🌎 📸 Outbreaks & viruses

World News

Monkeypox outbreak 

The World Health Organization confirms that there are about 80 cases of monkeypox outbreaks in 11 different countries. However, these are unusual outbreaks because they are occurring in countries where it is not commonly found. “WHO is working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease.” European nations have confirmed that they have dozens of cases, and the US and Canada have 1-2 confirmations. Even though monkeypox is mostly found in Central and West African rainforests where animals usually are the carriers of the virus. Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus familiarly to smallpox but less severe. The usual symptoms are fever, headaches, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, according to the CDC. 

A second booster shot? 

The CDC has announced that due to the spread of coronavirus infections, those above the age of 50 or older are encouraged to get a second booster shot. Previously, it was stated that those 50 and older merely had the option of getting a booster shot and only those 65 and older or those with underlying medical issues were encouraged to get an additional booster shot. the CDC is now changing their statements due to the increasing infections that have caused a substantial increase in hospitalizations for older Americans. More people must take advantage of the eligible second booster as a source of insurance. 

Tornado in Germany 

In the city of Paderborn, it was stated that a tornado had ripped off roofs and debris was spread throughout the city. In the city, 10 people were severely injured, with one man living in a neighbouring town having died of an electric shock caused by a flood resulting from the tornado. “Sheet metal, insulation and other materials were blown kilometres away. Countless roofs are covered or badly damaged. Many trees still lie on destroyed cars," said police in Paderborn, which has a population of about 150,000.’ The number of tornadoes that have moved throughout Europe has been increasing in the last few years. 

- Written by Jenna Cho; Source CNBC, NY Times, BBC

Australia's Federal Election

On May 21, Australia held its election to elect members of parliament and the Prime Minister. Australians and even those outside of the country viewed this election as a critical chance to address inflation through policy, which was a key issue during campaign season. The two leading candidates vying for Prime Minister were the incumbent of 9 years, Scott Morrison, and his challenger Anthony Albanese. The races marked a battle between the more right-leaning Liberal-National Coalition and the left-leaning Labor party, sparking a 4.9% increase in registered voters.

Scott Morrison has held the position of Prime Minister for 3 consecutive terms, and was going for his fourth in this election. Morrison is a member of the Liberal-National Coalition, and his policies have reflected more right-leaning ideals like tighter immigration control and traditional marriage. His challenger Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party has advocated for a set of ideals matching his ideology, notably climate policy— an issue at the heart of criticism against Morrison— and increasing equality for women and Indigenous groups of Australia. 

Issues on voters' minds when going to vote were dominated by inflation, especially after the country raised interest rates for the first time in over 10 years. Also worth noting is Australia’s relationship with China, which has grown somewhat sour under Morrison’s government. Prior to the pandemic, China was Australia’s biggest trading partner. However, after the government supported a global investigation into China’s handling of COVID-19, trade between the nation began to crumble as China imposed sanctions on Australian goods.

As polling numbers began to roll in, Albanese was beginning to take the lead. A few hours later, Morrison conceded the election marking the end of a 9-year conservative government in Australia. Hours after taking office, Albanese was already set to fly to Japan to meet with leaders including US President Biden.

Liberal Political Commentary

A new day has finally come for Australia now that an almost decade-long conservative government has been voted out. In addition to gaining the position of Prime Minister, the Labor party also won a significant percentage in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Under this new government, Australia has the opportunity to make real social and economic progress— and hopefully, they take it.

Former Prime Minister Morrison’s 9 years in office were lackluster and marked by his opposition to social progress and apathy toward the climate crisis. During his time as Prime Minister, Morrison supported strict immigration legislation that would immediately send those arriving by boat back to the country they fleed, stripped childcare benefits from families who did not vaccinate their children, and opposed the legalization of gay marriage. He also downplayed the severity of climate change and its effects, claiming there was no link between emissions and the increasing danger of bushfires. Morrison largely refused to support measures that would reduce emissions, and supported the continued usage of coal over clean energy sources.

No candidate is perfect, and that standard applies to Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese. However, he promises a brighter future for the people of Australia who have been neglected during the previous administration. Among Ablanese's campaign promises was that he would make efforts to increase equality-- something that shouldn't be needed in this age, but still is nonetheless. Albanese is also a climate-friendly candidate, and will likely reduce Australia's emissions during his time in office. If Albanese follows his campaign promises, Australia is in for a better, brighter future.

Conservative Political Commentary

The votes have been cast and it seems that the Labor party in Australia has taken the lead! The incumbent, Mr Morrison has sedately seceded his role as government leader to Anthony Albanese (Albo to most Australians). This is the first time that the Labor party will be in power since 2013(Cherney). During the electioneering phase, many domestic issues were at the forefront of citizens' minds including worries about inflation as well as climate change. Australia, like much of the world, has been experiencing record-breaking inflation rates. This year the rate of inflation has been over 5% while wages have only grown by 2.3% (Mercer). This caused Australians to lose confidence in Morrison’s leadership and ability to augment improvement to the economy. In contrast Albo has an economics degree and has advanced plans for higher wages in Australia in order to deal with the rise in costs of living (Miller). Albo has also promised to make Australia “a renewable energy superpower” (Cherney). This is a direct change from Morrison’s previous policy which highly relied on the established coal powers within the country(Cherney). In order to change Australia into this type of superpower, new industries will need to be increased or constructed which would likely benefit the economy as well.

It is likely this new blood will be beneficial on a global scale as well since Albo has appeared to be more compromising than Morrison. Certainly, it is more likely that Australia will rekindle a more harmonious relationship with China under their new leadership. Previously China was Australia’s largest trading partner, but relations fizzled after Morrison vocally promoted an investigation into the origins of the Coronavirus and perpetuated the anti-Asian rhetoric that occurred at the beginning of the Pandemic. Under new leadership, it is hopeful that Albo would be able to revise this relationship to hinder any inclinations towards aggression China might harbour. This is especially significant given the fact that Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States formed a security pact, AUKUS, last year that would give Australia access to nuclear-propelled submarines(Miller). A more open dialogue between the countries can only bode well internationally as peace and harmony are the orders of the day given the increasing European tensions due to the Russian-Ukraine war.

- Written by Alexis Walker; Source WSJ, BBC, Washington Post

Economy 

The World Economic Forum held its annual meeting on May 21, but the event featured an unusual presence of armed guards this year due to protestors. This precautionary measure was taken after protestors showed up in droves at the last meeting in 2020, advocating against its globalization messages. Many have cited the uptick in protests at the forum as a result of economic instability caused by COVID-19, and now the Ukraine war. 

Alcohol and tobacco sales drove UK retail sales volumes to rise by 1.4% in April, following a fall of 1.2% in March. Grocery store purchases of alcohol saw a boost in sales last month while bars didn’t, indicating people were staying in to save money, which the Office for National Statistics suggested. 

- Written by Ashlyn Hill; Source NY Times, BBC

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