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ChatGPT Use Linked to Memory Loss, Procrastination in Students – Futurism

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You won't always have an AI chatbot in your pocket... right? Brain Drain

New research has found a worrying link to memory loss and tanking grades in students who relied on ChatGPT, in an early but fascinating exploration of the swift impact that large language models have had in education.

As detailed in a new studypublished in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, the researchers surveyed hundreds of university students ranging from undergrads to doctoral candidates over two phases, using self-reported evaluations. They were spurred on by witnessing more and more of their own students turn to ChatGPT.

"My interest in this topic stemmed from the growing prevalence of generative artificial intelligence in academia and its potential impact on students," study co-author Muhammad Abhas at the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences in Pakistan told PsyPost. "For the last year, I observed an increasing, uncritical, reliance on generative AI tools among my students for various assignments and projects I assigned."

In the first phase, the researchers collected responses from 165 students who used an eight-item scale to report their degree of ChatGPT reliance. The items ranged from "I use ChatGPT for my course assignments" to "ChatGPT is part of my campus life."

To validate those results, they also conducted a more rigorous "time-lagged" second phase, in which they expanded their scope to nearly 500 students, who were surveyed three times at one to two week intervals.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the researchers found that students under a heavy academic workload and "time pressure" were much more likely to use ChatGPT. They observed that those who relied on ChatGPT reported more procrastination, more memory loss, and a drop in GPA. And the reason why is quite simple: the chatbot, however good or bad its responses are, is making schoolwork too easy.

"Since ChatGPT can quickly respond to any questions asked by a user," the researchers wrote in the study, "students who excessively use ChatGPT may reduce their cognitive efforts to complete their academic tasks, resulting in poor memory."

There were a few curveballs, however.

"Contrary to expectations, students who were more sensitive to rewards were less likely to use generative AI," Abbas told PsyPost, suggesting that those seeking good grades avoided using the chatbot out of fear of getting caught.

It's possible that the relationship between ChatGPT usage and its negative effects is bidirectional, notes PsyPost. A student may turn to the chatbot because they already have bad grades, and not the other way around. It's also worth considering that the data was self-reported, which comes with its own biases.

That's not to exonerate AI, though. Based on these findings, we should be wary about ChatGPT's role in education.

"The average person should recognize the dark side of excessive generative AI usage," Abbas told Psypost. "While these tools offer convenience, they can also lead to negative consequences such as procrastination, memory loss, and compromised academic performance."

More on AI: Google's AI Search Caught Pushing Users to Download Malware

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ChatGPT Use Linked to Memory Loss, Procrastination in Students - Futurism

ChatGPT linked to declining academic performance and memory loss in new study – PsyPost

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Students tend to turn to ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence tool, when faced with increased academic workload and time constraints, according to new research published in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. The study also reveals a concerning trend: reliance on ChatGPT is linked to procrastination, memory loss, and a decline in academic performance. These findings shed light on the role of generative AI in education, suggesting both its widespread use and potential drawbacks.

The motivation behind this research stems from the explosive growth of generative AI technologies in educational settings. Despite their potential to assist in learning and research, theres a growing concern among educators about their misuse, especially in relation to academic integrity. Previous studies have largely focused on theoretical discussions without much empirical data to support the claims.

My interest in this topic stemmed from the growing prevalence of generative artificial intelligence in academia and its potential impact on students, explained study author Muhammad Abbas, an associate professor at the FAST School of Management at the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences in Pakistan. For the last year, I observed an increasing, uncritical, reliance on generative AI tools among my students for various assignments and projects I assigned. This prompted me to delve deeper into understanding the underlying causes and consequences of its usage among them.

To understand these dynamics, the study was conducted in two phases. Initially, the researchers developed and validated a scale to measure university students use of ChatGPT for academic purposes. They began by generating an initial set of 12 items, which was refined to 10 after expert evaluations for content validity. Further refinement through an exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing led to the final selection of eight items that effectively measured the extent of ChatGPTs academic use.

The scale included items such as: I use ChatGPT for my course assignments, I am addicted to ChatGPT when it comes to studies, and ChatGPT is part of my campus life.

In the second phase of the study, the researchers sought to validate the findings from the first phase while also testing specific hypotheses related to ChatGPTs impact. The sample consisted of 494 university students who were surveyed across three timepoints, each separated by a 1-2 week interval.

