Natural gas is literally and figuratively the fuel that Europe needs to keep everyone warm and comfy as winter approaches. Russia’s siege on Ukraine has infamously raised natural gas prices at an astronomical rate. Factors of living such as transportation, heating, and electricity are now under fire for being too expensive. Officials from all over the continent are now pulling out all the stops to subsidise natural gas to keep the people safe from hypothermia. 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
