A window into what we’re reading at the Stimson Center’s Environmental Security Program
Rapid Central Asia Glacial Melt Threatens Water Security (The Diplomat)
A recent study projects that the Tian Shan mountains, the primary freshwater source for millions across Central Asia and China’s Xinjiang region, will lose approximately one-third of their glacier area before 2040. Already, the region has seen a 27% drop in glacial mass and an 18% drop in areas over the last 50 years. The Tian Shan’s smaller glaciers respond more rapidly to warming temperatures, as rising temperatures reduce the snowfall that historically replenishes glacial mass. These glacial and meteorological conditions create a compounding effect that makes the Tian Shan more vulnerable than the larger, slower-responding glaciers of the Karakoram, Pamir, and Himalaya ranges.
The accelerating glacier retreat in the Tian Shen poses particularly serious risks for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both of which already struggle with aging water infrastructure and mismanagement. Scientists warn that these ominous trends will increase irrigation shortages, intensify desertification, and pose threats to food security and disruptions to drinking water supplies
READ | The Future of Central Asian Water Diplomacy
Will the African Union’s Summit Theme Lead to Tangible Commitments on Water? (Al-Jazeera)
The African Union (AU) announced that water will be the central theme of its 2026 summit. Across the continent, challenges posed by water scarcity are intertwined with climate change, conflict, food insecurity, and geopolitical tensions. And water is extremely political: deadly cyclones and floods have devastated in Madagascar and Mozambique, desertification drives recruitment into armed groups like al-Shabab and Boko Haram in the Sahel, and antigovernment protests in Madagascar and South Africa have centered on failed water service delivery.
While the AU’s focus on water is seen as important, experts criticize leaders across the continent and in its respective nations for failing to act at the necessary scale despite years of warning signs. Given its limited mandate, the summit is unlikely to produce binding, enforceable agreements. Yet there is cautious optimism about African-led innovations which observers say will demonstrate that Africa can be a source of solutions, and not only a victim of a broader crisis.
READ | Toward a New Regional Approach to Water Security and Governance in the Horn of Africa
Site of Brazil’s Worst Mining Disaster Resumes Operations (Mongabay)
Seven years ago, Vale’s Córrego do Feijão tailings dam collapsed in Brumadinho, Brazil, killing 272 people and releasing 10 million cubic meters of toxic sludge into the Paraopeba River. Yet in a startling development, mining operations have resumed at the Jangada mine adjacent to the site. These renewed operations rely upon the same environmental license issued just 45 days before the original disaster, and there has been no community consultation conducted before the mine’s reopening. The operations restarted in August 2025 after Vale leased the site to partner company Itaminas, and the mine is located only 1.2 miles from community springs relied upon by hundreds of local families.
The Jangada community built its own independent water distribution system from springs on their land over 30 years ago, entirely without government support. Residents already report that water levels have been declining noticeably, with creeks that once flowed year-round now only appearing during rainy seasons. Residents, victims’ families, and civil society groups have organized petitions, shareholder meeting interventions, and marches in response to the renewed mining here, demanding permanent closure of both mining sites and cancellation of the operating license by the federal government.
READ | Mining Giant Behind Deadly Dam Collapse Took Lax Approach to Corporate Responsibility
Sources: Al-Jazeera; The Diplomat; Mongabay