The Silent Tsunami
Submitted by jgehring on Fri, 05/09/2008 - 3:26pm.
Story summary:
Gigantic waves—like those that surged across the Indian Ocean in 2005 taking countless lives—are now sweeping through the poorest nations of the world. In addition to the cyclonic waves that have wrought so much destruction this month, there are waves of hunger and anger caused by the dramatic rise in prices for food staples like corn, wheat, rice and soybeans. The cost increases have spawned deadly riots in countries as far apart as Haiti and Indonesia. The riots’ implications for spreading political unrest understandably worry world leaders.
The Silent Tsunami
America
5-9-08
Josette Sheeran, executive director of the United Nations’ World Food Program, was the first to refer to the global food crisis as a silent tsunami. In April, the W.F.P. warned that without a massive infusion of over $700 million, it might have to suspend such basic works as a food program for half a million schoolchildren in Cambodia. The program, one of the world’s most important safety nets, feeds more than 70 million people in 80 nations. Food crises have multiple causes, such as civil wars like those in Africa, or climate changes that bring droughts and floods. Ironically, in countries with a rising middle class, like China and India, the newly prosperous eat more meat from grain-fed cattle, and this too plays a part in the rising food prices.