Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [Nile River Conflict Egypt vs Ethiopia]

A couple of weeks ago, Ethiopia concluded the construction of The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and it is ready to start filling the dam. However, this triggered serious tensions with neighbours Egypt and Sudan. In this post we will provide a short introduction of the reasons for this tension.

What is The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

This 155 m high dam with an installed capacity of 6.45 GW is the biggest hydropower dam in Africa,  and one of the biggest hydropower dams in the world. It will have an annual generation of 16 153 GWh that will not only fulfill the need of Ethiopia, but will also supply energy to some neighboring countries.

However, the dam will have impacts on the Sudan and Egypt. The dam will reduce the water availability in those countries, and will also reduce the sediment carried by the river, hence reducing the fertility of the lands and the Nile Delta, and reducing the agricultural capacity of the mentioned countries.

Why the controversy regarding Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

Right now, the main controversy is the filling policy. Ethiopia want to fill the dam in a period between 3-5 years. However, Egypt states that is should be filled in at least 20 years.

There are huge difference between those options. On one side, Ethiopia will have to wait another 20 years to enjoy the benefits of the dam. On the other side, Egypt and Sudan could severely affected by the reduced inflow.

We present a short comparisson of the scenarios filling the dam in 5 years vs filling the dam in 21 years (based on data from Aljazeera).

Filling the dam in 21 years

Egypt would reduce its annual water budget in 5%

Egypt would reduce its agricultural area in 2.5 %

Filling the dam in 5 years

Egypt would reduce its annual water budget in 50%

Egypt would reduce its agricultural area in 67 %

The Nile Delta current condition

The Nile Delta if the dam is filled in 5 years

The Nile Delta if the dam is filled in 21 years

Rainy season in Ethiopia and the Nile

The best moment to start filling the dam is during the rainy season.

The rainy season in Ethiopia is between July and August. Therefore, they must start filling the dam soon, otherwise, they will lose a whole year and will have to wait until the next rainy season. For this reason, it is critical for all the involved nations to reach an agreement.

Negotiations and previous Nile Water Agreements

The Nile basin initiative has been leading negotiations regarding this dam and for more than 10 years.

One of the key elements that stops any agreement is the current Nile Waters Agreements from 1929 and 1959. 

The 1929 agreement between Egypt and England (as representative of the other countries) recognized Egypt’s right to the waters of the Nile as well as the right to veto any irrigation projects that would affect its share of the river's water..

The 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan states that Egypt has the right to use 66% of the Nile waters, Sudan has the rights to 22% of the water, and the remaining 12 % is lost by evaporation.

Ethiopia claims that they also have rights on the Nile, especially because 85 % of the Nile water originates in Ethiopia (the so called blue Nile).

Nile River Water Use (Source: Aljazeera)

Ways households in California are going green

As the planet is becoming increasingly endangered, people all over the world are looking for ways to make the situation better. In California specifically, there are several ways that households are going green. At first, following these measures may be hard, but soon, they become second nature.

Unfortunately, a lot of people in California have grown accustomed to certain habits they should change. These changes may be hard, and they require dedication. However, those people who (rightfully so) care about the planet, will only need some patience and the will to go green.

While there are several ways to help the environment - for example, by having a green exercise routine - in this post, we will focus on what households in California are doing in order to go green. We hope that our readers will take note of the examples in this post, because every household counts!

Eliminate water waste

One way that Californians are going green is by trying to not waste any water unnecessarily. People don't usually think about water when it comes to their habits pertaining to eco-friendliness. However, this is an important factor that you should certainly be aware of. Throughout the history of California, there have been issues with water availability, so it should be almost a tradition for Californians to care about this issue.

If you are going green, you can’t waste any water!

First of all, making sure that there are no water leaks in the household is the way to go. Such leaks cause a very large amount of water to be wasted, which is something you should definitely avoid. Another, less obvious way to conserve water is to turn it off while you are washing your hands, brushing your teeth, etc. You may think that during this short period of time you can't waste a substantial amount of water, but in reality, the opposite is true, so don't let all that water go to waste.

