North Korea has a unique brand of environmentalism that maintains its lush forests. Called Juche, this mode of environmentalism marries Korean animistic beliefs and the Stalinist ideology of national self-sufficiency. The Koreans believed that pine trees were their kin, entwined in their lives from birth until death; Kim Il-sung used this belief to his advantage, and his grandson Kim Jong-un has continued it. Kim Il-sung believed trees would not only unite Korea but also make their economy self-sustaining. After all, trees provided resources like food to eat and to trade. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
