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Global Poverty

Sustainable IMTA Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh

IMTA Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh
Shrimp farming plays an essential role in Bangladeshi livelihoods, food security and international trade. Prior to the 1970s, Bangladeshi shrimpers typically farmed in inland ponds formed by trapped tidal waters. These ponds only require minimal or no feed, fertilizer, or other inputs. Instead, they rely on the natural ecosystem for shrimp production, but they produce limited output. The expansion of shrimp farming for maximum output has had several environmental and economic consequences, but there exist options for a sustainable future.

Expansion of Shrimp Farming

In the 1970s, international market demand for shrimp grew during the “Blue Revolution,” wherein cheap and vacuum-sealed fish appeared in the freezer aisles of grocery stores around the world. The potential for high profits led to the rapid expansion of commercial shrimp farming in Bangladesh. Today, shrimp production is a major contributor to Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture, which both comprise about 3.65% of the nation’s GDP.  Approximately 14.7 million people depend on Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture for full- or part-time employment. They also provide about 60% of the animal protein in the average Bangladeshi’s diet.

Shrimp farming has the potential to combat poverty, malnutrition, hunger and job insecurity among the growing population in Bangladesh, but poor shrimp farm management comes with consequences.  In its current state, the long-term effects of shrimp farming may pose more problems in Bangladesh than it can resolve.

Consequences

The rapid expansion of shrimp farming has had adverse environmental, economic and social effects in Bangladesh. Poor placement of farming systems can lead to saltwater intrusion in groundwater, deforestation and loss of mangrove forests, all of which result in changes in local water systems and the deterioration of soil and water quality. This in turn threatens biodiversity, crop production, supplies of potable water and critical cooking fuel. The environmental effects of high-intensity shrimp farming in Bangladesh threaten human health and survival tools, particularly among those living in rural coastal areas who have limited access to alternative livelihoods. This conflict creates social imbalance and contributes to criminal activity in the Bangladeshi coastal regions.

In the long term, Bangladeshi shrimp farming poses economic costs including unemployment and loss of natural resources. These may outweigh the economic benefits of Bangladeshi shrimp production.

Solution for a Sustainable Future

To combat the environmental, social and economic consequences of high-intensity shrimp farming, some Bangladeshi shrimp farmers are turning to integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. IMTA relies on natural processes to cultivate aquatic organisms at multiple trophic levels within the same farming system. Organisms within the system, including finfish, shellfish and seaweeds, interact to recycle and reuse nutrients. IMTA requires minimal external inputs and simulates natural ecosystem processes, much like shrimp farming systems prior to the 1970s Blue Revolution.

If properly executed, IMTA shrimp farms in Bangladesh can produce multiple marketable seafood products, increase organism survival rate, increase biomass yield and reduce harmful nutrient concentrations in water. IMTA systems promote biodiversity by valuing production at multiple trophic levels. They relocate Bangladeshi shrimp farms from threatened mangrove forests to open-water environments like coastal rivers and estuaries. This discourages intensive, environmentally degrading shrimp farming practices, and the regrowth of mangrove forests contributes to carbon capture. All of these processes increase ecosystem resiliency, which bolsters the long-term sustainability of IMTA shrimp farms in Bangladesh.

In 1998, Bangladesh adopted a National Fisheries Policy. The policy recognizes the detrimental effects that shrimp farming has on the nation, and it seeks to optimize fishery resource use in order to encourage economic growth, feed the population, alleviate poverty and protect human and environmental health.  Widespread adoption of IMTA shrimp farms could be another step in the right direction for sustainable aquaculture in Bangladesh.

– Avery Saklad
Photo: FLickr

August 2, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Kim Thelwell2020-08-02 10:30:432020-07-31 16:11:21Sustainable IMTA Shrimp Farms in Bangladesh
Global Poverty

Addressing the Venezuelan Crisis

venezuelan crisisVenezuela is currently facing a political and economic crisis. Along with severe economic factors such as food shortages, lowered oil production and inflation, there are also two men who claim to be president. Socialist leader Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó both claim to be president after widely recognized fraudulent elections in 2018. While Venezuela struggles with choosing its president, the country is falling apart. Thankfully, one NGO is working to help people impacted by the Venezuelan crisis.

