what future do you want?
I want a future defined by justice, compassion, and sustainability. A world where poverty, inequality, and war are eradicated. Where communities thrive with access to education, healthcare, and clean energy.
“This generation enjoys a level of technological, scientific, and financial power never seen before. Yet it may also be the first generation to push the world close to a collapse of political, economic, and environmental systems.”
A 2018 global risks report from an international economic forum said something along these lines.
Why many informed people are worried
Many who follow world events feel deep concern about where our planet is heading. They see serious threats to human life and to the earth itself. Below are just a few of the problems that alarm them.
Cybercrime
A major newspaper in Australia warned that the internet is becoming a dangerous place. It called it a refuge for paedophiles, bullies, online trolls, and hackers. It also noted that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world. The report said that the internet gives people another outlet for one of the worst human traits, the urge to be harsh and cruel.
Financial inequality
A recent study by a well-known charity reported that the eight richest people hold as much wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population. The charity said that current economic systems channel most wealth to a small, rich group while leaving the poorest behind, many of whom are women. Some observers warn that this widening gap between rich and poor could lead to unrest and social conflict.
Conflict and persecution
A 2018 report by a United Nations refugee agency stated that the world is seeing the highest number of displaced people ever recorded. More than 68 million people have had to flee their homes, mostly because of war, violence, or persecution. According to the report, almost one person is forced to leave home every two seconds.
Threats to the environment
A 2018 global risks study said that biodiversity is being lost at rates similar to past mass extinctions. It also warned that pollution in the air and seas is becoming a serious danger to human health. In some regions, insect populations are dropping sharply. Since many insects pollinate crops and wild plants, scientists are warning of a possible “ecological meltdown”.
Are people able to bring about the deep changes needed to make the world safer and more stable? Many say that education must play a key role. But the glaring question is, “Can mankind solve all our problems?