News

Southeast Australia has experienced drought-like conditions for years. Yet, worsening conditions are now forcing ranchers to cull their herds because it is becoming too expensive to feed them (The Guardian, June 9, 2018). As usable pasture land shrinks, one rancher observed, “We’re killing a cow and a calf at this late stage of pregnancy.

“Times are getting more difficult for members of minority religions across Europe as nationalism, security fears and anti-immigrant movements gain ground” (Double Helix, June 27, 2018). Harassment is “aimed mostly at Muslims and Jews, although other faiths—including some Christian groups in a few places—also faced discrimination.” Nations like Belgium, Denmark, Holland and France have all moved to limit the expression of Muslim beliefs and practices.

According to the Co-operative Governance Ministry of South Africa, “More than 60 percent of the 257 municipalities are categorized as dysfunctional or almost dysfunctional” (Bloomberg, June 14, 2018). A recent government report revealed that only 33 of the 257 municipalities received a clean audit last year—just 13 percent!

“India is suffering from the worst water crisis in its history and around 600 million people face a severe water shortage” (The Independent, June 17, 2018). Roughly 200,000 people die in India every year due to lack of clean water, and 21 cities—including some of India’s largest—are expected to run out of water in just two years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Suicide rates are climbing in nearly every demographic, age group and geographic area” in the United States (Time, June 7, 2018). Suicide deaths have increased by almost 30 percent since 1999 and “among all racial and ethnic groups and in every age range except adults older than 75.”