In 1985, famine led to Live Aid and a U.S. alert plan. Trump froze it. Now it's back

Published on August 14, 2025

Title: The Resurrection of FEWS NET: A Beacon of Hope in an Era of Global Hunger?

In 1985, Live Aid held benefit concerts in London and Philadelphia that raised well over $100 million to address the famine in Ethiopia. This was a pivotal moment for global awareness on hunger crises, leading to the creation of FEWS NET (Famine Early Warning Systems Network) by the U.S government. The system combined data from various sources and provided detailed reports on potential food crisis areas.

Fast forward to January 2017 when President Trump's stop-work orders led to the temporary shutdown of this vital early warning system. However, in a surprising turn of events, FEWS NET has been reactivated after years of dormancy. This development comes at an opportune time as global hunger continues to rise due to climate change and political instability.

The resurrection of FEWS NET signifies hope for those who have long relied on its accurate predictions and timely alerts. Governments, aid organizations, and local communities can now use this information to plan ahead and take preventive measures against potential food crises. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues such as hunger.

From a historical perspective, FEWS NET's reactivation serves as a reminder that we must learn from past mistakes and not let political agendas overshadow humanitarian concerns. The system has proven its effectiveness over decades, saving countless lives by predicting famines before they occur. Its return is a testament to the power of collective action when it comes to tackling global challenges.

In conclusion, the reactivation of FEWS NET marks an important milestone in our fight against hunger and food crises worldwide. It serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by these issues and reminds us that international cooperation is crucial in addressing global problems. Let's continue to support such initiatives and work together towards creating a world free from hunger and suffering.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/08/13/g-s1-82265/in-1985-famine-led-to-live-aid-and-a-u-s-alert-plan-trump-froze-it-now-its-back) #1985,

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