World Economic Forum report offers view of global risks

The World Economic Forum has released its eighth annual Global Risks Report, which lists top global threats identified by a survey of over 1,000 experts. As in last year’s report, 2013’s risks were topped by economic and financial concerns, particularly the risk of major systemic economic failure. But high in the rankings of nail-biting concerns were also risks related to climate change, both rising greenhouse gas emissions and the failure of governments and businesses to mitigate or adapt to these changes. (..) This year’s report also looks at some less commonly discussed risks.

As snow melts, Syrian influx to Jordan revs up

Jordan has witnessed a spike in Syrian refugees as temperatures have begun to rise and last week’s snow melts, relief officials said on Monday, reporting over 1,300 new arrivals in a two-day period. (..) The sudden influx has placed a growing strain on Jordan’s sole Syrian refugee camp the Zaatari camp outside Mafraq, where some 500 tents and several facilities were damaged by last week’s heavy rain and strong winds. In a bid to accommodate the rising number of new arrivals, officials are planning to open a second camp, a tented facility on the outskirts of the northern city of Zarqa, by the end of the month.

Refugees struggle in Egypt's 'Little Syria'

The United Nations estimate that around 100,000 Syrian refugees have fled to Egypt since the uprising in their country began in March 2011. Tens of thousands of the refugees live and work in Giza, in an area now called "Little Syria". Many arrive with little money and are struggling to pay for food and rent.

More than 1.5 million Zimbabweans need food: WFP

Poor rains and a drop in agricultural production in Zimbabwe have left 1.6 million people in urgent need of food assistance, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).(..) UN Radio's Alice Kariuki discusses the food situation in Zimbabwe with David Orr, the East and Southern Africa spokesperson for WFP.