Poverty is evident all over the world. There are homeless people roaming the streets even in progressive countries, what more in struggling third-world nations that are often riddled with problems of inequality, corruption, lack of opportunities and political unrest. Unfortunately, there are many countries now in the world that fits the description. If you haven’t heard it in the news yet, famine continues to ravages several African nations. Widespread poverty is one of the triggers of famine. Famine is often unheard of in civilized countries because the government can always intervene and prevent it from happening. However, many people die of hunger from various African places you haven’t heard of. Aside from the issue of war, climate change likewise has a big role as to why famines happen and persist in the first place.
Hunger is a big problem in Africa. The land is all dried up and no crop can ever grow anymore. Water is scarce as well, so people had to rely on government rations to survive. Unfortunately, not everyone can make it so the body count keeps on increasing until now because the issues on famine haven’t been solved yet.
(Via: https://ladyfreethinker.org/new-skyscraper-farm-will-feed-village/) Vertical farming is one of the options considered by experts to help solve the famine issues the world over. Moreover, the lack of agricultural space is no longer that big of an issue when you can plant a lot of crops on a small piece of land. The population is exploding, so the food supply should be able to catch up as well or else many people will end up hungry and sick just like what is happening now in Africa. For years now, these poor African nations have relied on non-profit organizations for assistance but the increasing armed conflict in the region make it difficult for help to arrive. Also, other parts of the world are ravaged by disasters as well and are the reason why donors’ money and other resources are stretched thin and only a small portion gets to Africa. If only armed conflict won’t get in the way of help, perhaps it can save countless lives and people no longer have to suffer from hunger any longer. The post Overcoming The Challenges Of The African Famine is available on The SEMP.us Blog from https://www.semp.us/overcoming-the-challenges-of-the-african-famine/
0 Comments
We often complain about a lot of things because we don’t know any better. When it comes to environmental conservation, every effort counts. So, doing nothing while complaining all the time is not exactly a fine trait you can be proud of. The planet is deteriorating right before our very eyes. Global warming makes the world more difficult to live in for most of us. However, is it really nature’s fault or is it because of us that the world is rapidly warming? It is likely us, right? The best way we can counteract climate change is to educate the people about it and learn what measures can be done to prevent it from progressing. We can’t stop climate change from happening because it already is a phenomenon we experience today. However, by making some lifestyle changes that help protect the world, we may be able to delay its full wrath for longer.
(Via: https://www.fastcompany.com/40408119/could-universal-environmental-education-spur-a-green-revolution) The new US administration seems to take the issue of climate change lightly. For them, it is just the figment of the imagination of a few and a means to ask for more money on causes that don’t really matter. Well, that’s them. For the rest of us who experience the wrath of climate change in our day-to-day, most especially during disasters, we understand that time is of the essence and we should act now or forever regret not doing anything when we still had the time.
(Via: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/200163-Environmental-education-should-be-a-compulsory-subject) The desire to educate the people about climate change, global warming and environmental conservation are also felt by people in other parts of the world, not only in America. For any conservation effort to work, it should be a collective effort of the majority because the issue has been so magnanimous that it has been almost impossible to solve for years and the damage just keeps adding up. However, we can’t afford to give up since it is our future at stake. If the world becomes inhabitable, what will happen to the future generation? Are we condemning them to their future doom? So, let us be responsible in our ways and help raise awareness on various environmental issues so that the planet no longer suffers from further harm than it already does. If more people unite and make an effort to saving the world, the burden becomes lighter and the work becomes easier. Let us keep this in mind as we face the threats of climate change and many others. The following post Education Is The Key To Saving The Environment was initially seen on Semp.us from https://www.semp.us/education-is-the-key-to-saving-the-environment/ The population is growing. It is common knowledge wherever in the world you may be. Most growing families live in the city where opportunities for work are plenty but the problem with childcare is real. Back in the days, families live with each other even after the children marry and have children of their own. So, the grandparents get to take care of their grandkids until they grow up as their parents hustle for a living. But families live apart today as everyone tries to chase after opportunities in different parts of the country, hence, the problem with childcare. Getting childcare support is crucial for parents to be able to focus on work and no longer have to worry about their kids constantly. But we all know that childcare is expensive. While the trend is for both partners to work to support the family, one has to sacrifice at times to look after the kids because of the rising cost of childcare services in the country. But if couples don’t want to be bothered by mundane issues like childcare, then they should look into a contraceptive or family planning method that works for them.