A Political Crisis

The 2018 election caused confusion and turmoil in Venezuela. Nicolás Maduro was elected after the death of his socialist predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Many Venezuelans blamed Maduro for the struggling economy since he was first elected in April 2013. To ensure his reelection in 2018, Maduro’s administration blocked many opposition party members from running against him. Some went to jail or into exile. The opposition as well as the people regarded the election as fraudulent and rigged.

After the election, the National Assembly claimed that the presidency was void. National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó appointed himself acting president. In response, Maduro created a new National Constituent Assembly with only government loyalists as members. The military and police still support president Maduro and continue to do so as he grants them raises and grants top members important roles in the economy. However, around 50 countries, including the U.S., recognize Guaidó as the acting president.

Economic Crises

Throughout the history of Venezuela, oil production has been central in the economy.  Oil exports make up 95% of Venezuela’s export revenue and 50% of its GDP. However, within the past two decades, oil production has steadily dropped. Venezuela’s GDP decreased by double digits for the third year in a row in 2018, reaching its new low. This has led to hyperinflation, which is now more than 80,000% annually. Many people blame Maduro for the drop in production due to his appointment of inexperienced leaders and his lack of investment in the industry. Importantly, the drop in oil production has led to decreased funding for education, infrastructure and medical care. Along with hyperinflation, these factors have created hardship for the working class.

Not only did oil production drop during Maduro’s first term, but he also tried to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor by capping prices on goods to make them more affordable to the working class. This policy backfired, as many companies ceased production because of lack of profit. This resulted in food and goods shortages across the country, leading to 3.7 million Venezuelans being undernourished. As a result of this and the lack of adequate healthcare, water and education, many Venezuelans are fleeing the country. According to the U.N., 3.9 million people have left Venezuela to seek a better life.

Helping Those Impacted by the Venezuelan Crisis

The South American Initiative, founded in 2016, is a NGO addressing the Venezuelan crisis. It helps by providing resources for the impoverished and starving people of Venezuela. This initiative has held major campaigns, such as the “Help Venezuelan Orphans” and “Help Hospitals and Children” campaigns. In all, it has helped more than 10,000 people. In order to provide a stable and lasting food source for hospitals and children, the South American Initiative has invested in large agricultural development. This has allowed the organization to distribute 70,786 meals to people in need. The South American Initiative has also utilized donations to provide medicine to those who need it in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan crisis is not only an economic issue but also a humanitarian issue, as people face unlivable conditions. Neither Venezuelan leader has the means to provide for people’s healthcare, food, water and education. This makes the work of organizations like the South American Initiative central in addressing the needs of those affected by the Venezuelan crisis.

– Samira Akbary
Photo: Flickr

August 2, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Jennifer Philipp2020-08-02 07:58:502024-05-29 23:23:32Addressing the Venezuelan Crisis
Global Poverty, Hunger

The Current State of Hunger in Honduras

Hunger in Honduras
Located in the Northern Triangle, Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. In 2023, 64.1% of the country’s population was reported to be multi-dimensionally poor – a staggering rate higher than that reported during the pandemic. As such, millions of Hondurans are currently suffering from food insecurity and are in vital need of humanitarian aid. Fortunately, organizations such as the World Food Programme have developed several initiatives designed to successfully mitigate hunger in lasting, impactful ways.

Food Insecurity

High poverty rates directly contribute to the persistence of hunger in Honduras. An estimated 1.8 million Hondurans experienced acute food insecurity between December 2023 and February 2024. This rate is expected to worsen in the coming months in line with the seasonal hunger period, capturing a projected 1.9 million people by the end of 2024.

Malnutrition, particularly among children, is an indisputable consequence of the prevalence of food insecurity. According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), approximately 20.4% of the population in Honduras were reported to be malnourished. Around 18.7% of children under 5 show signs of stunted growth, which is higher than the average for the Latin American and Caribbean region. 

