Recently, on January 20, 2021, the United States swore in a new President. As most of the world watched with bated breath, Joe Biden was elected to succeed President Donald Trump with an election turnout that surpassed anything in U.S. history. After a very contentious election, the United States remains more divided than ever as accusations and counteraccusations dominated the news months after the election. This all culminated in the capitol riot on January 6, the second impeachment of Donald Trump, and his subsequent acquittal.

Around the globe, more and more people are moving into cities. By 2050, the United Nations expects that nearly 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities—up from 55 percent today (UN.org, May 16, 2018). Densely populated cities put increasing stress on aquifers, naturally occurring underground water reservoirs. As droughts continue and aquifers empty, the structure of the clay and sand in the aquifers changes and begins to collapse.

A month into Brexit and economists are forecasting that the break with the European Union will negatively impact British finances over the next two years. In fact, economists expect that the United Kingdom will be hit by financial costs four times greater than those experienced by the EU (The Guardian, February 11, 2021).

This is a term many have used to refer to a future where the current “super computer arms race will remake the world” (Jerusalem Post, January 29, 2021). Quantum computers have been discussed for years, and many companies and nations are working to make the proposed technology a reality. Many fear that the first nation to master this technology will have a powerful advantage over other nations.