This time-lagged approach allowed the researchers to first gather data on predictor variables (academic workload, time pressure, sensitivity to rewards, and sensitivity to quality), followed by the measurement of ChatGPT usage, and finally, the assessment of outcomes (procrastination, memory loss, and academic performance).

Abbas and his colleagues found that high levels of academic workload and time pressure were significant predictors of increased ChatGPT usage, suggesting that students under significant academic stress are more likely to turn to generative AI tools for assistance.

Students who were more sensitive to rewards were less inclined to use ChatGPT, indicating a possible concern about the academic integrity and the potential negative consequences of relying on AI for academic tasks.

Moreover, the study uncovered significant adverse effects of ChatGPT usage on students personal and academic outcomes. Increased reliance on ChatGPT was associated with higher levels of procrastination and memory loss, and a negative impact on academic performance, as reflected in students grade point averages. These findings suggest that while ChatGPT can be a valuable resource under certain circumstances, its excessive use might lead to detrimental effects on learning behaviors and outcomes.

One surprising finding was the role of sensitivity to rewards, Abbas told PsyPost. Contrary to expectations, students who were more sensitive to rewards were less likely to use generative AI. Another surprising finding was the positive relationship of generative AI usage with procrastination and self-reported memory loss and negative relationship between generative AI usage and academic performance.

Interestingly, the study did not find a significant relationship between sensitivity to quality and ChatGPT usage, suggesting that concerns over the quality of academic work do not necessarily influence the decision to use AI tools.

The findings highlight the potential dual impact of ChatGPT in academia, serving both as a helpful tool under academic pressure and as a potential risk to academic integrity and student learning outcomes.

The average person should recognize the dark side of excessive generative AI usage, Abbas said. While these tools offer convenience, they can also lead to negative consequences such as procrastination, memory loss, and compromised academic performance. Also, factors like academic workload, sensitivity to rewards, and time pressure play significant roles in influencing students decision to use generative AI.

The study provides important details about ChatGPT usage among university students. But the study, like all research, includes limitations. For example, the time-lagged design, while more robust than cross-sectional designs, does not entirely eliminate the possibility of reciprocal relationships.

The study suggests a one-way impact of ChatGPT usage on students academic workload and personal outcomes, such as procrastination and memory loss. However, its conceivable that these relationships could be bidirectional. For instance, students who are prone to procrastination might be more inclined to use ChatGPT, rather than ChatGPT usage leading to increased procrastination.

The research opens the door to investigating the broader effects of ChatGPT usage on students learning outcomes and health. Future research could delve into how reliance on generative AI tools affects cognitive skills, mental health, and overall learning experiences.

My long-term goals involve expanding this line of research to further explore through other methods, such as experiments, how excessive use of generative AI affects students outcomes, Abbas said.

The study, Is it harmful or helpful? Examining the causes and consequences of generative AI usage among university students, was authored by Muhammad Abbas, Farooq Ahmed Jam, and Tariq Iqbal Khan.

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ChatGPT linked to declining academic performance and memory loss in new study - PsyPost

HHS Expands TEFCA by Adding Two Additional QHINs – HHS.gov

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Seven QHINs will now safely and securely exchange critical health information for patient care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), announced today that two additional organizationsCommonWell Health Alliance and Kno2have been designated as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) capable of nationwide health data exchange governed by the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common AgreementSM (TEFCASM). ONC has led a multi-year, public-private process alongside its Recognized Coordinating Entity, The Sequoia Project, Inc., to implement TEFCA, which was envisioned by the 21st Century Cures Act to support nationwide interoperability. TEFCA became operational in December 2023 with the designation of the first five QHINseHealth Exchange, Epic Nexus, Health Gorilla, KONZA, and MedAllies.

CommonWell Health Alliance and Kno2 can immediately begin supporting the exchange of data under the Common Agreement's policies and technical requirements along with the other designated QHINs. QHINs are the pillars of TEFCA network-to-network exchange, providing shared services and governance to securely route queries, responses, and messages across networks for health care stakeholders including patients, providers, hospitals, health systems, payers, and public health agencies.