Child malnutrition disproportionately affects young and adolescent girls. With a birth rate of 101 births for every 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19, Honduras has one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in Central America. Malnutrition in childhood and pregnancy has numerous health-related repercussions for infants, such as low birth weight. Despite these risks, Honduras has made no progress towards alleviating this issue – today, over 10.9% of the country’s infants are underweight at birth.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the main drivers of food insecurity in Honduras. The southern and western regions of the country – commonly referred to as the Dry Corridor – are especially vulnerable to climate-related hazards such as tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts and landslides. These predominantly rural areas are at high risk of environmental degradation yet are home to a large population of smallholder farmers who are responsible for sustaining the food supply in their respective areas. Located in northwest Honduras, the Indigenous Tolupan community is especially struggling to produce adequate harvests due to their region’s susceptibility to droughts. In 2023, crop failures for staple foods created significant disruptions to agricultural output. With 93% of the Tolupan people barely able to cover the costs of the basic food basket, many have been forced to migrate to other countries in an effort to seek affordable and accessible sustenance. 

Historically, variations in rainfall and extreme weather events have severely impacted crop yields in Honduras and have resulted in damage to crucial infrastructure. However, without impactful strategies to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change, the scale of destruction to the agricultural sector is expected to increase over time. According to the International Trade Administration, Honduras’s annual mean temperature is projected to increase by a maximum of 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. Agriculture-related losses that are predicted to accompany this increase include crop disease, a reduction in arable land and overall decreased crop quality. 

Mitigating Hunger: World Food Programme (WFP)

Today, one of the most active humanitarian organizations focusing on mitigating hunger in Honduras is the World Food Programme. In 2023, WFP provided direct food-related assistance to 1.3 million Hondurans, 53% of whom were women. Working with the state, the organization has introduced several initiatives designed to eradicate the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, including the approval of parametric microinsurance for subsistence and smallholder farmers and cash-based transfers (CBT) to Indigenous and Afro-descendant groups. In an effort to improve agricultural production for rural communities, WFP has also connected smallholder farmer organizations to procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors, strengthening their connections with local markets. 

Looking ahead, WFP intends to maximize its relationship with the Government of Honduras in developing more diverse and resilient food systems. The organization’s Country Strategic Plan of 2023 emphasizes the need to engage national and local partners in building a support system for all Hondurans to be able to access vital care and resources. In recognition of the country’s vulnerability to climate change, WFP will continue to provide farmers in the Dry Corridor with conditional transfers and technical assistance to increase and diversify their produce, promoting long-term resilience and adaptation.

Moving Forward

Honduras currently faces numerous challenges to human development. Factors such as climate variability perpetually create risks to the country’s agricultural productivity, resulting in the marginalization of groups such as Indigenous peoples. However, organizations such as the World Food Programme are  striving to improve these conditions by providing monetary and resource-based assistance to those in need. Moving forward, it is essential that WFP and the government of Honduras continue to make food security a priority, contributing to more resilient and prosperous communities in the years to come.

– Zoe Chao, Moon Jung Kim
Photo: Flickr

Updated: October 22, 2024

August 2, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Lynsey Alexander https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Lynsey Alexander2020-08-02 07:24:412024-10-22 12:21:58The Current State of Hunger in Honduras
Global Poverty

Eating Disorders’ Global Spread: Developing Countries Are at Risk

Eating Disorders' Global SpreadEating disorders are often presented as a western-world problem. Portrayals of eating disorders (EDs) to the general public suggest white, middle to upper-class females are the ones mostly affected. However, ED statistics demonstrate that all races, genders and ethnic groups are susceptible. As westernization continues, eating disorders’ global spread ignites.

Eating disorders cause approximately one death every 62 minutes. Medical professionals agree this number is likely higher because many ED cases are overlooked and not recorded as the cause of death. Out of all mental illnesses, “eating disorders have the highest mortality rate.” In developing countries where mental health resources are scarce, untreated people live dangerously exposed.

Increased Risk in Developing Countries

The long term health consequences associated with EDs are brutal. Typically, in countries where psychiatric help is unavailable, general healthcare services are lacking for those below the poverty line. Furthermore, in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), mental illness is a serious taboo. Although sterilization is no longer a treatment for people experiencing mental health problems, there are still a lot of stigmas associated with them. They often lead to discrimination and prevent people from seeking help when needed. In these countries, psychiatric professionals able to help are nearly impossible to find.

In circumstances where someone living with an ED is not able to access medical assistance, the lack of access to treatment has persistent ramifications on a person’s body, such as experiencing pain caused by blocked intestines, muscle deterioration, cardiac pain, tooth decay or swollen jaw.

