Summary
In 1985, a severe famine in Ethiopia prompted the creation of Live Aid concerts and the U.S. started FEWS NET, a system to predict and prevent famines. Under President Trump, this system was paused, but it is now being reactivated. There is hope and caution as experts question its current effectiveness.
Key Facts
- In 1985, Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia raised over $100 million for Ethiopia's famine relief.
- The U.S. created FEWS NET in 1985 to provide early warnings about potential famines by analyzing various data sources.
- FEWS NET uses data like weather, trade, and crop reports to predict hunger issues up to eight months in advance.
- The system helped aid groups and governments to take timely actions to prevent food crises.
- The system was halted in January under President Trump's orders.
- FEWS NET is now being restarted as part of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
- Experts are cautiously optimistic but concerned about its current capabilities to prevent starvation effectively.
- FEWS NET works in over 20 countries to assist in forecasting and dealing with potential food shortages.
