Birth, Life and Death of Recently Discovered Microscopic Habitats Described by Research Biochemist

microhabitats
Share this
Share

Microscopic habitats, hosting communities of microorganisms formed over geologic time periods, self-sufficient but not self-sustained, have been discovered within droplets of water in the oil of Trinidad’s Pitch Lake, the world’s largest natural asphalt pitch lakedeposit. Researcher Dr Tillmann Lueders explained to The Speaker about the births, lives and possible deaths of these tiny worlds.

The report, “Water droplets in oil are microhabitats for microbial life,” was completed by lead researcher Rainer U. Meckenstock and his team of Frederick von Netzer, Christine Stumpp, Tillmann Lueders, Anne M. Himmelberg, Norbert Hertkorn, Philipp Schmitt-Kopplin, Mourad Harir, Riad Hosein, Shirin Haque, Dirk Schulze-Makuch, and was published in Science.

Birth, Life and Death of Recently Discovered Microscopic Habitats Described by Research Biochemist (17)
Dr Leuders, a co-author of the report

So far, no photographic images of these newly discovered microhabitats have been possible–the process by which the droplets would be photographed would also destroy them–but Dr Lueders gave The Speaker details about the nature of the microhabitats–how they are formed, how they sustain themselves, and how they may end.

“We envisage them as 1-3 microliter aqueous microspheres, with some microbes swimming around in the lumen, but most sitting attached to the oil-water interface,” Lueders told us.

Describing the origin of the microhabitats, Lueders explained, “The salinity and water isotopes measured in the droplet water tell us that it stems from the deep subsurface. Minimally, these habitats were formed by mixing processes during the ascent of the oil from the reservoir to pitch lake. Maximally, the droplets were present already in the reservoir itself.

“The time periods involved here are geologic. The reservoir seems to have been formed during the Miocene, but we are not experts to tell over what time scales the oil ascents.”

When asked about the ability of the microhabitats to maintain themselves over time, Leuders commented, “In principle, these micro-habitats should be self-sufficient over very long time scales, albeit at very low activities. However, they are not self-sustained, as would be the case for a perpetuum mobile system.”

The microbes feed on hydrocarbons and perform metabolism by methanogenesis–they breathe Birth, Life and Death of Recently Discovered Microscopic Habitats Described by Research Biochemist (15)methane instead of oxygen. Only Archaea–a domain phylogenetically distinct from eukaryotes and bacteria–perform this type of respiration, which is the final step in the decomposition of biomass in most environments.

“Our grasp is that the microbes thrive on the hydrocarbons, which are their source of carbon and energy. These are too abundant to ever be depleted. Since there is nothing else to respire, methanogenesis becomes the terminal respiratory process, producing methane from the oil.”

The end of a microhabitat may come about through a sudden explosion, in a process called ebullition. In ebullition, methane bubbles build up, forming ever-larger pockets that eventually burst due to pressure, dispersing the methane throughout the soil. Lueders explained, however, that ebullition may not be the real end of microhabitats:

“Methane ebullition could eventually destroy–or disperse–a single droplet habitat, but also cause recycling and formation of larger water droplet habitats. Thus the age of any single water droplet may be impossible to determine, we see this more as a steady-state continuum.”

More details about the nature of the microhabitats will be addressed in the research team’s future work, Lueders told us. Also, the formidable task of developing elaborate non-invasive or conservative methods of looking into the microhabitats will be explored, meaning photographic images may also become possible.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

Russia Offers USA “Guarantee” for Russia’s Humanitarian Convoy

humanitarian convoy
Share this
Share

Russia’s Defense Minister, Sergey Shoygo, offered the US a “guarantee” that Russia’s humanitarian convoy–feared by Ukraine to be a “Trojan horse” and currently being held at the Ukrainian border–is carrying no military personnel.

Shoygo made the guarantee to US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in a phone call Friday night, and the information was released in a Pentagon statement.

