Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank drive global increase in water-related violence

Israeli attacks on Palestinian water infrastructure in 2023 made up a quarter of global water-related violence, as conflicts over dwindling resources surged worldwide.

Nina Lakhani reports for The Guardian.

In short:

Water-related violence globally increased by 50% in 2023, with nearly 350 documented conflicts.
Israel's destruction of Palestinian water supplies was a significant contributor, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.
Latin America, the Caribbean and India also saw sharp rises in water conflicts due to drought and disputes over access.

Key quote:

“There was a massive uptick in violence over water in 2023, widely around the world, but especially in the Middle East.”

— Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute.

Why this matters:

As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, conflicts over access to water are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening the stability of already volatile regions. The ongoing violence endangers millions who rely on these critical resources for survival.

www.theguardian.com

Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank drive global increase in water-related violence

California residents challenge methane policy they say pollutes under the guise of clean energy

New Mexico groups take oil pollution case to state Supreme Court

Climate change reports vanish from US federal websites, raising transparency concerns

UN official calls for criminal penalties for fossil fuel disinformation and lobbying bans

Clean energy power line project faces legal challenge in Missouri

Brazil shifts from asbestos to rare earths amid global mineral race

EPA staffer’s offhand remark on climate funds fuels political firestorm after secret video sting

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.