People living long-term with an ED have higher mortality rates. Living with an ED in a developing country is often a death sentence. Causes of death can include stomach ruptures, esophagus tears, kidney failure and cardiac arrest. To see reduced ED fatality rates, countries need psychiatric and medical resources. The number of countries that cannot provide these services advances the global spread of eating disorders.

Why Eating Disorders Occur in Impoverished Countries

The expansion and acceptance of Western culture are largely responsible for increasing ED cases around the world. Multiple studies evaluated the extent to which Westernization affects the elevated rate of eating disorder populations.

On the islands of Fiji, researchers conducted an observational study of EDs. The results of the study showed the impact of Western media. In the past, Fijians valued heavier body types as the image of beauty. When TV became commonly available in Fijian society during the late 1900s, ED rates were less than 1%. Three years later, a survey found 15% of teenage girls in Fiji vomited to keep their weight down.

An article published by the University of Columbia in the Journal of Eating Disorders analyzed Asia’s reaction to Westernization. The findings disprove the notion that eating disorders occur only in Western cultures. The article concludes by expanding the concept to all developing countries. These results strongly suggest that “eating disorders are not culture-bound or culture-specific, but rather culture-reactive.”

Westernization influences nearly every country in the world. Urbanization, population growth and newly introduced media further perpetuate eating disorders’ global spread. The most vulnerable countries are those that have little protection against virtually any form of addiction.

Outreach Combating Eating Disorders’ Global Spread

Eating disorder communities and organizations reach beyond their home countries. Outreach projects, such as international conferences, online training and collaboration between countries’ healthcare services, help protect people who are living with an ED and deprived of treatment. 

Originally the national charity Beat was solely based in the U.K. Now, Beat partners with international efforts in providing ED relief. The charity’s most well-known contribution is its international helpline service. Beat responded quickly to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, seeing helpline calls escalate by 30%. In response, Beat offers an online training course to recruit more volunteers.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation (IAEDP Foundation) plays a role in halting eating disorders’ global spread. The IAEDP Foundation provides high-quality ED education to international multidisciplinary groups. Core courses and certifications are available in a home study format. The goal is to improve ED knowledge amongst medical professionals so people living with EDs have more opportunities for support. 

The Austrian Society on Eating Disorders (ASED) dedicates itself to establishing a network of occupational groups with ED experience. As an international network, ASED creates guidelines catered specifically to each country’s culture. ASED encourages countries to begin scientific research in ED detection, treatment and prevention. By fostering international co-operation and education, ASED hopes to expand ED resources.

Hope for the Future

Eating disorders are complex and threatening illnesses. In the Western world, health checkups and residential treatment options, in addition to emotional and nutritional therapy, encourage recovery. However, even with these resources, ED recovery can take years; if unsuccessful, EDs may result in death. For those living in highly impoverished countries, years easily turn into lifetime struggles with EDs that could end one’s life abruptly. Luckily, outreach programs enhance efforts to bring awareness and ultimately decrease ED casualty rates. Without these promising efforts, eating disorders’ global spread would continue to permeate communities around the world.

– Grace Elise Van Valkenburg

Photo: U.N. 

 

August 2, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Jennifer Philipp2020-08-02 01:30:432024-05-29 23:17:29Eating Disorders’ Global Spread: Developing Countries Are at Risk
Global Poverty

Top 5 Things to Know about Childhood Mental Health in Yemen

Childhood Mental Health in YemenYemen is currently enduring one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history. War, poverty and disease run rampant throughout the country. Around 1.8 million children suffer from acute malnutrition in Yemen, 400,000 of which are life-threatening cases. The Yemeni people face daily exposure to stress and violence in the form of Saudi-led airstrikes, Houthi detention camps, closed airports, poverty, starvation and cholera. This can impact childhood mental health in Yemen.

