The Intelligence: The world’s biggest humanitarian crisis
Apr 25, 2024
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Tom Gardner, an expert on African affairs for The Economist, sheds light on the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where civil war threatens to lead to widespread famine. He discusses the dire conditions faced by the population and the obstacles blocking vital aid. The conversation also touches on the urgent need to preserve endangered languages, highlighting the impact of colonialism. Additionally, Gardner delves into the implications of neutering domestic cats on the struggling Scottish wildcat population, raising questions about conservation ethics.
Sudan faces imminent famine due to conflict hindering humanitarian aid delivery
Efforts to revitalize endangered languages are crucial for preserving linguistic diversity
Deep dives
The Impending Famine Crisis in Sudan
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the armed forces and paramilitary groups has escalated into a nationwide crisis, leading to a severe risk of famine. Donors have pledged funds to aid humanitarian efforts, yet the situation remains dire with mass starvation imminent. Estimates suggest that up to a million people could perish due to food shortages, exacerbated by the lack of access to essential supplies and escalating violence hindering aid delivery.
Endangered Languages and Revitalization Efforts
With almost half of the world's languages facing extinction by the end of the century, the decline is attributed to colonialism and capitalism. Efforts to revitalize endangered languages are underway globally, such as the work of organizations like The Endangered Language Alliance. Initiatives focus on creating spaces for language preservation through education, technology tools, and community support to prevent languages from disappearing entirely.
Conservation Efforts for the Scottish Wildcat
The Scottish Wildcat population faces the threat of hybridization with domestic cats, leading to genetic dilution and behavioral changes. Conservationists are reintroducing Wildcats into the wild while neutering free-roaming domestic cats to ensure the genetic integrity of the species. These efforts aim to safeguard the future of the Scottish Wildcats and prevent further population decline, offering hope for the survival of this endangered species.
Ravaged by a civil war, Sudan could see a nationwide famine by August. With humanitarian aid being blocked on both sides, it is increasingly difficult to get supplies to those who need them the most. How to protect an endangered language (09:01). And, why domestic cats have become an existential threat to Scottish wildcats (14:43).