"These additional QHINs expand TEFCA's reach and provide additional connectivity choices for patients, health care providers, hospitals, public health agencies, health insurers, and other authorized health care professionals," said Micky Tripathi, Ph.D., national coordinator for health information technology. "On behalf of ONC, I want to congratulate CommonWell Health Alliance and Kno2 for their achievement."

"The designation of these two QHINs, which brings the total number of QHINs to seven, highlights the rapid expansion of TEFCA exchange and the support of more and more leaders around TEFCA exchange," said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project and RCE lead.

Common Agreement Version 2.0, which is anticipated to include enhancements and updates to require support for Health Level Seven (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) based transactions, is actively under development and scheduled to be adopted by QHINs within the first quarter of 2024.

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HHS Expands TEFCA by Adding Two Additional QHINs - HHS.gov

From the Caribbean’s tallest falls to a hidden cenote: Seek adventure in the Dominican Republic – Euronews

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Embarking on a Caribbean getaway in 2024? Prepare to be captivated beyond the sun-kissed beaches.

The Dominican Republic is synonymous with crystal-clear waters and idyllic, white sand beaches.

A day spent lounging beneath swaying coconut trees is the ideal refuge from Europes chilly winters, allowing you to return to the office flaunting that enviable sun-kissed tan.

In the Dominican Republic there are more than 200 beaches - from the famous Playa Bvaro in Punta Cana to Playa Fernanda in Miches, says Enrique Penson, director of Economic Studies at the countrys Ministry of Tourism.

Yet, the country's charm goes well beyond its pristine coastlines. Majestic waterfalls, lush national parks, and aromatic cacao plantations await your exploration.

In 2023 the country hosted 10 million visitors and that is because the Dominican Republic has it all, says Penson. Besides stunning beaches, magnificent nature and experiences, the best is the Dominican people's warmth and hospitality.

Heres how to get the best out of your visit to the stunning Caribbean nation.

Foodies should make a beeline for the cacao trails in San Francisco de Macors, in the northeast Duarte province.

Making up 10 per cent of the Dominican Republics lush green expanse, cacao plantations are vital to preserve the island's natural environment. Renowned as the worlds premier producer of organic cocoa, the island is the perfect place to experience the captivating floral aroma of unprocessed cocoa fruit.

Step into the enchanting haciendas de cacao, where visitors not only explore plantations and gain insights into the chocolate-making process but also have the opportunity to actively participate in cacao cultivation and harvesting alongside local producers.

Among the most popular cacao trails is that of Finca La Esmeralda. For the ultimate experience, plan your visit during the harvest period, which occurs twice a year from September to December and January to May.

The picturesque landscape of the Dominican Republic is graced with awe-inspiring waterfalls. Venture into the Saman Peninsula for the the perfect blend of beautiful beaches and trekking experiences, recommends Penson.

Here, you can discover the allure of El Limn Waterfall, which cascades from tropical surroundings. One of the most remarkable experiences in this region involves a horse ride through lush paths, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning nature.

The peninsula is also home to the protected Parque Nacional Los Haitises. Its remarkable limestone karsts, sinkholes and mangroves served as the filming location for the iconic Jurassic Park. Spanning 1,600 km-squared, its ancient rock formations date back 50 million years.

Further northwest, near Puerto Plata, the 27 Charcos de Damajagua awaits - a collection of 27 waterfalls that captivate thrill-seekers. This natural playground invites exploration through hiking and swimming, rewarding visitors with exhilarating cliff jumps and natural slides.

The pinnacle of waterfall grandeur, however, lies in Salto de La Jalda, the Caribbean's highest waterfall, standing at over 120 metres. Tucked within the National Park of La Jalda in Miches, reaching it can be an adventure in itself. Whether by a scenic two-hour hike or a helicopter excursion, both routes offer a chance to delve into the forest and experience the biodiversity of its flora and fauna first-hand.

For a touch of magic, venture into Punta Cana's Hoyo Azul, a mesmerising blue sinkhole nestled in lush rainforest. This cenote is often referred to as the "Indigenous eye. You'll find this hidden oasis discreetly tucked away inside the Scape Park, within the captivating Cap Cana area.

Take a revitalising dip in its natural, cold spring waters, which boast a depth of 14 metres and are embraced by a 75-metre-tall limestone cliff adorned with lush vegetation. To reach Hoyo Azul you have to cross a suspension bridge and meander through an orchid garden.