(Via: https://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/2017/04/24/good-available-child-care-benefits-society) Children who grew up supervised by their parents or guardians grew up to be more confident individuals who don’t easily back down from life’s challenges. While that isn’t always possible now, children get the pseudo-parent guidance and support they need from childcare workers who are paid to do just that.
(Via: http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/stories/affordable-child-care-study-good-for-all) Parents now have no choice but to spend a lot on childcare just so they can have some flexibility in their daily schedule. They won’t be able to go to work or pursue other life obligations if no one will look after the kids while they are away. If only the grandparents live nearby then their burden won’t be as much but that’s not the trend these days. The elderly often end up living alone and then sent to nursing or retirement homes when they can no longer manage to live independently. Our modern world relies heavily on childcare services, so that adults can do their thing. The government should look into more affordable and convenient ways to address this issue for the benefit of all. Parents lose a lot if they can’t go to work or finish school because no one will look after the kids, so it would really help if the government will step in and offer solutions to this pressing issue. Putting The Focus On Childcare is republished from https://www.SEMP.us from https://www.semp.us/putting-the-focus-on-childcare/ The world is going through extreme changes. The natural environment is no longer the same as it once was decades to centuries ago. While these changes have been happening gradually over the centuries but the rate at which they are happening now has greatly accelerated. Human involvement is a big factor why the environment is deteriorating. International groups are concerned. Our neglect and abuse of Mother Nature hastened environmental deterioration but in the end, it is us who end up on the losing end. Environmental problems we now face include climate change, global warming, rapid urbanization, improper waste disposal and all sorts of pollution have affected our lives negatively and are threatening us with more natural calamities looming in the horizon. While most of the damage has already been done and can no longer be reversed, you can still change your ways now and minimize the damage you are causing to the environment even in your own little ways.
There is a rising awareness about environmental concerns over the past few years and many Americans are doing their best in saving the world. However, the few who takes environmental deterioration seriously could not make up for the damaged caused by many.
The U.S. also faces its fair share of calamities, both natural and manmade. However, the new administration has reduced funding on various government agencies including the environment and the arts. His focus is on national defense and trade and in strengthening or improving diplomatic ties with other nations.
Whatever progress the U.S. has made so far in protecting and saving the environment can go all down the drain without the government’s support. It is ironic that President Trump does not give importance to issues of climate change considering America has one of the biggest carbon footprints in the world. In the end, struggling third-world countries suffer from extreme weather conditions and disturbances while more powerful nations like the U.S. suffer the least. They may extend financial aid when disaster strikes but we can’t deny the fact that their industries are mainly to blame for the continued deterioration of the environment. However, it is not yet too late. We can still get our acts together and change our ways. We can live more responsibly and reduce our waste, which is the primary cause of pollution. All nations should work hand in hand to solve this problem. Trying to reduce our carbon footprint should be the goal of everyone because the earth is our home and we have nowhere else to go if things go from bad to worst in the future. Save The Environment While You Still Can was originally published on https://www.semp.us/ from https://www.semp.us/save-the-environment-while-you-still-can/ Our home is our shelter from all the elements. It is sturdy enough to protect us from the rain, strong winds, snow, and even from bad people. However, it can’t always protect us from harm all the time especially in the face of a disaster. Tornadoes, floods, famine, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc., our home may not always keep us safe from all these harms. There’s little we can do when disaster strikes. However, we have a chance to prepare beforehand through various disaster preparedness measures. Disaster preparedness pertains to measures taken in preparation for disasters to reduce damage and casualty. It helps people react to disasters and effectively cope with its consequences. It is often a collaborative effort between the government, various organizations and the population at large in facilitating disaster preparedness activities. It is often a continuous and integrated process comprised of various risk reduction activities and overseeing the delivery of basic services needed by the people when they are no longer able to provide for these themselves.
