cape town
Newsletter
Credit: Delaney Turner/Unsplash
Facing imminent water crises, Mexico City and Bogotá seek solutions
Mexico City and Bogotá are on the brink of severe water shortages, reminiscent of Cape Town's 2018 crisis, due to El Niño-induced drought.
In short:
- Mexico City and Bogotá are experiencing extreme water shortages, with reservoirs rapidly depleting.
- Both cities have implemented water rationing measures, urging residents to reduce consumption.
- Cape Town's successful response to a similar crisis serves as a potential model but poses challenges due to different local conditions.
Key quote:
“The bigger question, and what's relevant for other cities, is now that we’ve experienced this, what can we do going forward to make sure that this doesn’t happen again?”
— Johanna Brühl, water expert at the nonprofit Environment for Development
Why this matters:
Water scarcity can lead to conflicts, displacement, and exacerbate inequalities, particularly affecting the most vulnerable communities. It's a stark reminder that water, a seemingly abundant resource, is finite and must be managed with care. Effective solutions can safeguard against future droughts exacerbated by climate change. For example, capturing and reusing urban storm water could be a boon for water-stressed cities—if we can find a way to clean it up.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Marlin Clark/Unsplash
Cape Town battles drought with unconventional tree removal
In a bold move against climate change, Cape Town turns to cutting down invasive trees to save water.
In short:
- Cape Town faces severe droughts exacerbated by climate change, threatening the city's water supply.
- Scientists have identified invasive tree species, such as black wattle, pine, and gum trees, as major culprits in depleting groundwater.
- Removing these trees is seen as essential to preserving the region's water resources and combating the effects of climate change.
Key quote:
“It was like trying to squeeze water out of a rock. We reduced pressure in the pipes until it was a trickle.”
— Linda Siyengo, civil engineer at Bulk Water Resource and Infrastructure Planning
Why this matters:
By addressing the invasive species problem, Cape Town is taking an important step toward securing its water future, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in the face of global environmental challenges.
3 promising new technologies could help send storm water to taps in thirsty cities like Cape Town.
Keep reading...Show less
Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash
Privileged lifestyles of rich are driving urban water crises
The unsustainable consumption of the rich — including the use of swimming pools, garden irrigation and washing cars — is a key driver of urban water crises, according to a new study that calls for a fresh approach to tackling the issue.
Devastating South African flooding provokes climate change debate
As KwaZulu-Natal struggles to rebuild after the deadly floods that decimated the province this month, understanding the cause of the weather-related disaster has become a major concern for its beleaguered residents.
French schooner docks in Cape Town to study pollution and climate change impacts
The French schooner Tara arrived in Cape Town as part of a two-year expedition up the West African coast to study how pollution, particularly microplastic pollution, in Africa’s main rivers.
www.iol.co.za
Oil and gas drilling rig off Cape Town coast sparks pollution fears
The arrival of the oil and gas drill rig DeepSea Stavanger in Cape Town has triggered oil spill fears among environmentalists.
www.dw.com
One year after the water crisis, Cape Town recovers from tourism drought
One year after Cape Town's water crisis, tourists are coming back to South Africa's "Mother City." But is the water crisis entirely averted Sertan Sanderson reports from Cape Town.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
