DGI Brief - June 27, 2016

Happy Monday, all! Today's top 5 news on global issues are about #Africa #Turkey #Jordan #USA and #Chile

- According to UNICEF, at least 1 mil children suffer severe acute malnutrition & water shortages – affecting health facilities & schools, who struggle with water supply & sanitation. Malnourished children, overwhelmed healthcare system & poor sanitation are a recipe for disastrous disease outbreaks. Coping capacities of communities & governments are at risk by the scales of this crisis, potentially undoing decades of development in the region. While we provide aid, we must also seriously revamp our response system that is so very reactionary & not proactive.

- The apologies between TURKEY, RUSSIA and ISRAEL are mainly driven by economic concerns. After Turkey downed its military plane on the Syrian border, Russia responded with heavy sanctions. Israel & Turkey have seen their standing in the Middle East weaken & likely realize cooperation is more valuable than stand-offs.

- The shipments from the CIA & Saudi Arabia were stolen to be sold on the black market. The report believes some of those weapons were used in an attack last November on a police facility in Amman where 5 people died, including 2 Americans.

- USA: Under the largest auto scandal settlement in US history, Volkswagen will buy back or repair the roughly 475,000 affected vehicles & pay each owner between $5,100 to $10,000. How Volkswagen intends to repair its reputation – as one of the most environmentally & socially responsible companies – remains to be seen.

- Childhood obesity in CHILE is the highest in the world, w/ 5 out of every 10 children. The law requires black labels on foods that are high in sugar, calories, sodium, or saturated fats, bans use of these foods in schools and advertising targeting children under 14. It is the only law in the world that follows full recommendations of the WHO. Well done, Chile!

#ElNino #drought #globalwarming #climatechange #disease #malnutrition #malnourished #children #UNICEF #water #sanitation #Russia #military #apology #Syria #Israel #aid #humanitarian #economy #AlJazeera #weapons #rebels #theft #CIA #SaudiArabia #Volkswagen #scandal #emissions #greenhousegas #settlement #food #foodlabeling #obesity #WHO #healthyliving #healthyeating #healthyfood #childhood #childhoodobesity