The concept of disaster preparedness is not rocket science. For some, it is even embedded in human nature, the innate desire to survive in the midst of a mammoth threat. Wanting to protect yourself from danger is an innate human trait and disaster preparedness is merely a compilation of concerted and fool-proof measures one should take in the face of calamities. Not having one in place can have disastrous and often deadly implications at the expense of the innocent citizens who have no hand on the government’s funds.
(Via: http://www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/opinion/318530/must-make-disaster-preparedness-top-priority/) Thousands of people can die, millions can suffer, and properties and crops destroyed without a disaster preparedness plan in place. Hence, now is the best time to take it seriously and partnerships between nations can help a lot in strengthening existing disaster preparedness plans of the other, especially for developing yet populous nations like the Philippines that is often hit by natural calamities throughout the year.
Wherever you are in the world, you can benefit a lot from having disaster preparedness measures in place whether you live in areas not frequently hit by natural disasters. The United States itself experiences its fair share of disasters, from earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, even hurricanes etc. However, issues of corruption and now, budget cuts, make it harder for government agencies and organizations to mobilize and allocate the proper use of funds. Regardless of any external issues, all households should have their own disaster preparedness kits ready anytime it is needed because it’s you and your family’s life and safety at risk and you should do your part in protecting them at all cost whether with external help or not. The following post Disaster Preparedness Everyone Should Know was first published on SEMP.us from https://www.semp.us/disaster-preparedness-everyone-should-know/ We are not new to natural calamities. We learned to live with them and accept them as a part of our lives. While we certainly can’t stop them, we can take measures to protect ourselves from its wrath. It is easier done in calamities that give off signals in advance, giving us ample time to prepare and evacuate when necessary. Think of hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, even floods, and droughts. Meanwhile, an earthquake can strike without any warning at all. It can do serious damage, not only to buildings, but to computer assets resulting in data loss. We just know once it hits us and we can only duck for cover. Just what is an earthquake? Many of you are probably wondering how the earth can shake with so much ferocity and power. An earthquake is the sudden and violent shaking of the ground because of volcanic action or movement of the earth’s crust or plates. It can cause severe destruction in high magnitudes and can even trigger tsunamis on low-lying and coastal areas, says Doug Richie of The Climate Change College. These shock waves radiate out from the rock’s first breaking point. The “Ring of Fire” otherwise known as the circum-Pacific belt is found in Asia. It is a major area in the Pacific Ocean’s basin where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes happen. Roughly 90% of the world’s earthquakes take place in the Ring of Fire. It is in the shape of a horseshoe and is closely linked with numerous plate movements, volcanic belts, and oceanic trenches. Over the years, Asia has experienced countless earthquakes that not only destroyed properties but killed thousands of people and are considered some of the deadliest in the world.
(Via: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/houses-damaged-as-earthquake-hits-southern-philippines) As of late, more and more earthquakes ravage Asia and people are learning the importance of “duck, cover and hold” as they get to practice it in real life. The recent earthquake to hit the Southern Philippines was just weeks apart from the same terror that gripped a province south of Manila that generated countless strong aftershocks after.
The threat of being hit by the “Big One” intensified earthquake drills in the nation’s capital and the government is more stringent than ever in reviewing building codes and urging citizens who live on the fault line itself to relocate. A city as populous as Manila will face massive death tolls and millions in damaged properties once the plates move and a strong earthquake hits their midst. Although their technology and advanced warning and evacuation plans are far from that of Japan, it is better than having no preparations at all.
