First, there is the scarcity of energy and natural resources. This is from the rapid pace at which the world has developed over the past decade. It is important to think about how much more likely war is when resources are scarce. Friedman also makes a very interesting analysis of how oil and democracy are correlated - less oil, more democracy.
Second, the problem of countries with petroleum-based economies becoming increasingly wealthier, e.g. Saudi Arabia. Is America fueling or preventing terrorism by conducting business with these Persian gulf countries? An interesting read on radical Islamic education is on the topic of Madrahsahs.
Third, the problem of rapid climate change. How long do you think the Earth can sustain itself? How much more pollution will be produced as countries such as China and India live more and more like Americans?
Fourth, the concept of energy poverty: the notion that the imbalance of energy will cause conflicts - most notably lack of electricity. In class, we briefly touched on the idea that people in developing countries are purchasing 3G phones instead of computers because of the cheaper cost. What does it mean when someone from urban China can see how you live through Facebook?
Fifth, the destruction of biodiversity. Ever since the eighteenth century, many species have been crushed under the wheels of the industrial revolution. How does this affect us?
I'm interested in knowing which of these you think is the biggest problem we face today.
"5 problems" poll
So I tried the poll and got Error 404... Does anyone know how to properly create a poll within Blogger?
ReplyDeleteI agree that these are real problems that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. The global economy is simply not sustainable at the current rates of production. humans are using far to much, without the thought of supply running low or the waste that these processes are creating. I believe that moving away from such a material based society and creating smarter consumers, especially in rapidly developing countries such as India and China, is very important. Also I feel that the issue of recycling is not addressed like it should be. Almost all of the items that people throw away can be reused in some way or another. I hope awareness spreads around these issues, and a more sustainable society begins to emerge before all of Earths resources are gone.
ReplyDeleteI agree also that these problems need to be addressed. Let's be realistic; this problems are not being fixed. The U.S is not doing anything about these problems as we continue to add to the national debt. The U.S is close to losing to China in regards to productivity.
ReplyDelete