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Europe
Natural Gas Prices Surge
Global prices of natural gas have surged around the world as the United States and European nations prepare for the impending winter season with increased post-lockdown demand and cutbacks in the dependence on coal. The U.S. is seeing the highest natural gas prices in thirteen years while multiple energy supply companies serving the United Kingdom have collapsed in the last few days. Against this backdrop, the operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has announced the filling of the pipeline with gas starting Monday while the project still awaits final approvals in Europe, with promises from Russian President Vladimir Putin that the project will stabilize European gas markets. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and several other European countries via the Baltic Sea, raising concerns it could be used as a geopolitical weapon.
This map depicts a map of Europe’s gas pipelines network including Nord Stream 2. Click on the map to learn more.
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World
UN Warns of Global Water Crisis
In a report released by the United Nation’s World Meteorological Organization, many of the world’s countries are ill-equipped to handle impending floods, droughts, and other water-related disasters that will be increasingly prevalent due to climate change. Growing populations and resource shortages have exacerbated the issue. The UN stressed that water-related disaster management in world governments are fragmented and inadequate, with more upgrades needed to sense emergencies in drought and flood-prone areas. The report found that most flood-related deaths were concentrated in Asia, where extreme rainfall causes massive flooding. At the same time, African countries suffer the most drought-related deaths.
This map depicts global hotspots where water shortages are expected. Click on the map to learn more.
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United States
Lucy Mission to Asteroids
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is closing in on the launch of the “Lucy” probe in an unprecedented attempt to examine twelve distinct bodies orbiting the Sun. Most of Lucy’s targets are “Trojan” asteroids, which orbit the Sun in two swarms that precede and follow along Jupiter’s orbital path. Scientists believe these asteroids are leftovers of the processes that formed the planets of the outer part of the solar system. To save fuel, Lucy will only collect data on its targets as the craft flies by, snapping pictures and taking spectroscopic measurements, and the probe will be so far from the Sun that it requires an array of panels large enough to cover a five-story building to collect enough solar energy.
This map depicts the flight path of NASA’s new “Lucy” probe as it will travel through the solar system to examine the Trojan asteroids along Jupiter’s orbit. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: What city has zero roads and is linked by a series of waterways spanning 55 miles (89 km)?
A: Giethoorn, Holland
In the picturesque small Dutch town with a population of 2,600, zero cars can drive through. Located about 73 miles (118 km) from Amsterdam, locals and visitors can travel this roadless town via boat, bike, or foot. Known as the ‘Venice of Netherlands’, waterways connect the entire town. The name of the town is said to originate from the 13th century farmer-settlers that discovered a collection of wild goat horns or “Geytenhoren” which eventually shortened to “Giethoorn.” Centuries post-flood, Giethoorn’s canals define its culture and landscape.
Source
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Q: Stretching 102 mi (165 km) long and connecting two major cities, where is the longest bridge in the world?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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