1. Water: Water is becoming a scarce resource at a rapid pace. The world population is increasing and access to clean water is decreasing. Pollution is having a negative effect on availability of clean water, and underground aquifers are depleting. A solution to this problem is cooperation and compassion among nations and simple sanitation systems.
2. Poverty: Nearly half of the global population lives on just $2.50 per day. Poverty is caused by a country's economy, lack of education, epidemic diseases, and environmental problems to name a few. Solutions for this problem include financial services and an increase in the supply of basic needs.
3. Hunger: Over 925 million people in the world are affected by chronic hunger. Hunger can affect generations of people in communities and places around the world. Chronic hunger has devastating effects like malnourished children, slow economic growth, and increased risk of sickness. Solutions happen for this devastating problem when people can find the root cause of the issue. Better education, food donations, and government intervention could all help in different ways. Educating the rest of the world about hunger that is taking place in other geographic regions will raise awareness and increase the chances of getting help from these places.
4. Religious Freedom: Religious freedom is under attack around the globe. People are so afraid of being persecuted because of there faith that they are being forced to leave their nations to find refuge elsewhere. I take for granted that here in America I am allowed to practice the religion of my choice safely. Facts show that 5.3 billion people live in countries with a high or very high level of restrictions on religion. A solution to this problem is a change in government. People that can make change happen need to stand up for this certain type of freedom.
5. Terrorism: 130,000 fatalities have happened worldwide between 2006 and 2013 because of terrorism. Today, people around the world are worried about their safety because of ISIS. Terrorism involves uncertainty, danger, and fear of what comes next. To deal with this problem, we have to address its causes and work together as people and as nations.
6. Overpopulation: The current world population is growing at a rate of 1.14% per year. In 1967, only 3 billion people inhabited the planet. Currently, over 7 billion people inhabit the planet. This issue is causing a shortage of natural resources. Population growth can also lead to social and environmental problems. Proper knowledge and education are two solutions that would positively effect this issue.
7. Human Trafficking: Trafficking mainly involves exploitation. Estimations show that around 19% of trafficking involves labor exploitation and around 80% involves sexual exploitation. Solutions to this horrible problem are educational outreach, social media promotions to raise awareness, and direct help to victims. We should also work with other nations to end this problem.
8. Education: As students of this class, we are getting to learn every day. I take that for granted way too much. Not everyone has access to education. There are 757 million adults that lack writing and reading skills. There are many reasons that people everywhere do not receive an education. Some children must go straight to work or are recruited as soldiers at a young age. In addition, some parents cannot afford it, and others face the danger of violence as they try to pursue their education. A solution to this problem is fighting the different barriers among nations that prevents people from getting an education. In addition, volunteering for the cause and monetary donations to the cause can help as well.
9. Global Governance: This problem is connected to so many others. We need to work together as nations to contain the issues we are facing together as one (like terrorism). How are we supposed to deal with global risks and problems when there are weak global institutions and competitive international political interests. If we could work together a little more, it could lead to less violence and more growth worldwide.
10. Pollution: Pollution is a global issue. It affects our exposure to diseases, and it is a factor of global warming. Pollution is exceptionally bad in the developing world. There are many ways to reduce pollution. Conserving energy, recycling, and using energy efficient devices are just a few of the solutions to this problem. It is important to stay educated to know what you can do as an individual to help.
I agree with the issue of overpopulation. We need to make changes now. We either reduce the number of births or we get the governments in the world to exploit more resources to satisfy the needs of everybody. Our population is increasing exponentially, but our economy and society has not grown parallel with it. This causes so many issues like income inequality, lack of resources, etc. The more inhabitants we have, the more difficult it will be to make sure changes happen because obviously it is more difficult to control ten billion people instead of three billion. I really enjoyed reading this list! Here's mine: http://alejandrogomezent3003.blogspot.com/2016/01/worlds-biggest-problems-week-3.html
ReplyDeleteI too had world hunger as one of the world biggest problems. And I also believe that educating and spreading awareness about this issue and fund programs like the 2050 to finally put in end to this hurtful truth. As I continue to read the rest of your list I realized we listed similar issues, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who agrees.
ReplyDeleteLink of my blog, check it out!
http://xyzelayax.blogspot.com/2016/01/worlds-biggest-problems.html