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An Age of Austerity: Can It Happen Here?
Global economic realities are leading to big changes in the welfare states of Europe. Will the US see an Age of Austerity after next week's elections? Also, Indonesia devastated by a double whammy of both a tsunami and volcano. On Reporter's notebook, dozens of animal species face the threat of extinction worldwide, as decades-old promises of significant action are not being met.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenGlobal economic realities are leading to big changes in the welfare states of Europe. Will the US see an Age of Austerity after next week's elections? Also, Indonesia devastated by a double whammy of both a tsunami and volcano. On Reporter's notebook, despite promises of action going back to 1992, more species are on the brink of extinction. We get a non-progress report.
Banner image: Three women hold signs supporting social security and medicare as thousands of activists march during the 'One Nation Working Together' rally on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in Washington, DC, October 2, 2010. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesTsunami and Volcano Hit Indonesia in One 24-Hour Period
Remote islands that are part of Indonesia have been devastated by a 7.7 earthquake and subsequent tsunami . More than 300 have been killed and hundreds more are missing. There’s concern that a volcano on Java may erupt again. Sara Schonhardt is a freelance reporter in Jakarta.
Read the story8 minAn Age of Austerity: Can It Happen Here?
The French senate today passed pension reform despite weeks of angry street demonstrations and occasional violence. In Britain, a new coalition government is prepared to dismantle much of the welfare state . In the midst of the economic crisis, calls for "smaller government" have been deafening in America's election campaigns.
Read the story37 minGlobal Biodiversity Study Warns of Looming Extinction Crisis
After assessing some 26,000 animal species across the world, scientists calculate that a fifth of all vertebrates face the threat of extinction, as do a third of all sharks and rays.
Read the story5 min