(Via: http://www.asiasentinel.com/econ-business/urbanizing-asia-earthquake-tragedy/) Since most Asians have learned to accept the reality that earthquakes can strike when they least expect it the most, they have learned to be more vigilant and prepare for such a scenario in advance. Most citizens now know how to react in the event of an earthquake and that is to take cover or go to an open space when outside of the house or a building. If there are tsunami threats, evacuation is a must and everyone should head to higher places for safety. Most households now have their own emergency kits that they can easily take with them in the unlikely even of such disasters taking place. Experts discovered that the Pacific Northwest is hit by 8-9 magnitude coastal earthquakes roughly every 250 years and it has been 313 years since the last massive earthquake. Everyone needs to work together to survive such a calamity and the best time to prepare for it is now. The blog article Asia’s Ring Of Fire: More Active Than Ever was initially seen on The SEMP Blog from https://www.semp.us/asias-ring-of-fire-more-active-than-ever/ When you look at the current market today, you can see all sorts of stuff being sold. At times, it will make you wonder whether such items really have a useful thing in people’s life or are they just a big waste of money in our modern capitalist world. From common household necessities, food and utilities, and so much more, one of the things you should have in your growing arsenal is a survival gadget that can help you basically survive when worst comes to worst. Although such cases are rare, we can’t help but be influenced by all the zombie-apocalypse movies we are seeing both on the small and big screens. It is time to find out what are the latest survival gadgets you can find and which of them are worth your money and time. From the basic Swiss army knife to other cool outdoor gadgets you can bring on your next adventure, check out what is the best thing to bring with you to ensure you stay safe all the time aside from having a tool you can use for virtually any job without breaking the bank.
(Via: http://taskandpurpose.com/forget-swiss-army-knife-belt-will-save-life/) While we now consider our smartphones as our lifeline because of the numerous apps that do so much for us, but of course, you can’t really rely on your expensive and flashy gadget to save you from the rain or insects or help you do some minor handyman job when the need arises when you are out in wild.
(Via: https://www.outsideonline.com/2159321/350-backpack-will-keep-you-alive) While this kit may not be on the cheaper end, it definitely has a lot of cool tricks up its sleeve. It has virtually everything everyone will ever need and it is set up in an organized way. And best of all, they all fit a backpack you can easily carry on your back wherever you may be, perfect for an outdoor trip or a real-life disaster scenario. Moreover, it is waterproof, so rest assured all your things are safe even when it is raining cats and dogs outside. Or if you suddenly find yourself struggling to stay above the water, you can even use this bag as a floatation device. So, in the end, you get your money’s worth after all. It is an excellent investment for every family to have and bring with them wherever they go because after all, you can never tell when will disaster strike so better be safe than sorry. The Latest Survival Gadget For You was originally published to https://www.semp.us/ from https://www.semp.us/the-latest-survival-gadget-for-you/ Many countries all over the world suffer from one sort of calamity to the other. Most Asian nations have to endure strong hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes as a part of their lives while many African nations suffer from extreme drought. The land is devoid of water and humans, animals and crops suffer. Seeing an animal’s dead carcass somewhere out there in the African savannah is no longer an unusual sight. And it’s not just a simple crisis bit has escalated to a famine status. Famines are serious issues any nation may ever face. It means that outside intervention is too late and things are not just bad but worst. The situation now in East Africa is so depressing with threats of 30 million people facing starvation due to political unrest and severe droughts ravaging the region. The South Sudan famine was declared in February 2017, telling the world that over 100,000 people are dying of thirst and hunger. Other affected nations include north-eastern Nigeria, Yemen, Somalia, Kenya and even Ethiopia. Add to that the burden of additional refugees that need to be fed makes life in these countries more than just unbearable.
(Via: http://www.progress-index.com/news/20170424/editorial-famine-looms-in-africa) To better understand the significance of a famine, one should first understand what it means. It actually is an evidence-based scientific classification. For instance, a famine due to a food shortage means that at least 30% of the children in that country are malnourished. And the word famine shouldn’t be a part of your daily vocabulary as well since it means that worst comes to worst and that thousands, if not millions of people, are dying.
And the situation is far more serious that most of us can ever comprehend. So much poverty, suffering, and death when problems like these can be easily solved if we all unite and help the people from this part of the world. If governments can spend billions of dollars on defense and warfare, can’t we spare a few change to help feed the needy and the hungry in these impoverished areas?
