Author: Liam Harris

Young and Gifted  

I’m here today to really share my view on wealth inequality on a global scale which has led to obesity and malnutrition. Worldwide, 925 million people are sufferers of malnutrition. However there are even more of those who are obese, at 1.5 billion people globally. For the first time in human history, there are more people who are obese rather than those who are malnourished.

People in third world countries are obviously more likely to suffer from malnutrition than anywhere else. In first world countries you’d expect more obese people and you would be correct. Frankly, I believe this to be disgusting. There are few ways to solve this widespread problem, especially solutions which are practical on such a large scale. Obesity and malnutrition cause a significant number of deaths every year. Overall, on Earth, out of 7.4 billion people, the global population, 2.45 billion people are victims of obesity and malnutrition. This is a clear one-third of the population. This figure is very degrading to the human race and simply looking ‘unethical’, action must be taken soon if you want us to thrive as species which is definitely the case right now. What do you think can be done to solve this major issue?

The problem of obesity and malnutrition (especially the high figures) come back to the beginning statement I made. The wealth gap, wealth inequality if you prefer. The UN and independent countries around the world, mainly those which are first world kindly send food packages and other assortments of aid to help the people in third world countries who suffer from malnourishment. But you should do well to understand the wealth gap and from around the world has lead to thriving, over developed countries; and then third world countries full of the malnourished and many uncivilised societies.

There is only one obvious and practical way to solve this wealth inequality problem. This is perhaps increasing the national minimum wage in wealthy first world countries. Upping the national minimum wage will cause the wealth bridge between the lower classes and upper classes to become smaller. There has been much research concerning this delicate issue and many reports. Upping the national minimum wage in many countries will have the desired effect on this rising obesity and malnutrition figure. This seems unlikely however wealth inequality and diseases such as obesity and malnourishment are linked within the foundations of one another. And simply developing countries need to start being aided much more significantly by first world countries, only then perhaps will malnourishment be defeated. Problems such as obesity and malnourishment and in such big numbers must be tackled by a solution which is greatly effective, wealth inequality can be changed through the increase of the national minimum wage in many different nations.This is currently the only long term solution to this major global problem, otherwise the results will become catastrophic.

In a recent study by a group of UK researchers they found that it is predicted that by the year 2030, 50% of the global population will be obese and perhaps 60% in the US. This is a staggering figure showing that mankind is dipping towards early extinction if conditions like obesity continue to increase. Degrading as it is, we need to step up to solve this before it is too late. I speak to you now the listeners, try if you can to lose weight, whoever you are and wherever you but don’t force yourself. Help others around you, whatever you do, do not gain weight because this is for the health and good of the human race.

Jawaad Qamar: Creative Writing

A married couple called Harry and Lily lived on Zeus, an island at the foot of the volcano Ciprus. Both had jobs on mainland Hawaii, they commuted differently from most, by boat. They believed they were the only ones who knew about their beautiful home, but they were wrong. One day something happened. A knock at the door. Terrified, Harry opened the door.

A man. Nobody spoke until he did.

“Yeah, this is a shock but there’s no time,”

“What?”

“The volcano’s going to erupt rather soon,”

They both got the message and started packing after the man was invited in. Soon they were off to Hawaii.

The man started to explain himself, “I’ve was on the island long before you. My only purpose here was to study Ciprus. I detected that it was going to erupt and I decided to leave straight away with you guys. Luthor, my old friend with whom I have not spoken since coming to the island will help us. If I can contact him.”

Nobody else spoke until they got to Hawaii. As they reached Hawaii, there was a man with bodyguards and a helicopter waiting. He was the man’s old friend and was called Luthor. He said he could save the man and Harry and Lily. They accepted, without revealing their suspicions about the plan. As the man said, Luthor and he hadn’t spoken in a long time.

After being airborne for quite a while, Harry asked the questions which he should have before getting into a stranger’s vehicle.

“Where are we going?”

“Quito, Ecuador.” Luthor replied.

“What happens when we get to Quito?” asked Lily who had entered the conversation.

“Well we will then stay in a hotel for a few days wait until the chaos of the tsunami in Hawaii dies down.. Then I’ll help you financially to start a new life.”

Suddenly the man started laughing ridiculously, he whispered:

“A lie.”

Luthor interjected, also amused, “I’m going to kill you. As I’m head of Aztec.”

Lily cried with despair.

“A few months ago, dear Lily and her wonderful environmental firm started suing my precious firm for reasons like dumping oil into the lake. We started losing the case. So now I just want to kill you.”

“But what’s the point?”

“There is no point, I just want to win.” Luthor responded.

There was a car waiting for them when they landed.

“I have a house prepared, to kill you”.

Whilst driving Lily suddenly shot the bodyguard and man without hesitation, which caused the driver to stop the car. She probably had the gun the whole time. Luthor was speechless.

Lily said “Everyone, GET OUT!”

Lily shot Luthor. She called 911 and explained everything to the authorities. They both realised they had to disappear and thought of a place to hide but live peacefully; Brazil.

Three days later, they arrived at the not so well known Brazilian city of Santa Catarina. Harry and Lily started a new, peaceful life.