Global IssuesToday, around 21,000 children died around the world. This daily tragedy, from poverty and other preventable causes, rarely makes headline news.
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World
World Told Act Now or Face 136 Years of Hunger, Report Warns
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Oct 15 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024
High levels of hunger will continue for another 136 years in many developing countries, according to a new report assessing global hunger.
Climate Justice Needs Recognition of Common, but Differentiated Responsibilities
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Oct 15 (IPS) - Climate justice recognizes differential impacts of climate crisis between rich and poor, women and men, and older and younger generations. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized"as is always the case, the poor and vulnerable are the first to suffer and the worst hit." However, all people should have the agency to live life with dignity. Thus, climate justice looks at the climate crisis through a human rights lens.
Lebanon crisis: UN human rights office calls for probe into Israeli strike
- UN News
With no let-up to the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict, the UN human rights office on Tuesday called for an independent probe into an Israeli airstrike that hit an apartment block in northern Lebanon a day earlier that left a reported 22 dead.
Two billion women without access to social protection
- UN News
A UN Women report reveals that policies ranging from cash benefits to healthcare and pensions are not being extended to enough women and girls, leaving them more vulnerable to poverty worldwide.
‘We Continue Working to Make Sure Afghan Girls and Women Are Heard and Not Forgotten’
- Inter Press Service
Oct 15 (IPS) -
CIVICUS discusses Afghanistan's system of gender apartheid with Shaharzad Akbar, Executive Director of Rawadari, a human rights organisation founded by Afghans in exile.Continued Airstrikes Threaten Civilians and Aid Workers in Lebanon
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 15 (IPS) - As Israel continues its siege on the southern borders of Lebanon, concerns among humanitarian organizations grow as the frequency of attacks rise. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reports that approximately 2,169 people have been killed and over 10,212 have been injured in the past year. Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, has described this conflict as one of the deadliest in recent memory.
Abortion is a Fundamental Human Rights Issue
- Inter Press Service
NEW YORK, Oct 15 (IPS) - The right to abortion is a human rights issue that no government agency, courts, local and state legislators, or anyone else has the right to violate or impede in any shape or form. It is a fundamental right that every woman must be free to exercise with impunity, in consultation with her doctor only, who acts based on his/her professional ethics and responsibility.
Stigmatization is the Entry Door for Repression and Violence
- Inter Press Service
BOGOTA, Colombia, Oct 15 (IPS) - Information manipulation and misinformation are not new phenomena, but they have taken on exaggerated importance, especially with the massive use of social media.
Child Exploitation on the Internet Threatens the Next Generation
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (IPS) - On October 11, the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated organizations hosted a conference discussing the increasingly dangerous and exploitative environment that plagues the internet and what can be done to protect children from being exposed to it. Speakers at this conference detailed the developing technologies that threaten children, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which often facilitates sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. In a world that is centered around digitization and innovation, it is crucial to keep the internet a safe space for the most vulnerable population, children.
UN Goal to End World-Wide Hunger by 2030 is Destined to Miss the Target
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. A landmark report released last July by five UN agencies — the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN children's agency UNICEF — outlined the setbacks in fighting global hunger and warned that the world has fallen behind by more than 15 years in its relentless battle against food scarcities, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009.
- More stories…
Climate
World Told Act Now or Face 136 Years of Hunger, Report Warns
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Oct 15 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024
High levels of hunger will continue for another 136 years in many developing countries, according to a new report assessing global hunger.
Climate Justice Needs Recognition of Common, but Differentiated Responsibilities
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Oct 15 (IPS) - Climate justice recognizes differential impacts of climate crisis between rich and poor, women and men, and older and younger generations. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized"as is always the case, the poor and vulnerable are the first to suffer and the worst hit." However, all people should have the agency to live life with dignity. Thus, climate justice looks at the climate crisis through a human rights lens.
UN Goal to End World-Wide Hunger by 2030 is Destined to Miss the Target
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. A landmark report released last July by five UN agencies — the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN children's agency UNICEF — outlined the setbacks in fighting global hunger and warned that the world has fallen behind by more than 15 years in its relentless battle against food scarcities, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009.
Building Resilience Against Climate Risks: The Transformative Role of Social Protection
- Inter Press Service
BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. While the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine on food system disruptions was widely covered, underlying food system vulnerabilities across Asia and the Pacific had been steadily growing long before these crises unfolded.
When Will World Food Day be a Day to Actually Celebrate?