5 Things to Know about Childhood Mental Health in Yemen

  1. Lack of mental healthcare – There is a dire lack of mental healthcare providers in Yemen. Mental health services are only available in 21% of Yemen’s health facilities. As of February 2019, there are about 0.17 psychologists per 100,000 Yemenis. Save the Children reported that only two child psychiatrists are available for the whole of Yemen and only one mental health nurse is available for every 300,000 people.
  2. Safety and childhood mental health – A recent survey from Save the Children shows that 52% of children in Yemen never feel safe when they are away from their parents. The survey also showed that 56% of children never feel safe when walking alone and 36% of children never feel like they can talk to someone in their community if they are sad or upset. In addition, around 38% of caregivers report a recent increase in children’s nightmares.
  3. Malnourishment and brain development – Half of Yemeni children under 5 experience chronic malnourishment. This has a direct negative impact on brain development and will impact generations of Yemenis. Stunted brain development and the neglect of childhood mental health in Yemen will, according to Columbia Law School, “affect family structures, social cohesion, physical and emotional health, educational outcomes and reduce the ability to find peaceful solutions to conflict.”
  4. Since December 2017, violence from the Yemeni conflict has maimed or killed 2,047 children. Children throughout Yemen grieve family and friends killed by airstrikes every day. Living in these violent and stressful situations will not only have longterm effects on mental health but on physical health as well. High levels of prolonged stress can increase blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Consequently, children growing up in this environment are more vulnerable to chronic diseases like heart conditions in later life.
  5. People are doing something about it. The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies’ objective is to foster change through spreading knowledge–focusing specifically on Yemen and the surrounding area. The Sana’a Center partnered with the Columbia Law School Human Rights Clinic to bring attention to the mental health crisis in Yemen at the 2018 United Nations convention in Geneva. The two organizations pushed for an international response and also laid out a suggested plan for the Yemeni government. The plan called for the government to create a national mental health policy, ensure budget allocation for mental health services, reopen the Sana’a airport and pay salaries for public health sectors. Unfortunately, the crisis in Yemen led to the suspension of any government efforts to implement national mental health policies and no changes have yet been made.

The first step to a brighter future in Yemen is understanding the problems the Yemeni people face daily. Childhood mental health in Yemen is easy to overlook, but today’s children are tomorrow’s negotiators of peace. They are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, teachers and politicians. The sooner the government can begin efforts to create a national mental health policy, the sooner the community can come together to ensure healthier and happier lives for the children of Yemen.

– Caroline Warrick-Schkolnik
Photo: Flickr

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Jennifer Philipp2020-08-01 13:31:282024-06-06 00:38:14Top 5 Things to Know about Childhood Mental Health in Yemen
Education, Global Poverty

Cambodia Job Foundation Teaches Self-Reliance

Cambodia Job FoundationBetween 1975 and 1979, Cambodia was ruled by communist leader Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge regime. Under his administration, millions of Cambodians were forced to labor without adequate food. In order to improve the lives of Cambodians who are recovering from the regime’s rule and help impoverished people become self-reliant, The Cambodia Job Foundation (CJF) is using steady employment to empower people. 

Cambodia’s History of Struggle

During Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime’s rule, those who were educated–or those who appeared so–were seen as a threat. People were profiled by something as simple as wearing glasses and many were killed. The majority of teachers at the time were murdered; thus, the education system was largely destroyed. 

Cambodia is still in the process of recovery from the Khmer Rouge. 37.2% of the country still lives in poverty, according to the2019 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index issued by the United Nations. Many Cambodians are also illiterate. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that the 2015 literacy rate in Cambodia for the population over age 65, most of whom lived through the Khmer Rouge, was only 53%.

Many NGOs have been working to alleviate poverty in Cambodia, and one in particular labors to help educate and create jobs for Cambodians. 

The Cambodia Job Foundation

The Cambodia Job Foundation aims to help impoverished young Cambodians become more self-reliant. According to its mission, the organization “empowers individuals to improve their lives and support their families through quality and stable employment.”

With teams in both Cambodia and the United States, the foundation mentors Cambodians, specifically those aged 30 and younger, with a focus on business startup and operation as well as financial management. It also provides access to information and resources, to which those learning the programs can apply what they are taught. In 2018, the foundation helped 131 families complete financial training lessons, mentored 66 individuals in starting a business and led 80 individuals to graduate from an IT class.

A Former Intern’s Experience

A native of Kampong Cham, Cambodia, Theary Leng was an intern for CJF during the summer of 2019. Leng has helped the organization with various training and mentoring programs as well as grant approvals. She’s seen the foundation’s impacts in her country. 

“They have helped some of the low-income families to get on their [feet] by giving them a $500 grant to start up a small business,” she said.