A must visit for nature enthusiasts, this unique site seamlessly blends adventure, nature and tranquillity in the heart of Punta Cana's captivating landscapes.

The Dominican Republic's cultural fusion shines through its vibrant people, who eagerly share their traditions.

The culinary landscape is a fusion of Tano, Spanish and African influences. The national dish, La Bandera Dominicana, is a hearty amalgamation of rice, beans, meat (often chicken or beef), and salad. Fresh seafood dishes, like pescado con coco (fish in coconut sauce), captivate taste buds with their vibrant flavours.

"Fish from any of our coasts is our main dish - always fresh, savoury, and complemented by our traditional sauces crafted from local ingredients," says Penson.

Beyond the national dish, start your day with mang, a breakfast staple made from mashed plantains, or savour the comforting sancocho, a stew filled with various meats and vegetables.

For a sweet and savoury experience, indulge in pasteln de pltano maduro, a dish that layers ripe plantains, meat and cheese. Each bite reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Dominican cuisine, making it an essential part of your travel adventure in this vibrant Caribbean destination.

To truly grasp the essence of Dominican culture and their zest for life, learn the steps of merengue and bachata, two vibrant Caribbean dance styles recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

"Any Dominican will gladly guide you through the steps of merengue and bachata. We carry the beats of these dances within us, cherishing the joy of dancing, and we love it when foreigners express an interest in learning," encourages Penson.

Don't miss the opportunity to attend merengue festivals held in various cities across the Dominican Republic, including the lively celebrations in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata.

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From the Caribbean's tallest falls to a hidden cenote: Seek adventure in the Dominican Republic - Euronews

2024 Early NL Futures Picks – 12/18/23 | MLB Gambling Podcast (Ep. 432) – SGPN

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The National League is in focus for the SGPN MLB boys. While the Dodgers signings of Ohtani and Glasnow have rightly stolen the headlines, theres loads of other stuff going on too. San Francisco made a splash signing Korean star Jung Hoo Lee and there are still a lot of quality pitching options available as free agents. The hosts take a look at their favorite early betting picks for the National League.

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2024 Early NL Futures Picks - 12/18/23 | MLB Gambling Podcast (Ep. 432) - SGPN

AICDAC aims to curb youth gambling this holiday season – The Courier-Express

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SHELOCTA Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission is participating in the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining more than 80 other lotteries and community organizations from across the United States and Canada, and around the world.

The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. The Gift Responsibly Campaign is also endorsed by the World Lottery Association and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding the risks of underage lottery use. Lottery products are appropriate for gifting only to adults, from adults.

Gambling is defined as risking something of value on an unknown outcome that depends on chance or skill. Research shows that the earlier a persons participation or exposure to gambling in childhood, the more likely they are to develop gambling problems later in life. Even though gambling activities are legally restricted to adults, there is clear evidence that underage youth actively participate in gambling.

Despite gambling being promoted as a harmless form of entertainment, it operates on the same reward pathways and neurotransmitters as substance addiction. Youth gambling is associated with alcohol and drug use, truancy, risk-taking behaviors and low grades in school.

More and more youth are exposed to the availability and accessibility of many forms of gambling at even younger ages and are tempted by the pressures to participate. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling approximately 60 percent of high school aged adolescents in the United States report having gambled for money during the past year.

According to the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data, overall, 34.9 percent of Armstrong County students in eighth, 10th and 12th grades have engaged in gambling for money or anything of value in their lifetime, which is higher than the state average of 30.4 percent. From these grade levels in Armstrong County, students reported the different forms of gambling used were 23.2 percent lottery (including scratch cards, numbers, etc.), 15.9 percent personal skill games (such as pool, darts, coin tossing and video games), 12.7 percent poker or other card games, dice, backgammon, or dominoes, and 10.7 percent sporting events or sports pools. In addition, 10.24 percent bet/gambled in some other way, and 4.4 percent reported gambling online.

For most people gambling is simply entertainment, but it is entertainment that comes with a degree of risk. When a lottery ticket is given as a gift by a trusted parent or other family member, a child is likely to interpret the gift as saying, this is a safe thing for you to do. Lottery tickets arent childs play.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/AICDAC.