Hagel also said that Shoygo guaranteed that the convoy would not be used as a pretext for further intervention in Ukraine.

“Minister Shoygu assured Secretary Hagel that Russia was meeting Ukraine’s conditions,” the Pentagon statement said.

“He acknowledged that the goods would be delivered and distributed under the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Russian Defense Ministry also recently dismissed Ukrainian claims that Russia had sent a convoy of military vehicles into Ukraine already, which, Kiev had announced, Ukrainian forces had attacked and partially destroyed.

“There was no Russian military column, which allegedly crossed Russian-Ukrainian border, not in the night, not during the day, it just doesn’t exist,” said Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

 

New Invention Can Make Clean Water Using Wood, Plastic and Water: the Water Lens

water lens
Share this
Share

With a wood frame, some plastic and water, 99 percent of bacteria can be eliminated from unclean water, using a structure created by University of Buffalo, New York student Deshawn Henry. The project has the potential to provide clean water to developing water lensnations around the world, where millions currently have no access to clean water for drinking and washing.

“In the best hopes,” Henry told The Speaker, “the water lens could possibly become a savior for hundreds of thousands of people in many developing countries in the world, such as in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Not only would this development save hundreds of thousands of lives, but it will also give those people a better state of mind, knowing that they can drink the water without fear of contracting most types of water-borne diseases.”

Henry studies at the University of Buffalo‘s Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering in New York.

The water lens is a six-foot tall structure. At the top of a simple wood frame, a plastic sheet is covered with water, creating the “water lens.” Below the water lens a small container of water is positioned in line with the beam of light focused by the lens.

The water lens can heat a litre of water to between 130 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit in just over an hour. At this temperature, 99 percent of bacteria and other pathogens are killed.

The structure needs only sunlight to work, although due to the sun’s movement the lens needs to be shifted throughout the day.

Water LensWhen we asked Henry about the potential of the water lens to help those in need of clean water, he spoke of the potential benefits not only for less fortunate regions, but also of shared benefits.

“I feel that this development does indeed tie America and other nations closer together. I think it’s a very positive thing because it allows us to help others in need who aren’t as fortunate as we are here in the great USA.

“Sharing this type of technology with countries who need this type of phenomenal development is key to strengthening our relationships with the other countries of the world. Everyone on this Earth deserves to able to live their lives with access to good, clean water, and that is just what I hope this project will eventually accomplish.”

Unclean water is a global problem. Over one billion people lack access to clean water. Approximately 3.4 million people die annually from water-related diseases–1,400 children under age five daily.

Read more: WarkaWater Towers to Service Earth’s Desert Hydration Needs 

“Millions of people die every year from diseases and pathogens found in unclean water, and they can’t help it because that’s all they have. Either they drink it or they die,” said Henry.

The World Health Organization suggests at least 7.5 litres of water per day to meet minimum human requirements. Additional water is required for basic hygiene and basic food hygiene, and laundry and bathing require additional water as well.

The lens does have some limitations. Some water-borne bacteria are temperature resistant. However, many serious bacteria and other pathogens commonly found in water can be eliminated through boiling, such as E.coli, Vibrio cholera, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhii, enteritidis, and paratyphi, and Rotavirus.

deshawn henry
Deshawn Henry

The next phase of Henry’s project is to construct a larger version of the current water lens. A lens at least three times the size of the current model would have to be constructed to boil water for a family of five.

“Our next step in the research is to create a bigger lens that can heat more liters of water in the same amount of time it took to heat one liter of water… I wish to continue my research on this project with my mentor hopefully next summer.

“In places like Africa, where there is a lot more sunlight there than here in the US, the previous lens could clean at least 5 liters of water per day on a sunny day. If we can successfully construct a bigger lens that is as efficient as the previous one, we could potentially double or even triple the amount of water treated per day, given that there is good weather when the solar disinfection is taking place.”