Leng said she believes a variety of obstacles prevent Cambodians from obtaining work, including a lack of vocational training skills and education, gender inequality in the workplace and government corruption. But through the Cambodia Job Foundation, she is able to help those in her country.

“As someone who grew up in Cambodia and as a direct witness who has been impacted by poverty, I understand and know how hard it would be to live in poverty,” Leng said. “That’s why I want to help Cambodians to become self-reliant.”

The Cambodian people are still recovering from the Khmer Rouge regime. Many people still live in poverty and lack literacy skills. CJF is working to lift up Cambodians by empowering them through resources that can help them gain and retain stable employment. 

– Emma Benson
Photo: Unsplash

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Lynsey Alexander https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Lynsey Alexander2020-08-01 13:31:282020-07-28 12:17:15Cambodia Job Foundation Teaches Self-Reliance
Global Poverty

7 Facts About Access to Clean Water in Mexico

water is fundamentalWater is fundamental to human survival. However, half of the population of Mexico lacks drinkable water. These seven facts highlight how limited access to clean water can intensify poverty in Mexico.

7 Facts About Access to Clean Water in Mexico

  1. Water insecurity. 52 percent of people in Mexico face water scarcity. Mexico has an insufficient water supply that cannot sustain a population of 125.5 million people and results in about 65 million people struggling with water scarcity. This issue intensifies during Mexico’s driest month, April, as people face droughts that limit their access to water even further.
  2. Natural Disasters. Natural disasters negatively affect access to clean water. Climate change brings hotter temperatures and droughts that can possibly dry up Mexico’s vital water sources. Earthquakes can destroy water purification plants and break pipelines in Mexico, leading to floods of toxic waste. These sudden events can lead to an unpredictable water crisis for those affected.
  3. Polluted Water. An aging pipe system leads to an inadequate water supply. Around 35 percent of water is lost through poor distribution, while faulty pipelines lead to pollution. The city of Tijuana is overwhelmed with toxic sewage water caused by failing pumps. The city of San Diego, in the U.S., is using $300 million to clean up and prevent pollution that comes to the city’s South Bay region from Tijuana.
  4. Mexico City is sinking. The populous capital is sinking up to 12 inches annually due to the lack of groundwater. Consequently, floating houses pollute waterways and lead to further destruction of infrastructures. The city plans to modernize hydraulics or implement artificial aquifers to combat water scarcity threatening aquifers that citizens depend on.
  5. Rural Towns. Rural regions are overlooked in favor of cities when deciding important construction of water systems. Water systems that run through rural towns are riddled with pollutants, making the water undrinkable. The town of Endhó dangerously uses Mexico City’s polluted water for farming since it does not have access to clean water. Some households have no running water so they drink from polluted lakes because of the expenses of bottled water. To prevent these health concerns, government agencies are working to expand waterworks throughout rural areas.
  6. Regulatory Laws. Water laws are not enforced. The Mexican government is responsible for regulating access to clean water but, over time, laws were disregarded. Citizens demand for water and agriculture to boost the economy results in over-pumping of groundwater. About 60 percent of groundwater being used in Mexico is tainted. This could be prevented by upholding Mexico’s Environmental Standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996.
  7. Vulnerable Populations. Children are vulnerable to arsenic that contaminates the drinking water. Mexico’s regulations allow 25 µg/L of arsenic in the drinking water which considerably surpasses the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggestion of a maximum of 10 µg/L. This poses a dire situation in which 6.5 million children drink this hazardous water, putting them at risk of severe health consequences including cancer.

Access to clean water is necessary in order to maintain good health. Many people in Mexico struggle with water insecurity as well as with access to a safe drinking source. The nation is working to fix its outdated infrastructure to bring improvements necessary to solve the water crisis in both urban and rural regions.

