Nature-based solutions to the climate crisis offer benefits not only in the fight against climate change but also in protecting biodiversity and bolstering the well-being of humans. An example of such a solution is focusing on mangrove restoration in Asia and Africa rather than building sea walls. However, governments are hesitant to finance these solutions because their benefits aren’t easily assessable. Often, their benefits don’t fit into conventional timelines, so governments have difficulty determining how effective these solutions are compared to tried-and-tested engineering solutions. 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
