WHEN 2008 began, it was marred with calamities. First, there was the death of Brad Renfro. Later, we learn of the death of Heath Ledger. Next, an Australian futurist predicted that the next Ice Age will sweep the world by storm in the next 40 years and will leave China vacated and most of northern Europe a densely-populated area. Now, there are fears of a global bird flu pandemic similar to the 1918, 1957 and 1968 flu pandemics which have killed millions worldwide. And then, the Asian stock markets plunged for two straight days in a row yesterday. All of these are grim news indeed except that we have one unlikely instrument that we have – education.

Let’s start off with drug overdose. If only public high schools all over the developed world – from the United States to Spain to Canada to Mexico – will make it mandatory that values education be taught, then I’m pretty sure the drug problem will be minimized.

Now, let us tackle on what the Australian futurist is saying. I even forgot his name because I just saw him being featured on one Australian television network. He is not that popular and oftentimes his views are considered obscure and laughable. But beyond that, I can sense an amazing charisma in him and he is serious in saying that the next Ice Age will come about 40 years from now. China will be washed up and barren and everybody heads to countries such as Norway and Sweden. Here’s where education comes in. If we act now and study every aspect of how to make a very gigantic and intercontinental human exodus work, then perhaps we can prevent the loss of life in this very grim situation.

Global warming is certainly a multifaceted issue. It is not just about minimizing the use of coal and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. It is a holistic approach. One groundbreaking study that scientists from the Craig Venter Institute in the United States are experimenting is to cultivate genes which can produce a new fauna species with nothing to do but emit biofuels on a massive scale. This is certainly far-fetched from any household consumption in the near future but at least, these scientists are making progress. So if you have just graduated from high school here in Salamanca and you are that idealistic in changing the world, it is not just a cliché. You can certainly do it. Take up a degree in biology and later on a specialization in genetics. In six years’ time, you can graduate from college and you get yourself employed at Craig Venter Institute.

Another field that is slowly gaining popularity today is in the area of infectious diseases. The CDC in Atlanta is waiting for your arms if you are a fresh high school graduate, whether you’re American or not. After all, lots of foreigners find themselves work in the United States today.