– Hannah Nelson
Photo: Pixabay

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Lynsey Alexander https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Lynsey Alexander2020-08-01 13:31:272020-07-28 11:34:457 Facts About Access to Clean Water in Mexico
Global Poverty

Winter in Asia: China’s Heating Crisis

china's heating crisisWhile many in the developed world think of heat in the winter as a basic need, many people are impacted by China’s heat crisis and spend every long winter season without a central heating system in their home. A clear geographical line divides those who have basic central heating in their homes and those who do not. Heat was afforded to the northern portion of China whose occupants experienced the coldest and harshest winter seasons. However, though temperatures often dip below freezing in the southern region, many residents suffer from inadequate heating and thin walls that provide them sub-par protection from the frigid temperatures. More fortunate residents can afford to own and power a space heater designed for small rooms and short amounts of time for some comfort, but many without any heating devices report resorting to measures such as turning on their air conditioning since the air it will produce is warmer than the air in their home.

History of Heating in China

The decision to ration heat in China came in the 1950s when officials came to the realization that they did not have the resources or energy capacity to heat the vast and populous country. China’s heating crisis started when the north was perceived as in the highest need because the region experienced lower temperatures and higher levels of snowfall. However, the country failed to factor in the harsh conditions of cities on the east coast of China, such as Shanghai, where, while they don’t see much snowfall, rainfall and wind make for low wind-chills and blustery conditions.

For the homes located in the north, the government controls the heat and keeps every home at a consistent 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Lacking control over their heat consumption can lead to financial strain for the lower-class Chinese residents who struggle to afford the mandated cost of their heating bill. 

“Generally, a 70-square-meter apartment in Beijing costs around 2,100 yuan ($317.36) just to heat every winter, which is quite expensive for low-income families,” a Chinese journalist said when describing China’s heating crisis.

To make ends meet, this may leave them with no choice but to ration in other areas such as regular groceries and other essentials.

Updating the System

For the majority of its existence, China’s central heating system has been operated on a coal-burning based system. To accommodate every home in the north, a great deal of coal has to be burnt every year. Before the 2017 upgrade, in which many systems were converted to burn natural gas, China was one of the world’s largest consumers of energy with the amount of coal used being a large contributing factor. This has come at the expense of several negative implications to the environment which has directly contributed to China’s severe air pollution problem that worsens climate change and public health.

China’s Heating Future

Southern citizens are waiting on the government to construct a central heating plan to warm the homes in the south, but it never seems to be a priority. In response to the lack of government intervention in China’s heat crisis, wealthier Chinese residents have opted to install heating systems in their homes at their own cost. While it may take a while for the government to provide lower-income families with central heat, heat becoming the cultural norm is sure to shift public opinion and put pressure on the government to devise a way to provide every home with adequate heating. In addition, the Chinese government is planning to implement a “New Green Deal” that will make it more affordable to heat homes by using cheaper energy sources and providing government help to pay the bills.

– Samantha Decker
Photo: Pikist

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Lynsey Alexander https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Lynsey Alexander2020-08-01 13:30:192024-05-29 23:18:19Winter in Asia: China’s Heating Crisis
Global Poverty, Homelessness

5 Facts About Homelessness in Denmark

Although Denmark is known for its strong welfare state, homelessness is still a prevalent problem. The small country has taken steps to reduce the number of people that are homeless and have shared these steps with other European countries. However, there are still many ways that the country can continue to reduce its homeless population.

Homelessness in Denmark

  1. Homelessness in Denmark is growing. Approximately 0.12% of the Danish population suffers from acute homelessness and homelessness has increased over the past decade by 33%. The majority of those who are homeless are in Copenhagen.
  2. Denmark pioneered a program to end homelessness. From 2009 to 2013, the Danish Government developed a homelessness strategy called Housing First with four main goals. The goals were; no person should live a life on the street, young people should have an alternative solution to homeless hostels; a stay in a care home or shelter should last no longer than 3-4 months, those who can move out on their own with the necessary support should; and prison releases and hospital discharges should only happen when there is an accommodation solution in place.
  3. Homelessness in Copenhagen is de facto illegal. Denmark has not outlawed homelessness per se, but it has banned ‘insecurity creating camps’. However, Danish law enforcement has taken this to mean that homeless people create insecurity for those around them; rather than focusing on the insecurity homeless people might face they often give the homeless large fines. Jurist Maja Løvbjerg Hansen states that the homeless “may be in a hostel or shelter if they happen to stay there. They may be doing some shopping. They may be going to a doctor or a nurse. If they have work, they can do their job, and if they are in treatment for taking drugs or alcohol, they can come to town for the relevant meetings. But the ban means that they are not allowed to stay on the street or walk around without a purpose in the city – the zone – that they are banned from.”
  4. Youth are largely affected by homelessness. Over one-third of those who are homeless are under 30 and struggle to rise out of poverty because of current economic instability. In many cases, those that are homeless have mental illnesses or drug addictions, which requires additional assistance. Additionally, about 5% of all Danish children will be placed in out-of-home care. According to the Danish Center for Social Science Research, around 40% of these children will become homeless.
  5. Denmark has a newspaper produced by formerly homeless people. Hus Forbi was founded in August 1996 to give a voice to the homeless, which are typically excluded from the conversation surrounding Dutch politics. Homeless people also sell the newspaper as a legal way to make money.

