My list of problems from my World's Problems Post (which can be viewed here) ranked most serious to least serious is as follows:
1) Global Warming: This is perhaps one of the largest problems that we face today. I feel as though there is very little people cannot accomplish if they put their minds to it. But in this instance they put their minds to mass producing cars and long-distance transportation (i.e. planes, barges). We have developed such a strong dependence on things that require gasoline that it seems almost impossible to stop revert our behavior on a global basis. I think that we can do it, but it will take a significant amount of work.
2) Overpopulation: Simply put there are too many people that require too many resources and that are competing with each other for space and resources.
3) Terrorism: This is a major problem that is very uncontrollable. Additionally, it is a very sophisticated problem that is very hard to change.
4) Product Sourcing: I think that this is a very big problem because it is seen almost as acceptable, especially within the United States. Instead of using labor outside the United States simply because the companies are less regulated and will do the work for much less money does not mean that it is right.
5) Natural Disasters: These are also very uncontrollable but humans have been dealing with natural disasters for a long time simply because they are always going to be there. Some are worse than others but we have figured ways to adjust.
2) Natural Disasters: As I said, we have been compensating for natural disasters for a very long time because it is simply something that we have to deal with. We already have a lot of technologies for this, but I think that more technologies will help solve the crises that they put us in. Not only should we attempt to solve this by taking preventative measures against natural disasters, but we also need to have protection programs (like we do) and more technology to help deal with the aftermath of natural disasters.
3) Overpopulation: This problem has been taken on by a few but perhaps not enough. It is something that just seems to have little of a solution. As I mentioned in my other post, I think that the key to solving this issue is education and
4) Global Warming: The main problem with this problem is that it is very difficult to change the habits of everyone in a relatively short period of time. We need action and soon but how can we change an entire planet's habits? This solution is up to the major powers around the world - the major governments - to basically enforce that people have the same opportunities (or close) but while also moving to more renewable solutions.
5) Terrorism: This is a very difficult and partisan issue. Unfortunately we just have to keep trying to prevent attacks with new technology and software solutions and keep protecting people as best as we can.
3) Terrorism: This is a major problem that is very uncontrollable. Additionally, it is a very sophisticated problem that is very hard to change.
4) Product Sourcing: I think that this is a very big problem because it is seen almost as acceptable, especially within the United States. Instead of using labor outside the United States simply because the companies are less regulated and will do the work for much less money does not mean that it is right.
5) Natural Disasters: These are also very uncontrollable but humans have been dealing with natural disasters for a long time simply because they are always going to be there. Some are worse than others but we have figured ways to adjust.
Here is my list of solutions that seem most implementable:
1) Product Sourcing: I think that this is the most implementable solution. There are two possibilities that I see - though there are almost definitely more. I think that these companies that are doing extremely cheap labor should band together and form a strike. Also the United States and the EU and others can decide that it is time to do the right thing and only use companies/factories that pay their employees well and have their employee's best interests in mind. This is so easy to change - yes, it might drive up price, but we can still fix it!2) Natural Disasters: As I said, we have been compensating for natural disasters for a very long time because it is simply something that we have to deal with. We already have a lot of technologies for this, but I think that more technologies will help solve the crises that they put us in. Not only should we attempt to solve this by taking preventative measures against natural disasters, but we also need to have protection programs (like we do) and more technology to help deal with the aftermath of natural disasters.
3) Overpopulation: This problem has been taken on by a few but perhaps not enough. It is something that just seems to have little of a solution. As I mentioned in my other post, I think that the key to solving this issue is education and
4) Global Warming: The main problem with this problem is that it is very difficult to change the habits of everyone in a relatively short period of time. We need action and soon but how can we change an entire planet's habits? This solution is up to the major powers around the world - the major governments - to basically enforce that people have the same opportunities (or close) but while also moving to more renewable solutions.
5) Terrorism: This is a very difficult and partisan issue. Unfortunately we just have to keep trying to prevent attacks with new technology and software solutions and keep protecting people as best as we can.
Why did I choose these?
I chose Global Warming as the biggest issue because it is something that needs to change and fast. We need major action and now. I chose Product Sourcing as the most implementable solution because I really think that we can change how companies source their products with a law.
