EU urged to 'do more' to tackle global food crisis
Top BBC journalist George Alagiah has urged Europe’s decision makers to do more to address the global food ‘crisis.’ The news anchor told a Brussels conference that the world needs to increase food production by 100 per cent by the year 2050 ‘in order to sustain itself.’ He said, ‘As the world’s population continues to grow, and more and more households in emerging economies join the world’s middle class, the demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050’. The conference was organised by the International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAHEurope). Those attending the conference were told that there is an urgent need for realistic policies to address the challenge and the role the animal health industry can play. At present, 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat, 907 million of these live in the developing world. ‘Some 20 per cent of animal productivity is lost due to diseases in animals’. Pray: that the delegates from this conference would use their knowledge to raise awareness in their home nations. (Pr.12:11)
Euthanasia deaths increase in Holland
The number of euthanasia cases in Holland has increased by 13 per cent in one year, prompting the Dutch Government to launch an official inquiry. Last year 2,636 Dutch people were killed by euthanasia, with 80 per cent of the victims dying at home after being administered lethal drugs, whereas in 2008 this figure was 2,331. The rise in euthanasia deaths has prompted the Dutch Health Ministry to launch an inquiry into the nation’s euthanasia laws. Pro-lifers have warned that the increase has been caused by the demise of Holland’s palliative care system. Phyllis Bowman, Executive Officer of Right to Life, said: ‘I am sure that the increase in numbers of people opting for euthanasia is largely a result of inadequate pain control.’ Holland became the first country in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 2002, but the Dutch Government has acknowledged that involuntary euthanasia poses a serious problem. (See story in GB & I above) Pray: that the Dutch Government would reconsider the present law and restore the sanctity of life. (1Cor.3:16-17) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-deaths-increase-in-holland/
Euthanasia deaths increase in Holland
The number of euthanasia cases in Holland has increased by 13 per cent in one year, prompting the Dutch Government to launch an official inquiry. Last year 2,636 Dutch people were killed by euthanasia, with 80 per cent of the victims dying at home after being administered lethal drugs, whereas in 2008 this figure was 2,331. The rise in euthanasia deaths has prompted the Dutch Health Ministry to launch an inquiry into the nation’s euthanasia laws. Pro-lifers have warned that the increase has been caused by the demise of Holland’s palliative care system. Phyllis Bowman, Executive Officer of Right to Life, said: ‘I am sure that the increase in numbers of people opting for euthanasia is largely a result of inadequate pain control.’ Holland became the first country in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 2002, but the Dutch Government has acknowledged that involuntary euthanasia poses a serious problem. (See story in GB & I above) Pray: that the Dutch Government would reconsider the present law and restore the sanctity of life. (1Cor.3:16-17) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-deaths-increase-in-holland/
Swearing and violence on TV
Viewers find violence on TV ‘acceptable' according to a BBC poll of a mere 300 people, including children of 11. The poll claims that sexual violence on screen is seen as ‘part of life' as long as it is not ‘gratuitous'. These findings are based on flimsy evidence but will feed into programme makers' guidelines. Ofcom has been accused of giving broadcasters a green light to swear after consulting only 130 people. Its study included special input for minority groups like those who are transgender or travellers and suggested that people were willing to tolerate various swear words on TV throughout the day. (See Prayer Alert 1910) Vivienne Pattison, Head of Mediawatch UK, said: ‘No one has ever complained to me there is not enough violence on the telly. But I hear a lot from people who think there is too much.' She condemned the decision to consult children: ‘Big themes should be decided by people who are at least old enough to vote’. Pray: that planners portray the role models shown on TV to inspire audiences to follow God's way. (Mt.4:10) More: http://www.mediawatchuk.org.uk/