Several NGOs help the Danish homeless population. The Alliance, A Home for All advocates for homeless people and works to create solutions for homeless people. Project UDENFOR also works to help the homeless by participating in on-the-street based work and through spreading knowledge collected through research. Additionally, a large number of homeless shelters throughout Denmark are operated by a number of NGOs to fill in the gaps that the Danish welfare state cannot cover.

– Julia Canzano

Photo: BigFoto

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Kim Thelwell2020-08-01 01:30:402024-05-29 23:22:175 Facts About Homelessness in Denmark
Global Poverty

5 Facts About Healthcare In Kuwait

Kuwait Poverty RateKuwait is a small country in the Middle East. Although healthcare rarely makes headlines in articles discussing the Middle East, Kuwait’s healthcare system helps its citizens in many ways. Still, some shortcomings remain. Here is what you need to know about healthcare in Kuwait.

5 Facts About Healthcare in Kuwait

  1. Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death in Kuwait. In both 2007 and 2017, heart disease and stroke ranked as the first and second most common causes of death. In 2016, cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 41% of deaths, and cancer was responsible for 15%.
  2. Kuwait offers free but low-quality healthcare. All Kuwaitis are entitled to free healthcare and medical treatment at government facilities. However, some services, such as X-rays and specialized tests, are not free. These services usually come at significant additional cost and many are not offered at government facilities. As a result, patients need to go to the private sector or, in extreme cases, go to North America and Europe. Wait times for healthcare in Kuwait can be extreme. The wait time is so long for the public sector that those seeking immediate medical attention often go to the private sector. To make matters worse, Kuwaiti hospitals are drastically under-supplied for their growing population. As of 2016, Kuwait had two hospital beds per 1,000. The Ministry of Health launched projects expanding hospitals and adding critical supplies like beds, operating rooms, and clinics. The Kuwaiti government plans to meet its goals by 2030.
  3. Children’s health in Kuwait meets many goals. About eight infants die per every 1,000 live births. Of these children, about 91 percent receive three doses of the DTP vaccine, fighting diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, and 94 percent receive two doses of the measles vaccine. As the children grow older, they still have very good odds of surviving and staying healthy. The under-five mortality rate for females is 7 deaths per 1,000 children; for males, it is 9 deaths per 1,000 births. Children enjoy adequate education, sanitation clean water.
  4. Life expectancy in Kuwait is 75.31 years. This number is greater than the life expectancy in India, Russia and Mexico and it is comparable to those of China and the United States. Kuwait’s life expectancy is so high in part because of economic prosperity fueled by its petroleum industry. High economic status is closely linked to high life expectancy — since many people in Kuwait benefit from the petroleum industry, more Kuwaiti citizens enjoy a happy, long life.
  5. Kuwait’s citizens struggle with obesity. Around 33% of males and 44% of females over the age of 18 are obese. The same study also shows that 26% of males and 20% of females aged 10-19 are obese. These numbers are troubling as it shows that over 75% of the adults and over 45% of the children in Kuwait are obese. To make matters worse, the WHO projects the numbers will rise in the coming years. As of 2016, “according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, Kuwait is the fourth most obese country in the world.”

Kuwait is still considered a developing country despite its many advancements in medicine, science and technology. Access to public healthcare that covers an average amount of medical expenses should be applauded. Much remains to fix wait times and medical supplies, but this will build on the inspiring work already completed.

– Kate Estevez
Photo: Flickr

August 1, 2020
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/borgen-project-logo.svg Kim Thelwell2020-08-01 01:30:242024-06-06 00:38:175 Facts About Healthcare In Kuwait
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