CONTEMPORARY

WORLD
 What is a Global Issue?

A global issue is a broad

description that is often used to
explain matters of great social
concern that affect human
populations locally and that are
shared among diverse human
societies within our global
community.
Top 10 Current
Global Issues
1. Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts and alterations in temperature, weather
patterns, and climate systems on Earth.
The term climate change is most commonly used today to describe changes caused
by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas),
deforestation, and industrial processes.
 The global temperatures are
rising, and are estimated to
increase from 2.6 degrees
Celsius to 4.8 degrees Celsius by
2100.
This would cause more severe
weather, crises with food and
resources and the spread of
diseases.
 The reduction of greenhouse
emissions and the spreading of
education on the importance of
going green can help make a big
difference.
 Lobbying governments and
discussing policies to reduce
carbon emissions and
encouraging reforestation is an
effective way of making progress
with climate change.
2. Pollution
 Pollution refers to the
introduction of harmful
substances or contaminants into
the environment, which can
negatively affect the air, water,
soil, and living organisms,
including humans.
Pollution is one of the most
difficult global issues to combat.
Types of Pollution:
AIR POLLUTION:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from burning fossil fuels
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) which contribute to acid rain
WATER POLLUTION:
Industrial waste
Oil spills
Agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers
Sewage and untreated wastewater
Plastics and microplastics
SOIL POLLUTION:
Pesticides and herbicides
Industrial waste or chemicals that seep into the ground
Improper disposal of hazardous waste
Heavy metals like lead or mercury
 Clean water is essential for
humans and animals, but more
than one billion people don’t
have access to clean water.
 It is of the utmost importance
that people all over the world
begin working to minimize the
various types of pollution, in
order to better the health of the
planet and all those living on it.
3. Violence
Violence refers to the intentional use of physical force, power, or coercion against
oneself, another person, or a group, which results in or has a high likelihood of causing
harm, injury, death, psychological trauma, or deprivation. Violence can take many
forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, or structural violence (systemic harm
caused by inequality or oppression).
Violence can be found in the
social, cultural and economic
aspects of the world.
 Whether it is conflict that has
broken out in the city, hatred
targeted at a certain group of
people or sexual harassment
occurring on the street, violence
is a preventable problem that
has been an issue for longer than
necessary.
With continued work on behalf of
the governments of all nations,
as well as the individual citizens,
the issue can be addressed and
reduced.
4. Security and Well
Being
SECURITY refers to the protection and
stability of individuals, communities, and
nations.

•Physical Security: Protection from physical

harm, violence, or threats. This includes law
enforcement, military protection, and
personal safety measures.
•Economic Security: Ensuring individuals
have stable income, employment, and
access to resources. Economic security
helps prevent poverty and provides
individuals with a stable standard of living.
•Emotional Security: Involves mental
well-being, including the absence of
anxiety and fear. It can be influenced
by supportive relationships and a stable
environment.
•Social Security: Encompasses social
support systems that provide
assistance in times of need, such as
unemployment benefits, healthcare,
and social services.
•Cybersecurity: Protecting individuals
and organizations from digital threats,
such as hacking, data breaches, and
identity theft.
WELL-BEING refers to the overall health
and happiness of individuals or
communities. It encompasses several
aspects:
Physical Well-Being: Relates to physical health,
including nutrition, exercise, and access to
healthcare services.
Mental Well-Being: Involves emotional health,
including stress management, emotional
resilience, and mental illness prevention.
Social Well-Being: Pertains to the quality of
relationships and social connections. Strong social ties
contribute to a sense of belonging and community.
Spiritual Well-Being: Involves a sense of purpose,
meaning in life, and connection to something greater
than oneself, which can be religious or non-religious.
Environmental Well-Being: Relates to living in a healthy
environment that supports physical and mental health,
including access to clean air, water, and green spaces.
 The U.N. is a perfect example of
preventing the lack of security and
well being that is a serious global
issue.

Through its efforts with regional

organizations and representatives
that are skilled in security, the U.N. is
working toward increasing the well
being of people throughout the
world.
5. Lack of Education
 More than 72 million children
throughout the globe that are of
the age to be in primary
education are not enrolled in
school.
 Fortunately, there are many
organizations that work directly
with the issue of education in
providing the proper tools and
resources to aid schools.
6. Unemployment
Without the necessary education
and skills for employment, many
people, particularly 15 to 24
years old, struggle to find jobs
and create a proper living for
themselves and their families.
This leads to a lack of necessary
resources, such as enough food,
clothing, transportation, and
proper living conditions.
 Fortunately, there are
organizations throughout the
world teaching people in need
the skills for jobs and
interviewing, helping to lift
people from the vicious cycle of
poverty.
7. Government
Corruption
Corruption is a major cause of
poverty considering how it
affects the poor the most,
eroding political and economic
development, democracy and
more.
Corruption can be detrimental to
the safety and well being of
citizens living within the
corrupted vicinity, and can cause
an increase in violence and
physical threats without as much
regulation in the government.
8. Malnourishment
and Hunger
 Currently there are 795 million
people who do not have enough
to eat. Long-term success to
ending world hunger starts with
ending poverty.
 With fighting poverty through
proper training for employment,
education and the teaching of
cooking and gardening skills,
people who are suffering will be
more likely to get jobs, earn
enough money to buy food and
even learn how to make their
own food to save money.
9. Substance Abuse
The United Nations reports that,
by the beginning of the 21 st

century, an estimated 185

million people over the age of 15
were consuming drugs globally.
Different classes of people, both
poor and rich, partake in
substance abuse, and it is a
persistent issue throughout the
world.
 Petitions and projects are in
progress to end the global issue
of substance abuse.
10. Terrorism
Terrorism is an issue throughout
the world that causes fear and
insecurity, violence and death.
Across the globe, terrorists
attack innocent people, often
without warning.
Making national security a higher
priority is key in combating
terrorism, as well as promoting
justice in wrongdoings to
illustrate the enforcement of the
law and the serious punishments
for terror crimes.
Generalization
 With so many current global issues that
require immediate attention, it is easy to
get discouraged. However, the amount of
progress that organizations have made in
combating these problems is admirable,
and the world will continue to improve in
the years to come. By staying active in
current events, and standing up for the
health and safety of all humans, everyone
is able to make a difference in changing
the fate of our world.
- Chloe Turner
Thank you!