A window into what we’re reading at the Stimson Center’s Environmental Security Program

Chinese Company Accused of Covering Up Extent of Major Toxic Mining Spill in Zambia (Associated Press)

In February, a dam collapse at Chinese-owned Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine released toxic waste into the Kafue River, which provides water for over half of Zambia’s 21 million people. An independent investigation by South African company Drizit found that 1.5 million tons of toxic material were released in the spill, which is 30 times more than Sino-Metals admitted to spilling. When Drizit’s investigation was set to reveal extensive contamination verified through 3,500 samples, Sino-Metals terminated their contract one day before the final report was due.

The collapse of the dam contaminated the river with cyanide, arsenic, copper, zinc, lead, and other pollutants, which cause long-term health risks that include organ damage, birth defects, and cancer. An estimated 900,000 cubic meters of toxic substances remain in the environment today, and still require proper cleanup.

READ | Examining China’s Impact on Mining in Africa: Critiques and Credible Responses

India’s Solar Industry Under Pressure from Trump’s Tariffs (New York Times)

Over the past decade, India has successfully increased its solar manufacturing capacity 50-fold with the United States as its largest export market.  When the Trump administration’s new 50% tariffs on Indian goods took full effect recently, however, Indian solar panels have become far less economical for American buyers. It is a development that threatens India’s goal of becoming a major player in the global value chain for clean energy manufacturing.

With export challenges mounting, India is focusing now on whether its large domestic market can absorb locally produced solar modules. The government is implementing energy self-sufficiency policies with various incentives, including requirements that solar installers who seek government contracts for 27 million household rooftop installations use locally-made equipment.

READ | Accelerating the Transition: Can the U.S. Support India’s Path to Net Zero?

Deforestation Found to be Leading Driver of Declines in Amazon Rainfall (Mongabay)

A University of São Paulo study analyzing 35 years of data found that deforestation accounts for nearly three-quarters (74.5%) of the Amazon’s rainfall decline and about one-sixth (16.5%) of dry-season warming since the mid-1980s. This new research also demonstrates that local forest clearance has far greater immediate impact on regional weather than global climate change.

When forests are cleared, the Amazon’s natural water recycling system breaks down. The most dramatic changes occur when 10-40% of forest cover is lost, which causes increases in maximum temperature of over 1.2°C and rainfall drops that exceed 50mm in heavily deforested areas during dry seasons. If current deforestation rates continue, the Amazon could see another 7mm rainfall decline and 0.6°C temperature increase by 2035, which could potentially transform the rainforest climate to resemble drier savanna ecosystems.

READ | Warning: The Amazon May Soon Reach the Point of No Return on Forest Loss