How Many Billion ... ?
The world is growing by veritable leaps and bounds. Our Globe has proven capable of sustaining human life in numbers beyond expectations of only a few decades earlier. Improvements in growing and harvesting new types of crops have resulted in more available food, despite wastage on feeding livestock and producing ethanol and inadequate storage facilities.More human beings are moving out of the malnourished category into the nourished category. People are living longer, better, healthier lives. And more countries of the world are edging themselves out of Third World conditions and into conditions that lift them into the categories of emerging economies, however slowly.
The world is preparing to welcome the birth of its 7 billionth human life. On October 12, 1999 a baby was born in Sarajevo and his birth was celebrated as the advent of the six-billionth life on Earth. He was born to poor parents, but he was a tiny celebrity. The then-UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, was enlisted to pose with the baby just after his birth.
That was over a decade ago. That baby is now a young boy attending sixth grade in school, and doing exceptionally well in his studies. He and his parents occupy a tiny apartment in Visoko, central Bosnia. Theirs is a materially poor family. The father of Adnan Nevic, Jasmin, is no longer able to work, suffering from bowel cancer.
At the time of Adnan's birth there was great international celebration on the appearance of the world's six billionth person. In recognizing his special status, the city of Sarajevo subsidizes the family with $140 monthly. Adnan loves soccer, and dogs, but his family can afford neither, to enrich his life.
When he was born there were many lavish promises to assist the family, to allow them to live better lives. The six-billionth person to be born on Earth is still waiting. "They stroke my head and then they disappear", he said, describing people who continue to celebrate the anniversary of his birth as a signal moment on Earth.
Some day, perhaps Adnan will get his dog, and treasure his very own loyal companion animal. He may eventually have the pleasure of a generous benefactor who will enroll him in a local soccer league. The boy may perhaps grow into a profession, one that will allow him to help his family live better lives.
The 7 billionth person on Earth is due to arrive any time soon. Adnan will graciously move over and make room for that additional individual.
Labels: Heritage, Human Relations, That's Life
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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