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AICDAC aims to curb youth gambling this holiday season - The Courier-Express

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken adopts Hi Auto’s voice cloning feature at drive-thru – QSR Web

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Guests at select Ohio Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken restaurants will hear the voice of former NFL player Keith Byars as a partnership with AI platform Hi Auto. Photo: Hi Auto

Dec. 13, 2023

Hi Auto, an AI ordering brand, has launched its AI voice-cloning feature for QSRs. It allows restaurants to fully customize voice options into their drive-thru voice AI ordering tech, according to a press release.

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, an early adopter of Hi Auto's drive-thru voice AL ordering technology, will launch the new voice cloning feature as a test in select Ohio drive-thru locations. Guests who visit Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Ohio locations will be greeted with the voice of sports broadcaster and former NFL player Keith Byars. Byars grew up in Ohio and played football at Ohio State. In 2000, he was inducted into the Ohio State Hall of Fame and in 2020 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Byers proceeded to play in the National Football League for 13 seasons, playing for teams including Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets. Currently, Byars hosts "The Keith Byars Show" which can be heard on ESPN 1410 WING-AM in Dayton, Ohio.

"Lee's has been blessed to partner with Hi Auto since December of 2020, utilizing their AI voice recognition technology to help our employees and restaurants through the pandemic. We look forward to implementing their latest innovation to make our customer's drive-thru experience the most unique experience in the Dayton market," Chuck Doran, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken owner and operator, said in the press release. "We've partnered with Keith Byars since his radio program launched 2018. The integrity, quality and excellence Keith brought to the football field and continues to bring to his broadcasts is what we strive to provide every customer that visits Lee's. This is just one more step in that quest."

"Three years ago, Lee's embarked on a pioneering journey with Hi Auto, leveraging their cutting-edge artificial intelligence for our drive-thru orders, marking a milestone in operational efficiency and customer service," Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, said in the press release. "This collaboration not only enhanced our labor efficiency by saving approximately five to six hours daily, but also significantly improved order consistency and upselling conversions."

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken operates more than 130 restaurants in 12 U.S. states and in Canada.

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Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken adopts Hi Auto's voice cloning feature at drive-thru - QSR Web

Experts Deeply Concerned About Cybertruck Safety

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The bizarre shape, materials, and seeming rigidness of the Tesla Cybertruck could make it a menace to occupants, pedestrians, and other cars.

Road Warrior

The Tesla Cybertruck's distinctive looks could have deadly consequences for its passengers, pedestrians, and other cars on the road unfortunate enough to cross its path, experts fear — despite claims made by CEO Elon Musk that it will be "safer per mile than other trucks."

Video of crash tests featuring the vehicle has been widely scrutinized after being shown in an official livestream of the Cybertruck's delivery event last week.

Because only limited footage was shared with the public with no accompanying data, there's only so much that can be deduced right now. But whatever the armchair experts may be saying online, the real experts are already quite concerned with what they've seen so far.

They cite the Cybertruck's stainless-steel exterior, an unorthodox material to use in a car body due to its weight and stiffness — not to mention manufacturing challenges — as heightening the danger of collisions, especially with pedestrians. And go figure: not only is the car made up of the same stuff as a kitchen knife, it's got the sharp edges of one, too.

"The big problem there is if they really make the skin of the vehicle very stiff by using thick stainless steel, then when people hit their heads on it, it's going to cause more damage to them," Adrian Lund, former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), told Reuters.

Crumple Stiltskin

Much attention was drawn to the Cybertruck's apparent lack of crumple zones, areas of a car designed to absorb the impact of a collision by deforming. Rigid stainless steel would seem a poor candidate material for crumpling, meaning that occupants are potentially less shielded against the full force of an impact.

That could also be bad news for other cars on the road. If the Cybertruck doesn't crumple enough in a collision, it'll slam into other vehicles like a sledgehammer on wheels.

"If you're in a crash with another vehicle that has a crumple zone and your car is more stiff, then their cars are going to crush and yours is resistant," David Friedman, the former acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, told Reuters.

Samer Hamdar, a professor of auto safety at George Washington University, echoed fears over the Cybertruck's crumple zones, but cautioned that there could be other features in the car to compensate that we haven't seen yet.

"There might be a possibility of a shock-absorbent mechanism that will limit the fact that you have a limited crumple zone," Hamdar told Reuters.

At any rate, while Cybertrucks are finally being driven off the lot with deliveries set to start in the US, they're so far a no-go in the European Union — likely due to its sharp, protruding edges, and bloated weight.

