Tuesday, October 18: Nigerian Floods
Climate change doesn't discriminate, it's coming for all of us
Nigeria is facing its worst flooding in over a decade, affecting vast areas of farmland, infrastructure and resulting in about 200,000 homes partly or wholly destroyed. There have also been more than 600 lives lost as a result of the flooding, while over a million people have been displaced. For some Nigerian states, more than a month of floods is likely still to come as the wet season continues.
Every year, Cameroon - which runs the length of Nigeria’s eastern border - releases water from a dam in its north, resulting in flooding downstream in Nigeria. When the dam was first constructed in the 80’s, both countries agreed that Nigeria would build a twin dam to contain any overflow. But 40 years later, the second dam has yet to materialize.
“Climate change is real, as we are yet again discovering in Nigeria.”
-Matthias Schmale, UN humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria
Meanwhile, the flooding is causing ruin across Africa, as the continent is heavily dependent on agriculture and the effects are particularly devastating economically. In 2012, when the country last experienced flooding on this scale, the damage was estimated at $17 billion.
Side Items
Mississippi River Low Point: The water level in the mighty Mississippi has reached a low point, so low that grain barges can no longer deliver their cargo, prompting fear of worsening food shortages. For context, there are around 500 million tons of supplies ferried along the Mississippi every year, with a trade value worth ~$130 billion. This drought matches water shortage issues across Europe and Asia as major waterways are over-utilized and drying up as a result
In Other News, Police Have Too Much Money: Here’s the change in various city police budgets from 2019-2022, presented without comment: Chicago: +15%, LAPD: +9%, Houston: +9%, LA Sheriff: +8%, San Francisco: +4%, Philadelphia: +3%, Austin: +3%, NYC: -3%
Korean Boy Band Join the Military: BTS, the Korean boy band that’s captured the hearts and minds of millions of kids and teenagers (as well as some older weirdos) announced yesterday that they would serve their mandatory conscription in the Korean military. This news will surely disappoint “The Army” as their loyal fanbase is known, but it will be welcome news to “the army”, like the actual army
Aaaaand we’re back! After months of trade rumors and speculation, the greatest American professional sport is back today, as the NBA tips off its 77th season. My predictions are as follows:
MVP: Luka Doncic (the young, white mamba)
Champions: LA Clippers (just for the legend John Wall)
Biggest Disappointment: Atlanta Hawks (call me a hater if you like)