Moving to a green community

Another way that Californians are going green is by moving to a green community. Such community households are dedicated to preserving nature and integrating with the environment in a way that isn't harmful. The idea is that, together, we can help the environment a lot more than we could do it individually. So, consider whether a move to one of the green communities could perhaps be the right thing for you. 

If you decide to move to a green community household in California, you should do so with the help of a moving company that cares about the environment. You’ll have to do a bit of digging to find one, but they’re out there (Mod Movers California certainly fit the bill, for example). What's more, reliable movers will save you plenty of time, and at an affordable price too, so in a huge majority of cases there really is no reason to move on your own.

Household changes to make when going green

There are some changes anyone can make inside their household in order to make it more eco-friendly. Installing particular light bulbs that don't use much energy is one of the things you can do. These light bulbs are not much more expensive than regular bulbs. In fact, they are rather affordable. Moreover, they will last longer than regular light bulbs, meaning that, in the long run, using such light bulbs pays-off, financially speaking. Given that using them is good for the environment too, this is a win-win situation.

Solar panels are just the thing – if you can afford them.

When it comes to energy, there is another option, albeit one that is too expensive for most households, Californian or otherwise - installing solar panels. These panels create energy and work wonders when it comes to the health of the environment. Eventually, they can generate enough energy that you can sell some of it, but it takes a long time before that becomes possible. Still, without doubt solar panels are the future, with solar farms becoming increasingly popular.   

Eliminate heat waste

The next thing to think about involves heating. Namely, similarly to preventing the waste of water, those households in California that are concerned about the health of Mother Earth are also looking to prevent the waste of heat. Unfortunately, many people have the tendency to accumulate unnecessary heat, by forgetting to turn off the heating when they do not need it. This way, energy is thrown down the drain, and with it, your wallet suffers too.

A very useful addition to any household in this regard is a smart meter. This is one of the modern technological marvels that make our lives much easier, and our homes much smarter. You can set-up smart meter devices so that they switch on only at certain times. So, for example, if you are leaving the household at 8 AM, you will not need the heating to be turned on at 7:30 AM. Instead of turning it off manually (or forgetting to do so), you can rely on the smart meter to do it for you. These devices can save you some trouble and help make the environment healthier.

Shopping and growing your own food

Buying whole foods can reduce the need for plastic containers.

Any household that is concerned with ecology is also concerned with the way shopping for groceries is handled. Namely, buying groceries usually comes with much ecologically dangerous waste.

So, instead of getting groceries in plastic bags, bring containers of your own that you can use again later on. Also consider jars and other items made of glass where you can store groceries right after buying them. Plastic is generally avoided in eco-conscious California households, and this goes for shopping, too. Also, when buying vegetables and fruits, it is good to buy such food whole, as chopped-up vegetables and fruits come packed in plastic. This involves some extra work with personally chopping the food, but it is certainly worth it.

Finally, California households that are going green may also have their own gardens. And this trend isn't reserved strictly for California; for example, one of the reasons why New York is one of the most sustainable cities in the world is precisely because of the many gardens its residents are growing. Having your own garden greatly lessens the danger of food waste. And in the time when people all over the world are in the danger of being confined to their homes, growing your own garden can be just what you need.

Healthiest places to live in Florida: Top 10 greenest neighborhoods

It often happens that we get reminded of important environmental issues only when the time comes for celebrating certain dates. Following the World Environment Day on 5 June 2020, we're pointing our attention not only to the specific theme it's dedicated to but to all the aspects of healthy and sustainable living. While such days are extremely useful to promote environmental awareness, they are only the 1/365th part of the year when most of us do so. We leave the biggest impact if our communities make our way of life more eco-friendly throughout the year. Many Sunshine State communities have done just so, and some of them are ranking high among the greenest Florida neighborhoods.

The greenest Florida neighborhoods

The warm and sunny Florida is a sufficiently attractive destination as it is, but even more so when it comes to green initiatives sprouting throughout the state. One can move and settle down in any part of the state and expect it is already a part of one, if not few, such initiatives. It doesn't mean that Florida is already a green haven. However, numerous communities are taking firm steps toward a healthier and more sustainable future of their residents.

