(August 7, 2007) Lesotho’s action against international corruption in one of Africa’s largest engineering schemes holds little weight on the steep, bare mountain sides above the Katse dam and reservoir. Here, anger against the government is easy to find.
Other News Sources
Public power and private purpose: odious debt and the political economy of hegemony
(April 3, 2007) This Article examines the process by which overlapping interests between private bankers and government translates into influence and power mediated through the use of bank loans as instruments of foreign policy.
Guiding Iraq on a road to recovery
(Augest 3, 2007) Daily attacks on U.S. soldiers, infiltration of terrorists, and mischief-making by Iran and Syria have dominated the postwar headlines over the last two months – creating an image of a quagmire in the making.
China withdraws credit from polluting companies
(August 2, 2007) A blacklist of polluting companies, including two well known food processors, was issued by China’s environmental watchdog yesterday, which denies bank loans in attempt to punish those that flout regulations.
Where will Beijing get its drinking water?
(August 2, 2007) An article by Science Times reporter Yi Yongyong based on a recent talk by Chinese environmentalist Wang Jian takes us through some of the water supply problems facing Beijing. Starting from the city’s pre-PRC history and moving through the half-century since, he brings us up to the present situation and speculates on the future. He focuses on two of the largest reservoirs that have until recently been among Beijing’s primary sources.
Three Gorges Dam withstands largest flood peak
(August 1, 2007) The Yangtze River’s highest flood peak this season has passed through the Three Gorges Dam as of Sunday. Seventeen sluice gates have been opened to keep water level below the designed 144 meters and to ease the flood pressure on the mid-lower reaches.
Poor profit growth for China Yangtze
(August 1, 2007) China Yangtze Power, operating power plants at the Three Gorges Dam, reported a measly 4.26% increase in its first-half underlying profit as gains in overall generation were hampered by narrowing margins.
Chicago engineering firm MWH awarded hydroelectric contract in China
(August 1, 2007) MWH, a Chicago-based engineering firm, has signed a deal with China’s Ertan Hydropower Development Corporation to help build the Jinping I Hydropower project on a large Yangtze tributary in Southwest China.
Flood closes down Yangtze Three Gorges ship lock
(July 30, 2007) The Yangtze River Three Gorges Navigational Bureau halted two-way traffic at the Three Gorges ship lock earlier this month as water influx into the dam measured an alarming 51,000 cubic meters per second, a result of continuous rainfall in the upper reaches. The lock, 6.4 km long and costing RMB ¥6.2 billion (USD $810 million), was built into the mountainous terrain on the northern bank of the Yangtze and has been the only navigable route past the dam since 2003.
SUEZ Environment plans big bucks for China
(July 19, 2007) SUEZ Environment, one of the world’s largest water and waste treatment service providers, plans to pour 100 million euros a year into China over the next five years to capitalize on the country’s soaring water and waste treatment business.
Floods: Death toll rises as downpour continues in SW China
Thirty-five people are dead and 11 are missing as rainstorms continue to lash southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, according to the municipal flood control office.
China’s ‘cancer villages’ pay price
(January 17, 2007) The small hamlet of Shangba is a tiny jumbled collection of houses sitting in the lush green paddy fields and hills of southern China. It sounds idyllic, but many of the locals are dying after drinking polluted water.
Ecuador at the Cross-roads
(July 19, 2007) To view a PDF of this file please click the following:
Toxic Algae: Official warns of major algae outbreak
(July 14, 2007) The top environmental official has called for improved measures to protect the country’s lakes, warning that a major outbreak of blue-green algae may hit the nation’s three major water systems.
A voice in the wilderness is forcing China to heed growing international concerns over the environment
(July 13, 2007) Ma Jun has emerged as the powerful voice of China’s budding green movement.


