A new European Commission report describes the soil degradation and increased flood risks that come from covering the earth with materials like concrete and asphalt, with suggestions for improved design and systems like green roofs that encourage soil permeability.

http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2073311/eu-urges-governments-city-soils-breath


With less water flowing into Iraq from Turkey's upstream Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers, Iraqi government spokesperson Ali al-Dabbagh announces that the two countries' bilateral relations are now contingent on the negotiation of a fair water sharing pact.

http://www.france24.com/en/20110524-turkish-water-flow-iraq-unacceptable-baghdad
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2011-05-25%5Ckurd.htm