Hurricane Irene killed at least 28 people, caused an estimated $2.6 billion in damage, and cut electric power to more than 6 million homes and businesses across the eastern United States. Bloomberg summarizes the damage state by state. And more information from New York Magazine.

United States

In Texas, the driest spell in the state’s recorded history is tightening the domestic supplies of cotton and boosting prospects for a rebound in prices that dropped more than any other commodity this year, according to Bloomberg. And how is this going to affect farmers, clothing brands and insurance companies, among others?

Is climate change to blame for the dire drought in Texas?

The Pacific Institute calls for better monitoring of water contamination from fracking.

Asia and Australia

Three of Australia’s top water scientists analyze the environmental impact of the country’s coal seam gas industry.

Washington’s support for a hydropower project in Pakistan could turn out to be a double-edge sword for U.S. interests in the region and India-Pakistan relations, the Guardian reported.

Europe

Deutsche Welle debunks some myths about the Rhine River’s clean-up success story.

Europe’s market for smart water meters is set to grow significantly over the next 10-15 years as utilities move to roll out the technology in pursuit of efficiency savings, Business Green reported, citing a new study by research firm Frost & Sullivan.

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