- Inter Press Service
BALTIMORE, Maryland USA, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. World Food Day seems like it should be a time to celebrate. A day to eat delicious meals and enjoy the rich traditions and cultures of food around the globe.
Building Water Security for the Next Generation in the Pacific Territories
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Oct 14 (IPS) - The Pacific Islands region is both the frontline of the wrath that climate change is lashing on the environment and human life and the drive for innovation and solutions to stem the destruction and strengthen island environments for the future. The survival of life, even nations, in the Pacific depends on it.
IPBES Calls for Holistic Solutions, Transformative Change in Tackling Biodiversity Loss
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Oct 11 (IPS) - A holistic approach and transformative change of systems are needed to tackle biodiversity loss and to put the world on a sustainable path, an assessment by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recommended.
It’s High Time to Turn the “Right to Foods” for a Healthy, Nutritious & Affordable Diet into Reality
- Inter Press Service
ROME, Oct 11 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. This year the theme for World Food Day is "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future." It's a timely reminder that all people have the right to adequate foods. But how do we get from a right to a reality? And why is it so important to think about not just having sufficient food, but also the diversity of diets?
Twenty years on: Indonesia ‘better prepared’ following tsunami
- UN News
When Ahmadi, a local storyteller on the Indonesian island of Simeulue, sings a lullaby to his one-year-old grandson, the song is not one about fairies and angels but rather about the precautions to take in a potential tsunami.
Azerbaijan Turns into a "Massive Open-Air Prison" before UN Climate Change Conference
- Inter Press Service
ROME, Oct 10 (IPS) - On November 20, 2023, Ulvi Hasanli, director of AbzasMedia —an independent media outlet in Azerbaijan—, was arrested when he was about to board a taxi to Baku airport. Meanwhile, uniformed officers raided AbzasMedia's headquarters in the Azerbaijani capital, claiming to have found 40,000 euros in cash, which was used as evidence to accuse Hasanli of currency smuggling.
- More stories…
Health
Climate Justice Needs Recognition of Common, but Differentiated Responsibilities
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Oct 15 (IPS) - Climate justice recognizes differential impacts of climate crisis between rich and poor, women and men, and older and younger generations. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized"as is always the case, the poor and vulnerable are the first to suffer and the worst hit." However, all people should have the agency to live life with dignity. Thus, climate justice looks at the climate crisis through a human rights lens.
‘We Continue Working to Make Sure Afghan Girls and Women Are Heard and Not Forgotten’
- Inter Press Service
Oct 15 (IPS) -
CIVICUS discusses Afghanistan's system of gender apartheid with Shaharzad Akbar, Executive Director of Rawadari, a human rights organisation founded by Afghans in exile.Continued Airstrikes Threaten Civilians and Aid Workers in Lebanon
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 15 (IPS) - As Israel continues its siege on the southern borders of Lebanon, concerns among humanitarian organizations grow as the frequency of attacks rise. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reports that approximately 2,169 people have been killed and over 10,212 have been injured in the past year. Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, has described this conflict as one of the deadliest in recent memory.
Building Resilience Against Climate Risks: The Transformative Role of Social Protection
- Inter Press Service
BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. While the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine on food system disruptions was widely covered, underlying food system vulnerabilities across Asia and the Pacific had been steadily growing long before these crises unfolded.
IPBES Calls for Holistic Solutions, Transformative Change in Tackling Biodiversity Loss
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Oct 11 (IPS) - A holistic approach and transformative change of systems are needed to tackle biodiversity loss and to put the world on a sustainable path, an assessment by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recommended.
Afghan Girls Share Their Despair and Visions for the Future Under Taliban Rule
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 11 (IPS) - The 15 August 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan devastated the lives of millions of Afghans. But the rights and freedoms of women and girls in particular have been progressively trampled by a series of edicts that have created a virtual system of gender apartheid. In line with the 2024 International Day of the Girl theme, ‘Girls' vision for the future', a dozen Afghan girls speak up to express their hardships and resilience. They also share their visions for the future.
It’s High Time to Turn the “Right to Foods” for a Healthy, Nutritious & Affordable Diet into Reality
- Inter Press Service
ROME, Oct 11 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. This year the theme for World Food Day is "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future." It's a timely reminder that all people have the right to adequate foods. But how do we get from a right to a reality? And why is it so important to think about not just having sufficient food, but also the diversity of diets?
In Zimbabwe’s Rural Areas, Bicycles Keep Girls in School
- Inter Press Service
CHIREDZI, Zimbabwe, Oct 10 (IPS) - Rejoice Muzamani is studying in preparation for her next paper during the end-of-term examinations at Mwenje Primary School in Chiredzi, southeast Zimbabwe.
