water matters5
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Vegetation Can Strongly Alter Climate and Weather, Study Finds
A new analysis of global satellite observations shows that vegetation can powerfully alter atmospheric patterns that influence climate and weather.
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In Jharkhand, Using an Old Technique for Sustainable Water
The Indian state of Jharkhand has plentiful rainfall, but most of that water runs off before it can be put to use by farmers, who struggle to make a living. To help improve irrigation and crop productivity, the Centers for International Projects Trust and Ranchi’s Birsa Agricultural University turned to a simple traditional technology, “dobhas,”…
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Project Uses Satellites for Rapid Assessment of Flood Response Costs
Overall global losses from natural disasters such as floods, landslides or earthquakes amount to about $300 billion annually. A rapid and early response is key to immediately address the loss of human life, property, infrastructure and business activity.
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The Glaciers Are Going
Glaciers around the world have retreated at unprecedented rates and some have disappeared altogether. The melting of glaciers will affect drinking water supplies, water needed to grow food and supply energy, as well as global sea levels.
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To Ease Mexico City’s Water Woes, Look up, Study Suggests
For Mexico City’s biggest businesses and its poorest neighborhoods, rainwater harvesting could help address an enormous water crisis plaguing the city, a recent Columbia Water Center study found.
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Michelle Ho: In a Land of Plenty, Big Water Problems
Michelle Ho grew up in Australia, the driest inhabited continent, with an appreciation for the value of having a clean glass of water to drink. Now, she conducts research for the Columbia Water Center on America’s water systems.
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An Ancient Tool Holds Promise for Modern Water Problems
The potential effectiveness of harvesting rainwater to bolster water supply and reduce potentially polluting runoff varies greatly from place to place, even within a particular city or neighborhood. Now researchers at the Columbia Water Center have developed a tool to assess the potential of rainwater harvesting throughout the United States.
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Grasslands More Sensitive to Dryness than Rainfall, Study Says
A new study shows that dryness of the atmosphere affects U.S. grassland productivity more than rainfall does. The findings could have important implications for predicting how plants will respond to warming climate conditions.
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Oroville Dam Crisis is a Call to Action on U.S. Water Infrastructure
Columbia Water Center director Upmanu Lall suggests that we see the Oroville crisis as a call to action to evaluate and address the challenges facing the nation’s dam infrastructure.