By James Haleavy

UN Should Establish Peace First, Human Rights Later in South Sudan – Foreign Minister

south sudan
Share this
Share

South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Barnaba Marial Benjamin spoke today on his return from meeting with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and East African trade bloc IGAD in Nairobi, Kenya, and stated that the UNSC and IGAD should concentrate on establishing peace in South Sudan before attempting to address human rights grievances.

He also said that the UNSC and IGAD should not implement sanctions in their attempts to stop South Sudan’s civil war.

south sudan“What we need from UN Security Council andIGAD countries is that they support the peace process. South Sudan doesn’t need sanctions,” said Marial.

“The people of South Sudan can live in peace. Then the accountability issue with regards to those who violated the human [rights] will come later.”

Marial stated the South Sudan was ready to form a transitional government and work toward peace and reconciliation.

“South Sudan has put its point very clearly both to IGAD as well Security Council that we are for peace and that we are committed to finding peace as soon as possible,” Marial said.

“The President of the Republic of South Sudan is ready for an all-inclusive transitional government that will bring all the people of South Sudan together and at the same time to make sure that reconciliation process among the people of south Sudan is enhanced.”

The foreign affairs minister made the comments on his return from Nairobi, where he met with the UNSC and IGAD council ministers.

Earlier this week, a UNSC delegation to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, had expressed disappointment at the failure of both parties to form a transitional government within a sixty day time frame.

IGAD’s representatives also recommended tougher retribution for parties that finder peace talks in Addis Ababa.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

Chinese Authorities Shoot Tibet Protesters

tibet protests
Share this
Share

Protesting an August 11 forced celebration, Tibetans gathered at a government office in Kardze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China, Tuesday. Chinese officials arrived and deployed tear gas and fired on the protesters. Two Tibetans were struck by the bullets. Other Tibetans were also injured in the clash, Free Tibet reported.

Hundreds of Tibetans had gathered at the local offices of the Chinese government Tuesday. Security forces were deployed from nearby Sertha village. The force met the protesters with tear gas and live ammunition.

The son and brother of Wangdak, the village leader, were both shot.

tibet protestsThe injured Tibetans were taken away by security forces, who told family members the injured were being taken to medical treatment. No information of the whereabouts of the injured protesters has since been provided.

The protest followed a forced celebration. Tibetans were ordered to celebrate a visit by senior Chinese officials one day earlier. Wangduk had complained to the officials about harassment of female dancers by Chinese officials, and had also objected to the characterization of traditional horse races and prayer festivals as illegal. Wangdak was arrested.

A similar crackdown took place in neighboring Shukpa village Wednesday, where security forces beat and interrogated family members, although many of Shukpa’ men had left the village to avoid arrest.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

Russia’s Humanitarian Force Changes Direction, Russia Refuses Inspection, Red Cross States “We’re Not in Charge of This Convoy at the Moment”

Russia's Humanitarian Force Has Changed Direction, Russia Refuses Inspection, Red Cross States We're Not in Charge of This Convoy at the Moment
Share this
Share

Russia has sent a humanitarian convoy toward Ukraine. The convoy was to cross the border Wednesday, but has unexpectedly changed course. Currently, no Russian convoy is at the planned border crossing. The current course of the convoy is unknown. The Red Cross, reported to be acting with Russia on the humanitarian mission, has stated that they are “not in charge of this convoy at the moment,” and Ukrainian forces have been dispatched toward another border crossing near Krasnodon, where, Ukrainian officials have stated, the Russian convoy attempted to cross during the night.

Russia’s convoy was announced to be in participation with the Red Cross, but the Red Cross said that only that they “could be on board” but “needed to have some clarification first regarding modalities, practical steps that have to be implemented prior to a launch of such an operation.

Russia's Humanitarian Force Has Changed Direction, Russia Refuses Inspection, Red Cross States We're Not in Charge of This Convoy at the Moment (2)The Red Cross also stated that it would participate only “according to our own principles, according to our own modalities.”

