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The Potential for Tensions in South Asia: The Food and Water Vector
May 2nd, 2017
Via Future Directions International, an article on the potential for tension over water and food in South Asia: Key Points Water scarcity is predicted to affect 1.8 billion people by 2025, many of whom will be from across Asia. The headwaters of most of Asia’s major rivers are located in Tibet, giving China a significant […]
Read more »Vietnam’s Angst As China and Laos Dam the Mekong
October 13th, 2016
Via Mongabay, a detailed look at whether – given Laos’ aspirations to become the “battery of Asia” and Chinese dam builders intentions to make it so – Vietnam’s Mekong Delta will survive: Left: The Mekong River and its watershed. Right: The lower Mekong basin. This is the second article of an in-depth, four-part series […]
Read more »Laos’ Thirst For Mekong River Dams Imperils Region’s Fishing and Farming
August 16th, 2016
Courtesy of the Washington Post, a look at Laos’ desire for more Mekong River dams impacts its regional neighbors: Dismissing its neighbors’ pleas, impoverished Laos is rapidly building a Mekong River dam that threatens fisheries crucial to millions of Southeast Asia’s poorest people. The site of the Don Sahong dam, less than 2 kilometers (1 […]
Read more »Dams, Drought and Disaster Along the Mekong River
May 11th, 2016
Via IRIN News, a report on the water challenges facing the nations and communities along the Mekong River: The dry months before the monsoon rains arrive are often tough for Cambodian fishermen and farmers. But with rivers drying up and drinking water running out, conditions have rarely been as bad as they are now. The […]
Read more »The Thirsty Dragon: China Seeks To Build Rapport Downstream
April 13th, 2016
Via Future Directions International, a report on China’s recent release of water from some of its Mekong dams: Much of South-East Asia is experiencing exceptionally dry conditions. For parts of the region, the dry season typically runs between January and September and it is not unusual for there to be lower water availability. The current […]
Read more »The Politics Of The Mekong River
April 11th, 2016
Courtesy of STRATFOR (subscription required), a detailed look at the politics of the Mekong River: In times of scarcity, nations compete more fiercely to meet their essential needs and defend precious commodities. Water is no exception, particularly the water of the Mekong River of mainland Southeast Asia. Mekong translates to “mother of rivers,” and the river […]
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