it was already entitled to. Whoopie.
Diving into water privatisation is a suicidal leap
Communities on all continents bear deep scars as a result of the crusades of water privateers, writes Dr Ian Douglas. There is no reason to believe that Australia is safe.
Downer: Stop looking to the government to fix things
Residents need to stop thinking that the State Government can solve their problems, writes Alexander Downer. State governments do not have the resources, therefore it’s up to locals to take action with issues like water.
Remember the Murray-Darling? It’s still in deep trouble …
While the Murray-Darling has dropped out of the media cycle, the goal of sustainable management remains as far off as ever, particularly after events this month.
Proposal to boost Snowy flow blocked by ALP powerbroker
NSW ALP powerbroker Ian Macdonald has headed off an attempt to remove one of the biggest impediments to a healthier Snowy River.
California’s water wars rage on
California lawmakers have approved several bills that could significantly change the state’s troubled water system, fueling hopes that a generation of feuds over the state’s most vital and overexploited natural resource might soon be over.
NSW to keep draining the life out of the Snowy
The NSW government has indicated it will continue to draw water off the Snowy River, despite extensive evidence the river is nearer to degradation than ever.
Garrett says no to Traveston Dam
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said no to the construction of the Traveston Crossing Dam near Gympie in south-east Queensland, based on environmental concerns. Conservationists say the dam threatens endangered species such as the Lungfish, Mary River Cod and Mary River Turtle.
How global warming could ignite an India-Pakistan war
The always heated relations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir could flare up into a raging blaze if climate change worsens Pakistan’s droughts, as both countries battle for access to the region’s glacial water supply.