The scale of this crisis is something many of us haven’t witnessed in our own communities. Severe malnourishment is everywhere and affects both young and old people. Even the animals in the region die from thirst and hunger. You can see their dead carcasses scattered all over the place. Whoever who can see their situation will definitely be moved and get your heart broken just seeing these people barely eating or drinking clean water in their day-to-day. Things that we take for granted in our modern cities are unheard of from these places. Instead, what you can see is poverty and suffering everywhere. And sadly, some of the reasons for this famine are caused by us humans. Political unrest and conflict prevent government and humanitarian efforts to reach the people who need help the most. Despite the increasing donor funding, humanitarian groups are stretching their resources as four famines are experienced in the region today. However, donor funding is likewise stretched out all over the globe with the crisis like the Syrian Civil War and other political conflicts in the Middle East needing outside help. It is disheartening to see that these things still happen despite the many advancements in our technology. If we can only set aside our differences, the world will be a much better place to live in and some countries no longer have to struggle if the world’s wealth is distributed everywhere. But that is just wishful thinking and we can only do our best to extend help where it is needed the most. Famine Ravages Africa See more on: SEMP.us from https://www.semp.us/famine-ravages-africa/ Asia is the largest continent on the planet. It is divided into different regions and comprised of countless nations both big and small. You can just imagine how diverse this continent is in terms of geography, culture, language, religion, and ethnicity among others. It is also home to the most number of people who often have to endure various natural calamities and weather disturbances year in and year out. You name it, from hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, drought, volcanic eruptions etc., Asian people have experienced it all yet they remain resilient through the years and life goes on. And mind you, some of these disasters were so magnanimous and have taken away with it thousands of lives. The 2004 Indian Tsunami was so unexpected and claimed hundred thousands of lives. And just quite recently, the super typhoon Haiyan known locally as typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines was the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded. It is also the deadliest typhoon to hit the Philippines claiming over 6,000 lives after its landfall. Unfortunately, the threat of global warming and climate change made these natural disasters even stronger and more intense, so Asian people are experiencing natural calamities that are worse than they have ever experienced so far. And it is far from just being a threat because it is a reality people from all over the world now experience first-hand.
(Via: http://m.todayonline.com/business/asia-suffered-s116b-losses-disasters-last-year-study-shows) While Asia is home to some of the most sought-after attractions and paradise islands, it is frequently ravaged by extreme weather disturbances and both natural and man-made calamities. Not only are lives lost but properties are destroyed and businesses suffer regardless how many times any given city or state attempts to rebuild and move on despite the large losses.
(Via: http://www.eco-business.com/opinion/strengthening-regional-cooperation-to-mitigate-weather-extremes/) And all these destructions are partly our fault. If we only take care of the environment and mind our waste, Mother Nature won’t strike back this hard against us. But we should brace ourselves for bigger, stronger, and more damaging disasters to strike Asia in the years to come because climate change is just warming up.
(Via: https://www.devex.com/news/asia-pacific-needs-stronger-financial-preparedness-for-disasters-88535) The world is changing at a rapid rate and it is mainly because of us humans. We accelerated major environmental changes that took place for centuries but can now be seen happening in a matter of years or even months. Polar caps are melting and are causing the sea level to rise. Island nations like Maldives are in danger of disappearing from the face of the planet. What makes it even more difficult for Asia to prepare or bounce back from disasters is that most of these countries are developing and struggling in resources themselves. They lack the funds necessary to prepare and rebuild their nations and often mostly rely on foreign aid to recover after suffering from major catastrophes. Economic losses make it even harder for them to recover. While we can’t really control the weather and all these natural disasters, we can start changing our ways and learn to look after nature from now on. Simple acts like reusing, reducing and recycling trash can do so much to counter flooding and pollution issues and eventually reduces the impact these disasters have on our lives. Natural Disasters Ravage Asia Each Year See more on: SEMP Blog from https://www.semp.us/natural-disasters-ravage-asia-each-year/ |
About usEvidence based disaster management. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |