A United Nations University report on 20 January says the world has entered an era of "global water bankruptcy." It warns of falling groundwater and lakes, rising water scarcity, and risks to food and people.
Photo by engin akyurt, Unsplash
A University of Notre Dame study using national survey data finds that improved access to safe drinking water lowers the odds of stunting in Mozambican children by about 20%. Improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting.
The Dominican Republic increased renewable energy to 25% but grid problems and a brief shutdown at Punta Catalina 2 caused a supply crisis. The president declared an emergency and signed a decree to speed up procurement.
A new study finds that falling fertility in the United States helped narrow the gender pay gap. Researchers estimate that about eight percent of the gap’s improvement came because women had fewer children, and they offer policy suggestions.
A study of full-time Army and Air National Guard members found that financial stress leads to tense bedtime habits and poorer sleep. Researchers measured stress, bedtime behaviours, and sleep using surveys and wrist actigraphs.
From close experience in Turkey, the author shows how shortages in food, health and services turn into medical and social crises. Simple support like school meals, cash and cross‑city cooperation can reduce risks and costs.
Matthew M. Kavanagh says science can detect viruses and make vaccines fast, but rising inequality makes pandemics worse. He proposes debt relief, shared technology, regional manufacturing and stronger social support to stop future crises.
At the CPHIA conference in Durban, Africa CDC said AI and digital tools can help protect 1.4 billion people, improve surveillance and support primary health care. Data governance, infrastructure and domestic financing are key concerns.