Russia has refused, however, to allow inspection of their large column of almost three hundred freight trucks.

The Red Cross later announced that they no were not in control of Russia’s convoy. “We’ve been told by Russian authorities that an aid convoy is heading to #Ukraine border. We’re not in charge of this convoy at the moment,” tweeted the ICRC.

Russia's Humanitarian Force Has Changed Direction, Russia Refuses Inspection, Red Cross States We're Not in Charge of This Convoy at the Moment (1)

Nothing has approached the planned border crossing. The convoy has switched direction toward the border near Krasnodon, Luhansk, Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources.

Ukrinform published a report that the convoy was expected to arrive at a checkpoint in Kharkiv Wednesday but had bypassed the planned route, and that it was not clear what route the convoy would take.

Instead, the Russian convoy attempted to enter Ukraine over night by a different crossing, according to Ukrainian Presidential Administration Deputy Head Valery Chaly.

“Wednesday night… [there] was in fact an attempt to break through the Kharkiv region… It did not involve the Red Cross,” said Chaly.

Several units of the Ukrainian forces have been dispatched from Luhansk Airport to the road leading to Krasnodon, where a fierce battle is currently raging between Ukrainian forces and separatists, reportedly. The fighting involved shelling over Peremozhne village fired by separatists in Krasnodon. Numerous civilians have been reported killed.

Krasnodon and Sukhodilsk have also been used over the past months to transfer armored vehicles, including tanks, to Luhansk and Sverdlovsk. These tanks were not used, but kept hidden in abandoned factories, restorations and forested areas.

If Russia enters Ukraine by a different route, and continues to refuse inspection of its convoys, Russia may be considered to have invaded Ukraine.

Read more: Ukraine Agrees to Let Russians, Americans, Europeans Enter Ukraine for Humanitarian Mission Led by Red Cross 

Monday, US President Barack Obama held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Poroshenko, in which the leaders agreed that “any Russian intervention in Ukraine without the formal, express consent and authorization of the Ukraine government would be unacceptable and a violation of international law.”

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also warned Moscow against any unilateral military action in Ukraine, even if it took place in the context of humanitarian circumstances.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

After Three Years Whereabouts Unknown, Tibet Mine Protesters Located in Prison With 8 to 12 Year Sentences

tibet
Share this
Share

Six Tibetans have been located after being detained by Chinese police three years ago. The six were arrested during a protest against forced relocation and construction of a mining project in Lhundrub County, Tibet. The location of the six was confirmed to be Drapchi Prison, Lhasa. The six had received prison sentences ranging from eight to 12 years for their participation in the protest, according to Tibetan rights watch group, Free Tibet.

Two Tibetans received 12 years, three others received 11 years, and one person received 8 years.

Yarlung Tsangpo river
Yarlung Tsangpo River

The protest took place in April 2011 in Lhundrub County and was staged against a mining project in the area.

In 2009, the Chinese government began damming the Yarlung Tsangpo river, a river that stretches from western to south-central Tibet and is the source of India’s and Bangladesh’s Brahmaputra River.

Tibetans had been forced to relocate in preparation of the mining project, and were promised support. The support did not materialize, however.

When Tibetans requested that the project be discontinued, they were told that anyone who opposed the project would be arrested and charged with political crimes.

Frequently, when Tibetans are arrested by Chinese authorities, their families are not able to find information about their whereabouts.

China currently has plans to build up to 60 dams on the Tibetan Plateau. Twenty so far have been constructed. The dams have affected major riverways in Southeastern Asia, such as the Mekong River.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

UN Secretary General Late Night Statement to Iraq: Form a Broad-Based Government Before Deadline

Iraqi parliament
Share this
Share

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a late night statement Saturday, calling on all Iraqi politicians to constitutionally nominate a new leader that will be acceptable to all of Iraq in order to mobilize the war-torn nation to confront the Islamic State (IS).

The statement read that the Secretary General was “deeply concerned about the evolving humanitarian and security situation” in Iraq, and that the UN and the international community were watching political developments in the country.

“The Secretary-General calls upon all Iraqi political parties to abide by the constitutional timeline that governs the nomination of the Prime Minister,” the statement read. “He also calls for reason and wisdom to prevail and urges all leaders in Iraq to form a broad-based government that is acceptable to all components of Iraqi society. Such a government should be able to mobilize the nation to confront the threat from the Islamic State (IS) in a way that will bring security and stability to the whole country.”

According to the Iraqi Constitution, the Prime Minister forms the government.

On July 15, a new Speaker of the Council of Representatives was chosen in Iraq, and on July 24, a new President was chosen by Iraqi politicians. A Prime Minister, however, has not yet been agreed upon.

Sunday is the final day provided by the Iraqi constitution to nominate a Prime Minister.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

 

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China
Share this
Share

In Xinjiang a recent protest turned riot ended in approximately 2,000 dead, according to Uyghur leaders. Local sources have put the number in the thousands as well. Recent official Chinese sources, however, have provided a number of 96 killed.

The incident took place July 28, on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, one of the largest Islamic holidays celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Chinese authorities had imposed heavy religious restrictions in Xinjiang, which provoked an Uyghur uprising, reportedly.

Official Chinese and Uyghur account of the incident differ.

According to some Uyghur sources, the events leading to the riot began when around 40 women were detained by authorities for wearing excessively Islamic clothing–a crime in Xinjiang. When the 2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China (6)family members of these women went to request the women return home to prepare for the celebration, their requests were denied.

Later, a religious gathering took place. A large security force attended the gathering, which they considered illegal, and the confrontation escalated. Fifteen to 20 people were shot initially. Riots spread to nearby villages.

According to Chinese authorities, there had been an “organized and premeditated” attack, in which Uighurs used knives and axes to ambush cars and trucks. Former imam Nuramat Sawut was identified by authorities as the mastermind behind the attack. Sawut had been fired from his office at a village mosque recently for disrespect of the elderly and poor knowledge of Islam, state news Xinjiang Daily reported.

Xinjiang daily quoted Sawut’s cousin, “He is the shame of our village. After the terrorist attack, everybody has drawn a china-bodiesclear line. We all support the Communist Party and the government in their efforts to strike a hard-line against terrorism and return a peaceful life to us.”

Chinese accounts of the event also included a narrative in which a “gang” of Uighurs, connected to the terrorist group East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), attacked police and government buildings in Elishku township, to which the authorities reacted with “a resolute crackdown to eradicate terrorists.”

Official reports initially reported that “dozens” of people had been killed, but later provided a figure of 96 deaths. Of the 96 deaths, officials reported that 37 were civilians killed in the incident and 59 were assailants shot dead by police. Thirty-five of the deaths were reported to be Han Chinese, two were Uyghurs, and the others were reported as “terrorists.”

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China (5)Ninety-six deaths make the incident the deadliest example of ethnic violence in five years for China. In 2009, 200 people were killed in Xinjiang riots.

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China (4)Additionally, 215 people were arrested.

Nury Turkel, Washington-based attorney active in the World Uighur Conference–a Germany-based group–made statements about a government action that was hidden. “Something terrible has happened that they are trying to sweep under the rug,” said Turkel.

Overseas Uighurs have also made statements that the official account is false, and that authorities had put the town on lock down, blocking telephone and internet communications, for days.

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China (3)
Kadeer pictured with exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama

Exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer, citing local sources, stated that at least 2,000 Uighurs may have been killed during the riots. Kadeer accused the Chinese authorities of covering up a “massacre” of Uighurs.

