👶 China’s Preschool Enrolment Fell 20%. Child Mental Health Care Demand Rose. North America Tops Desalination Capacity.

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Today's Topics

👶 Preschool. China's births and preschool enrolment fell by 20% and 40% respectively
⚕️ Healthcare. UK children seeking mental health services rose 4x
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing. North America had the highest no. of desalination plants

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👶 China’s Births and Preschool Enrolment Fell by 20% and 40% Respectively

Between 2018 and 2024, childbirths in China fell by over 20%, while kindergarten enrolment dropped nearly 40%. Decades of the one-child policy reshaped family norms, and today, rising living costs and a slowing economy make preschool increasingly unaffordable. With births halving over the past decade and an aging population shifting focus to elder care, declining preschool demand reflects both demographic and financial pressures facing Chinese families. Between 2021 and 2024, China saw over 40K preschool closures, according to the Ministry of Education report. In response, the central government plans a gradual rollout of free preschool education and is going to improve preschool education.

⚕️ UK Children Seeking Mental Health Services Rose 4x

Over the past decade, mental health issues among children have risen sharply, yet the number of child and adolescent psychiatrists hasn’t kept pace. The pandemic worsened this crisis; lockdowns, school closures, and isolation disrupted routines and triggered anxiety and depression. Social media adds further pressure, exposing youth to cyberbullying and harmful comparisons. Without urgent investment in mental health services, a growing number of children risk being left without the support they urgently need.

🏭 North America had the Highest No. of Desalination Plants

North America led globally in desalination infrastructure in 2022, with Mexico and the United States operating a combined 849 plants. This dominance highlights growing regional urgency around water security and climate resilience. While Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are known for large-scale desalination, North America's decentralized approach reflects both urban demand and agricultural needs. The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding to modernize water systems, supporting further growth in desalination capacity.

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