World's biggest problems

Here is my list of the world’s biggest problems; thanks for taking the time to read and reflect…

1. Global warming and the effect of climate change on planet Earth is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems humanity is facing in this day and age. One of the things that make this such a big issue is that many people refuse to acknowledge that their aloof overconsumption of energy is killing our home. I’m not a tree-hugging hippie, but I’m not ignorant to the fact that my actions have consequences that will affect the planet. If everyone thought this way, they would take small steps to recycle and be cognizant of how harmful fossil fuels are. Then, future generations would be brought up an entrepreneurial mindset that encouraged use of renewable energy.

2. Wealth disparity throughout the world is a huge issue, a consequence of the free market among other factors. The world is becoming ridiculously overpopulated and is growing exponentially fast, not to mention people are living longer. There are homeless and poor people around the world but the ‘one-percent’ live lavishly and without care. If more celebrities or business moguls were pressured to use their powerful name and back charitable organizations, a lot more people would receive the aid they need.

3. Terrorism committed by violent extremists is getting harder and harder to prevent. People are constantly traveling and technology is progressing rapidly; terrorism/cyber terrorism can come in so many different forms. People need to unite in the global fight against terrorism and put heavy international/financial pressure on countries that support terrorists.

4. The spread of infectious disease is a scary thought, tied in with my point earlier that people are in constant, close contact with one another while traveling. Sure, we have vaccines and advanced medicine, but pathogens mutate and evolve just like we do. Everyone needs to be educated from a young age on proper hygiene and other healthy habits.

5. Speaking of healthy habits, obesity is a big (no pun intended) issue that has seemed to be downplayed. Some people are all about body acceptance and refuse to acknowledge that obese people are a burden to society and themselves. According to a Harvard study, obesity is the biggest killer of US adults under 70 besides tobacco (which is becoming less popular). Obesity is linked with innumerable health conditions, which leads to lower quality of life and affects our economic healthcare spending as well as national defense. The same study shows that almost 30 percent of young people in the U.S. are too heavy to qualify for military service. {http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences}

We need to enact changes in policy to encourage healthy eating and workout habits that are affordable.

6. An often-overlooked challenge that the world faces is the lack of human rights that still plague the 21st century. Racism and sexism are the big ones of course, but don’t forget that in many countries around the world, things such as abortion and marijuana are controlled heavily. These issues will continue to persist unless children are educated to be open-minded and embrace freedom/diversity.

7. Another issue that ties into human rights is the lack of religious coexistence within the world today. Faith-based groups are fighting a war in the Middle East while non-secular regimes force their citizens to comply with horrible commandments found in old books. People need to take responsibility for their own actions and realize the futility of fighting one another; tolerance rather than hate needs to be preached.

8. The world is becoming too politically correct, to the point where productive rhetoric is impossible. South Park covered this issue satirically in their last season quite well. I’m all for tolerance and respectful communication but there comes a point where being politically correct means censoring oneself. Too many people are silenced because their words make others feel bad. People need to realize that the freedom of speech and open dialogue are amazing and ‘intolerant’ should not be stifled, but rather embraced. Our ancestors fought for our rights to express ourselves without fear, why are we working so hard to spite their efforts?



9. The increasing cost of education is an alarming thought; the world is becoming more complex and future generations will be unable to compete globally without proper education. College and graduate school require tuition payments of an arm and a leg and there is a worldwide shortage of teachers. The teaching field has become unappealing because of low pay and decreasing benefits. Governments need to do a better job of encouraging education and subsidizing it. There is no better way to spend money than to invest it into the education and shaping of the future leaders of the world.

10. Finally, the world faces the issue of not knowing that issues exist. People are caught up in their daily lives and don’t take the time to consume unbiased news or think about how their actions affect others and the environment. Ignorance is bliss, but for an 18-year-old concerned citizen of the world, ignorance is scary. People have to step out of their comfort zone and pop their perfect bubble that surrounds their reality. There are serious problems that will grow in magnitude and the first step to solving them is recognizing them before it is too late.

This list was tough to make but it felt good to express my displeasure with certain aspects of the world and provide solutions. The open-endedness of the assignment was great and I look forward to reading other people’s perspectives on the world’s issues.