More on Tesla: The Cybertruck's Giant Windshield Wiper Is Floppy

The post Experts Deeply Concerned About Cybertruck Safety appeared first on Futurism.

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Experts Deeply Concerned About Cybertruck Safety

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (As of 4 December 2023) – World – ReliefWeb

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REGIONAL: FOOD SECURITY

KEY FIGURES

247.8 million PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MODERATE-TO-SEVERE FOOD INSECURITY IN THE REGION

The 2023 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report by FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, and WFP reveals progress in combating hunger and food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in South America, despite indications that 247.8 million people are affected by moderate-to-severe food insecurity across the whole region. While South America saw a decline in hunger and food insecurity between 2021 and 2022, hunger rates in Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) remained unchanged, and the Caribbean experienced an increase. Overall, 6.5 per cent of the region's population (43.2 million people) faced hunger in 2022.

Moderate or severe food insecurity affected 37.5 per cent of the population, higher than the global average of 29.6 per cent. This marked a decrease from the previous year, with 247.8 million people affected, including 159 million in South America, 61.9 million in Mesoamerica, and 26.9 million in the Caribbean. Severe food insecurity affected 12.6 per cent of the population (83.4 million people) in the region. In South America, the prevalence was 12.7 per cent (55.4 million people), in Mesoamerica it was 8.6 percent (15.4 million), and in the Caribbean 28.2 per cent (12.5 million). Persistent inequalities and climate patterns, particularly affecting women and rural communities, continue to challenge food security. The gender gap in food insecurity slightly narrowed but remained at 9.1 percentage points, while rural areas experienced 8.3 percentage points higher food insecurity than urban areas. In Central America and Haiti, erratic rainfall due to El Nio conditions has led to increasing agricultural production costs and a reduction in crop yields. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), crisis levels (IPC Stage 3) of acute food insecurity are expected to spread between February and May 2024 as poor households face depleting stocks from below-average harvests and limited purchasing power as food prices increase.

SOUTH AMERICA: HEAVY RAINFALL

KEY FIGURES

2.8 million PEOPLE COULD BE AFFECTED BY EL NIO-INDUCED WEATHER IN PERU

Bolivia and Peru issued warnings as both countries face heavy rainfall. On 27 November, heavy rain and strong wind hit the Huancayo Province in Junn Department, central Peru, resulting in displacement and damage. According to Peru's National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI), the rainfall has affected 451 people, displaced 58 people and destroyed or damaged at least 215 houses. Perus National Hydrology and Meteorology Service warns that between 2-5 December intense rains are set to continue in 17 regions across the country, particularly mountain and jungle areas. More than 2.8 million people could be affected by El Nio-induced rains and landslides across Peru, according to INDECI estimates.

In Bolivia, heavy rains are forecast to hit the country this week following an intense season of wildfires in the La Paz, Beni, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments, which destroyed an estimated 3.4 million hectares of forests and pastures and killed 13 people according to official Government data. A report from the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service triggered official alarms as rivers are expected to overflow. An orange alert was issued on 29 November for rains and thunderstorms in La Paz and will remain in effect until 7 December.

REGIONAL: POVERTY

KEY FIGURES

29% OF THE REGIONS POPULATION LIVING IN POVERTY

According to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) 2023 report, poverty in Latin America returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Some 181 million people (nearly one third of the regions population) live in poverty, slightly less than before COVID-19, while extreme poverty affects 11.2 per cent of the population (70 million people), similar to 2019 levels. Moreover, ECLAC warns of a 1.7 per cent GDP growth rate forecast for 2023, which is significantly lower than the 3.8 per cent seen in 2022 and could even slow to 1.5 per cent in 2024 potentially stalling further poverty reduction.

Poverty affects children, adolescents, women, indigenous people, and rural residents in higher rates. Income inequality remains high despite falling in 2022 to levels below those recorded in 2019. The richest decile earns 21 times more than the poorest, ECLAC highlights. Last year the 105 wealthiest individuals alone held wealth equal to nearly 9 per cent of the regional GDP. Gender disparities persist in the labour market as well, with a 22.6 percentage point gap in participation rates between men and women, and higher unemployment rates for women.

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Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (As of 4 December 2023) - World - ReliefWeb