According to Kadeer, the riots began after a Uighur march to the police and government buildings protesting for justice “for the killing of innocent villagers,” including a police shooting death of a family of five during a dispute over traditional headscarves. Some protesters attacked government buildings and employees with sticks. Police shot down nearly all the protesters and went on a house-to-house search, killing other people, Kadeer reported.
“We have evidence in hand that at least 2,000 Uyghurs in the neighborhood of Elishku township have been killed by Chinese security forces on the first day and they ‘cleaned up’ the dead bodies on the second and third day during a curfew that was imposed,” stated Kadeer, “without even condemnation from the outside world.”

“It is clearly state terrorism and a crime against humanity by any standard committed by Chinese security forces against the unarmed Uyghur population,” said Kadeer.

Kadeer has lived as an exile in Washington, DC since her release from prison in China in 2005.

2,000 Possibly Killed in Muslim Uyghur Riot in Xinjiang, China (2)Han Chinese Source within Yarkand have put the number at “possibly more than 1,000,” and attributing the violence to “East Turkestanis” attacking people “with great, big chopping knives,” and comparing the region to Iraq, adding that some involved Uyghurs were foreign nationals from overseas and from Pakistan.

So far, no independent reporting has come out of the area. Local doctors have said that they are not able to answer questions about the injuries treated after the incident.

By James Haleavy

Ukraine Separatist Leader: “We Are Ready for a Ceasefire”

ukraine
Share this
Share

[This report will be updated within the next hour]


Aleksandr Zakharchenko, the so-called prime minister of the pro-Russian separatists active in Donetsk, Eastern Ukraine, has stated that the separatists are ready for a cease-fire.

Zakharchenko issued a statement Saturday, in which the leader said, “We are ready for a ceasefire in order to prevent the expansion of a humanitarian disaster in Donbass.”

Zakharchenko made the statement as the region was surrounded by Ukrainian forces.

“In the event of a storm on the city the number of victims will increase greatly. We have no humanitarian corridors. There are no medical supplies… food supplies are nearing their end,” Zakharchenko said of the city of around 1 million population.

Ukrainian forces have stated that they are willing to accept a ceasefire if pro-Russian separatists surrender their arms.

This news comes amid other news that large Russian force had been approaching the Ukraine border, reportedly in association with the Red Cross and with the purpose of entering Ukraine on a peace-keeping mission. The force did not enter Ukraine after Kiev appealed to Moscow, reportedly.

NATO warned Moscow to pull back its forces, and the US made statements warning that if Russia moved into Ukraine, the US would consider it an invasion.

Zakharchenko became prime minister of the separatist forces in Donetsk August 7, when former separatist leader Alexander Borodai announced he was resigning and would henceforward act as an adviser to Zakharchenko.

By Day Blakely Donaldson

Electric Power Industry Will Face Significant Water Constraints According to New CNA Corporation Data

electric power industry
Share this
Share

Recent CNA Corporation research has brought to light new revelations about water consumption and the electricity sector–including that electricity generation could become difficult in areas of the world prone to water scarcity or water stress.

benjamin sovacool“Given pending constraints in water availability, business as usual will be completely nonviable for the electric power industry,” Benjamin Sovacool, Professor of Business and Social Sciences at Aarhous University and Director of the Danish Center for Energy Technology at AU Herning, told The Speaker.

The research findings, on which Sovacool worked, were published on the CNA Corporation website, and included two complimentary studies, “Capturing Synergies Between Water Conservation and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the Power Sector” and “A Clash of Competing Necessities.”

CNA Corporation is a federally funded research and development center for the US Navy and Marine Corps. CNA Corporation also provides research and analysis for US national defense.

Read more: The Biggest Consumers of Water on the Planet are Not Measured for Water Use, New Study Discovers

“The electricity-water nexus makes ‘business as usual’ completely nonviable,” Sovacool told us, referring to the relationship between the amount of water used in energy generation and the among of energy used to distribute and treat the water. “Combined trends in population growth, increasing electricity consumption, and increasing water usage indicate that we cannot, and should not, continue to generate electricity the way we do today. Because water is an essential part of the cooling process for thermoelectric power plants, they may become wholly unsuitable as the globe enters a new era of accelerated water stress and water scarcity.”

