WHO?
This organization brings together nearly every country in the world and was created after World War II to promote peace and cooperation.
Who is the United Nations (UN)?
Since 2022, this European country has been defending itself against a large-scale invasion by neighboring Russia.
What is Ukraine?
This week, Tennessee once again halted an execution after questions arose about whether prison officials had properly followed lethal injection protocols, reigniting debate over this punishment.
What is the death penalty (capital punishment)?
In 2024, catastrophic flooding submerged large parts of this South Asian country, affecting millions of people and highlighting concerns about climate change and extreme weather.
What is Bangladesh?
Communities in states such as Virginia, Arizona, and Texas have debated the construction of large facilities used to power artificial intelligence because of concerns about electricity use and water consumption.
What are data centers?
This military alliance includes the United States, Canada, and many European countries and operates on the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?
This territory has been at the center of a major conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 2023.
What is the Gaza Strip?
A Dutch case involving the euthanasia of a severely ill young child sparked international discussion about this end-of-life practice that is legal under certain conditions in the Netherlands.
What is euthanasia?
Massive wildfires in 2023 and 2024 devastated parts of this North American country, including the town of Jasper, raising concerns about hotter, drier conditions linked to climate change.
What is Canada?
Police departments across the United States have adopted this camera network, made by a company of the same name, which automatically records vehicle locations and license plates, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.
What are Flock Safety cameras?
This organization coordinates international responses to health emergencies and disease outbreaks.
Who is the World Health Organization (WHO)?
A civil war in this African nation, which began in 2023, has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.
What is Sudan?
In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the birth of genetically edited babies, creating worldwide controversy over this emerging technology.
What is human gene editing (CRISPR)?
Severe drought caused water levels in the Panama Canal to fall, forcing limits on shipping traffic through this important trade route.
What is the Panama Canal?
This social media company has faced lawsuits from numerous U.S. states alleging that features on Instagram and Facebook may contribute to excessive use and mental health problems among young people.
What is Meta?
This organization helps regulate international trade and resolve trade disputes between countries.
What is the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
Houthi rebels, Red Sea shipping disruptions, and regional tensions have made this country a focus of international concern.
What is Yemen?
Health officials have warned that climate change, urban growth, and international travel are helping this mosquito-borne disease spread into new regions of the world, including parts of southern Europe and the Americas.
What is dengue fever?
In 2024, historic flooding in this desert nation left parts of Dubai underwater, drawing attention to how extreme rainfall can impact cities not built for it.
What are the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
Following several high-profile cyberattacks on hospitals, schools, and businesses, governments have increased efforts to combat this form of digital crime, in which attackers lock data and demand payment for its release.
What is ransomware?
This is a political and economic union of 27 European countries.
What is the European Union (EU)?
Armed conflict, humanitarian challenges, and instability involving groups such as Al-Shabaab continue to affect this East African country.
What is Somalia?
Recent outbreaks of this highly contagious disease in North America and Europe have been linked in part to declining vaccination rates, renewing debate about vaccine requirements and public health responsibilities.
What is measles?
Scientists were alarmed in 2024 when ocean temperatures around this famous coral ecosystem reached record highs, causing widespread coral bleaching.
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
As companies race to build AI systems, concerns have grown about the mining of this mineral, essential for many computer chips, batteries, and electronic devices.
What is lithium?