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With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, oil prices are soaring, but so are the prices of grains. Russia and Ukraine supply a quarter of global wheat exports, while Egypt is the world’s largest wheat importer (The Guardian, March 7, 2022). Tunisia for example, imports half of its wheat from Ukraine. Ukraine also produces 13 percent of global corn/maize exports.

Much of the world has been watching the invasion and destruction of Ukraine by Russia these past two weeks. Despite the buildup of forces on Ukraine’s borders for months, many did not think it would actually happen—a quirk of human nature. Could something similar happen in your country?

What used to be considered once-in-a-century or even once-in-500-years rain events in Australia are occurring with far greater frequency. For the last two weeks, the country’s heavily populated eastern coast has been inundated with rainfall levels breaking all records. A meter of rain, almost an entire year’s worth, fell on Brisbane in a three-day period.

Just weeks ago, Europe appeared weak and divided, with leaders unable to act in unison. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has produced big changes!