According to CNA Corporation’s research, increasing water use will create water scarcity in 30-40 percent of the world by 2020, and will create a global water shortage by 2040. The resulting situation will be one in which decisions will have to be made whether to use water for energy generation plants–by far the largest consumers of water–or for human consumption.

Currently, power production operates with an assumption that there is no limit to water use. This “blind spot,” as CNA Corporation calls it, extends to policy and technology analysis–decisions about industry that involve water use by-and-large do not factor in water use.

Using a model with no water limits, power generation companies formulate graphs in which energy production is increased alongside an increased use of water–a less-than-realistic scenario, according to CNA Corporation’s research.

When actual water resources are accounted for, as well as more complex representations of water cooling, such as including carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS), graphs for future power production look very different.

CNA Corporation found that water consumption could be hundreds of percent larger than water limits.

“Including consideration of water availability in electricity planning fundamentally ‘changes the game’ of how we make future projections about power plants and capacity additions,” explained Sovacool.

This problem was found to exist globally. Although in the US the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which regulates the power sector, has recently been doing a better job of ensuring information recorded by power companies is correct, according to CNA Corporation, neither the EPA nor the Department of Energy (DOE) even have the authority to regulate water quantity–only quality.

According to the study’s principal author, Director of Energy, Water and Climate at the Institute for Public Research at CNA Corporation, Paul Faeth, “[T]he governing responsibility for energy and water are separated and fall into different ministries or departments which don’t communicate with one another.”

Paul Faeth“In the US, for example, the regulation of the power sector, which is the biggest source of water withdrawals in the US, falls to the US EPA but they do not have the authority to even consider the impact of their rules on water use,” Faeth told The Speaker. “Nor do they EPA or EIA have any models that account for water use.”

However, the situation was even more bleak in the other countries CNA Corporation examined in their study. In France, India and China, the CNA Corporation team was unable to find any sources of water use data.

The revelations brought forth by the study have demonstrated the current global situation with regard to the changing nature of water resources.

“I suppose we weren’t really that surprised that most power plants do not report their water consumption, since this is not mandatory and most of the time water is free,” Sovacool told us. The research team recommended investment in wind and solar energy production.

“As we have shown, the electricity generation technologies that are beneficial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions correspond with those that require less water to operate, providing crucial benefits on both ends of the scale: reducing the inputs that contribute to the severity of climate change, avoiding additional stresses on water resources, and minimizing water use as climate change inevitably stresses water resources. Policies that promote renewables and efficiency thus provide multiple benefits beyond technical reliability and economic cost.”

By Day Blakely Donaldson

Chinese Rocket Crashes in Gobi Desert, Area Sealed Off, Photos Deleted, No Explanation From China

china rocket crash
Share this
Share

china rocket explosion in mongoliaA Chinese Aerospace rocket crashed in Bulong Gachaa, in Arbas subdivision of Otog County, Ordos Administrative Region–a remote region in inner Mongolia, Thursday. The rocket caused a large explosion and impact crater, and was witnessed by many local residents.

Mongolians in the area have been evacuated from their homes, according to Chinese news agency Epoch Times.

After the crash, photos were posted on Chinese Sina Weibo social media platform, showing clouds of orange smoke and wreckage bearing China Aerospace logos, but the photos have since been deleted.

The rocket had originally been reported as a missile on social media, but this description was retracted.

China had announced missile launches in Inner Mongolia–one from Northwest Lop Nur region and another from a region to the west of the Alxa League.

download (9)China has not offered any explanation about the crash, and authorities quickly cleaned up the wreckage, according to eyewitnesses.

Chinese officials contacted by other news agencies have reportedly said that there was an incident, but the matter was secret,that there was nothing remaining at the scene, and that authorities were currently looking for the source of the photos posted online.

By Day Blakely Donaldson