1. Orlando

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Orlando is the oldest community in Florida dedicated to urban forestry management. For 42 years straight, the city has been planting trees as a part of the Tree City USA program, making its neighborhoods healthier and more attractive. But that is not all. Orlando offers its citizens access to reclaimed (recycled) water that can be used for watering gardens, for example.

Orlando is one of Florida cities, alongside Miami, Tallahassee, and Lakeland, which offers bike-sharing programs. Moreover, the city installs free bike racks at businesses to help reduce congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle. A network of more than forty miles of bike trails greatly helps.

2. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is, next to Orlando, one of over 180 Florida communities participating in the Tree City USA program. Its 40-year-long membership has made it one of the greenest Florida neighborhoods. The Green Your Routine initiative is a part of the city government's inter-departmental Green Team's actions. They are focusing on climate resiliency, responsible development and land use, sustainable building and livability, green space expansion, natural resources preservation, transportation and connectivity, as well as recycling and waste reduction.

3. Babcock Ranch

Babcock Ranch is a planned town near Fort Myers, occupying land in both Charlotte and Lee counties. It is famous for being a town created together by environmental planners and developers. Also, it has the largest solar-plus-storage system in the states powering the town. Babcock Ranch is not a gated community, but a town combining advanced technologies with sustainable living. 

4. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a place of environmentally responsible living, seen especially in public transportation in the form of trolleys. Additionally, more than 22 miles of beaches are the center of attention and protection. Nature preserves and parks are common sighting spots of manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. For those who wish to enjoy warm Florida nights outdoors, beachside camping is an exciting and eco-friendly activity.

5. Tallahassee

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to numerous parks offering not only a welcome respite and a breath of fresh air, but also environmental education to its visitors. Many of these parks have acclaimed conservation education centers promoting environmental protection and outdoor activities like hiking or birdwatching. The city itself shifts toward sustainable energy sources like solar energy and biofuel.

6. West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a perfect destination to enjoy lovely Florida weather as it is among the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the state. More and more restaurants meet the eco-friendly farm-to-table policy and provide meals made from local produce or Fair Trade products. A large number of green lodging and dining options and eco-friendly attractions make West Palm Beach excellent for all nature-lovers. All that's left to do is to contact a professional moving company such as State to State Move and start your new life by having an eco-friendly relocation.

7. Tampa

Tampa, the third most populous city in Florida, is one of the most walkable cities in the state. But it doesn't stop the city to favor bike-sharing, ferries, and the use of the historic streetcar system. The city is home to the University of South Florida and its vast gardens where they even produce honey on campus.

8. Sarasota

Sarasota is a town of environmentally conscious people who understand the meaning of sustainability. Hence, it doesn't surprise that Sarasota is one of the greenest Florida neighborhoods thanks to its residents. It is perhaps one of the rare communities where citizens are united around a common goal - healthier living for all. They are devoted to wildlife that surrounds them as much as to their own need to live in an eco-friendly community.

9. Miami

Miami is home to the pedestrian-friendly downtown and miles of beaches and boardwalks. However, the city is also famous for its numerous green initiatives that make a positive impact on the environment. The government has recognized the need for environmental planning and incorporates good practices, such as green building codes, for example, that can help make your house more eco-friendly.

As a growing number of environmentally conscious tourists shape that industry, many new hotels in Miami conform to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The city is implementing the Citi Bike program to popularize cycling and reduce car fuel emissions. Many popular bike trails are spread throughout the city. Moreover, Miami based Audubon Florida focuses on conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems and wildlife in Florida. 

10. Key West

The Keys are perhaps most famous for the wildlife and protection of endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to a deer refuge, a bird sanctuary, and the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. For tourists, Key West arranges tours on the SQUID, a solar-powered, electric charter boat. Aside from electric car rentals, Key West is supporting cycling and is a pedestrian-friendly town.

Xe Nammov dam failure in Laos was caused by piping and percolation

On July 2018, the Xe Nammoy saddle dam (Laos) collapsed and devastatedseveral villages. Initially, local authorities blamed an extreme precipitation event and climate change for the collapsed, arguing that the saddle dam (under construction) was overtopped by the extreme event. However, a recent study based on site visit, gran size analysis and numerical simulations show that was not the case.