The Pew Hispanic Center released a new report on the young Latino population in the United States. Overall, the report found that these young Latinos "express overall satisfaction with their lives, despite high levels of poverty and teenage pregnancy, while carving an identity based more on their parents' home country rather than labels like 'American' or 'Hispanic' or 'Latino'."
In terms of demographics, one in ever four newborns in the United States is Hispanic. One in five schoolchildren in the U.S. are Hispanic. Two-thirds of Latinos aged 16-25 are native born Americans. American-born children of immigrants make up the largest share (37%) of the Hispanic population in the U.S. (this is the first year that this is the case). An additional 29% are of third generation or higher. Just 34% of the Hispanic population are immigrants themselves.
In terms of identify, when young Latinos were asked to describe themselves, 52% said their preference was their parents' country of origin, while 24% favored "American" and 20% favored "Hispanic" or "Latino".
Young Latinos expressed high levels of satisfaction with their lives -- half said they are very satisfied and 45% said they are mostly satisfied. Furthermore, 75% expect to be better off financially than their parents.
However, this population also faces some hardships:
*Latinos have the highest rate of teen pregnancy (26%) compared to African-Americans (22%), whites (11%), or Asian-Americans (6%).
*They have the highest high school dropout rate at 17% (compared at 9% for African-Americans, 6% for whites, and 4% for Asian-Americans).
*They have the second-highest percentage of those living in poverty (23% -- compared to 28% for African-Americans, 18% for Asian-Americans, and 13% for whites).
*About three in ten (31%) of young Latinos say they have a friend of relative who is a current or former gang member.
*Nearly four in ten (38%) young Latinos say they, a relative, or a close friend has been the target of ethnic or racial discrimination.
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EU leaders have agreed to pay $10.6 billion over the next three years to help developing nations adapt to climate change. All 27 members of the EU will contribute. The UK's contribution promise was the highest at $800 million. The money is supposed to help the poorest nations tackle problems that are developing from climate change including rising sea levels, deforestation, and water shortages. The money is also supposed to help developing countries reduce their own carbon emissions. EU leaders are hoping the deal will boost the climate talks in Copenhagen and that it could kickstart the final negotiations.
However, critics are skeptical that it will be enough money. The chairman of the Least Developed Countries bloc said that any money from the developed world given to the developing world is needed and appreciated, but the amount of aid promised by the EU is "very, very low." (Especially when you consider the EU is made up of 27 countries including big economies like the UK, France, and Germany. The amount of aid probably could be larger; but being positive, at least it's something). Moreover, some campaign groups have questioned whether this is "new" money and not just a "relabeling of existing aid commitments." A spokesperson from the group ActionAid said, "Many EU members have a track record of repackaging or re-announcing existing aid commitments. This appears to be the case here too." (Full Story)
In Uganda, members of parliament have voted to outlaw female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation -- also known as female circumcision -- is a custom that involves cutting off the girl's clitoris. It is seen as a way to ensure virginity and to make women suitable for marriage. The dangers of the procedure can include bleeding, shock, infections, and a higher rate of death for new-born babies. Under the new law, anyone convicted of the practice will face ten years in jail or a life sentence if the person dies. According to the UN, about three million girls each year in Africa are at risk of genital mutilation, and 91 million girls and women have experienced the procedure. (Full Story)
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