Current events are the news, developments and trends shaping the thoughts and sentiments of people. This includes new information about political scandals, natural disasters, social movements and other important issues that can cause shifts in public opinion and subsequently change the direction of policy-making and voting. Keeping up with these changes provides valuable context for understanding the results of polling and other data-driven insights about how people are feeling and thinking about certain topics.
In the United States, the Big Events of 2020 include a growing social movement challenge to long-established patterns of racist policing, a crisis in housing and income inequality exacerbated by COVID-19-related housing closures and social distancing policies, and a growing climate crisis that has led to more frequent wildfires, drought and severe hurricanes across the country. These major crises have also created a situation in which people may not feel trusted by their government or other institutions.
These Big Events can have a significant impact on public health programs. While it is hard to predict how this will play out, the fact that many programs are already experiencing budgetary pressures and/or political challenges could increase the risk of them becoming less effective or unable to operate. This will probably have a negative effect on the ability to reduce morbidity, mortality and social disruption, especially in communities of color.
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