Death Toll Rises During Israel's Siege in Lebanon
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 10 (IPS) - One week has passed since the beginning of Israel's invasion of Lebanon. Over the past three weeks, Lebanon has seen a considerable uptick in hostilities from the Israeli armed forces. Routine bombardments have resulted in significant civilian casualties as well as the failure of several critical infrastructures. The United Nations warns that displacement continues to grow as shelters approach maximum capacity.
Amazonian Bioeconomy: An Essential Path for Sustainable Development
- Inter Press Service
SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct 10 (IPS) - The Amazon is at a critical juncture. Despite its abundant biodiversity, cultural richness, and immeasurable environmental value, it faces serious threats that endanger its future and the communities that depend on it.
- More stories…
Economy
Climate Justice Needs Recognition of Common, but Differentiated Responsibilities
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Oct 15 (IPS) - Climate justice recognizes differential impacts of climate crisis between rich and poor, women and men, and older and younger generations. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized"as is always the case, the poor and vulnerable are the first to suffer and the worst hit." However, all people should have the agency to live life with dignity. Thus, climate justice looks at the climate crisis through a human rights lens.
UN Goal to End World-Wide Hunger by 2030 is Destined to Miss the Target
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. A landmark report released last July by five UN agencies — the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN children's agency UNICEF — outlined the setbacks in fighting global hunger and warned that the world has fallen behind by more than 15 years in its relentless battle against food scarcities, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009.
Building Resilience Against Climate Risks: The Transformative Role of Social Protection
- Inter Press Service
BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. While the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine on food system disruptions was widely covered, underlying food system vulnerabilities across Asia and the Pacific had been steadily growing long before these crises unfolded.
When Will World Food Day be a Day to Actually Celebrate?
- Inter Press Service
BALTIMORE, Maryland USA, Oct 14 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. World Food Day seems like it should be a time to celebrate. A day to eat delicious meals and enjoy the rich traditions and cultures of food around the globe.
Afghan Girls Share Their Despair and Visions for the Future Under Taliban Rule
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 11 (IPS) - The 15 August 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan devastated the lives of millions of Afghans. But the rights and freedoms of women and girls in particular have been progressively trampled by a series of edicts that have created a virtual system of gender apartheid. In line with the 2024 International Day of the Girl theme, ‘Girls' vision for the future', a dozen Afghan girls speak up to express their hardships and resilience. They also share their visions for the future.
It’s High Time to Turn the “Right to Foods” for a Healthy, Nutritious & Affordable Diet into Reality
- Inter Press Service
ROME, Oct 11 (IPS) - World Food Day 2024. This year the theme for World Food Day is "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future." It's a timely reminder that all people have the right to adequate foods. But how do we get from a right to a reality? And why is it so important to think about not just having sufficient food, but also the diversity of diets?
With Climate Change, Government Apathy, Who Should Kerala’s Fishworkers Turn To?
- Inter Press Service
KOCHI, India, Oct 10 (IPS) - Fishworkers are often invisible in discussions about climate change, yet they are at the heart of food security, feeding millions while struggling to feed their own families. Their fight for survival is not just about tradition or livelihood—it's about justice. Shouldn't their futures be at the forefront of climate justice debates?Every morning before dawn, fishworkers along the shores of Kochi, Kerala, head out to sea, casting their nets in the shadow of the iconic Cheenavala—the Chinese fishing nets that have become a symbol of their community. I witnessed this time-honored tradition, once a reliable means of survival, now a daily gamble, a fight against unpredictable seas and shrinking fish populations.
Amazonian Bioeconomy: An Essential Path for Sustainable Development
- Inter Press Service
SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct 10 (IPS) - The Amazon is at a critical juncture. Despite its abundant biodiversity, cultural richness, and immeasurable environmental value, it faces serious threats that endanger its future and the communities that depend on it.
IPEF: Much Ado about Nothing
- Inter Press Service
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct 09 (IPS) - After 2.5 years, US President Joe Biden's Indo-Pacific Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is increasingly irrelevant due to its own limitations and broader US foreign policy shifts.
Artificial intelligence: rooting out bias and stereotypes
- UN News
As online tools using various forms of artificial intelligence become increasingly common, calls are growing for more action to ensure that they do not create or perpetuate stereotypes and gender bias.
- More stories…
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Action on climate change is cheaper than inaction
Many are afraid that tackling climate change is going to be too costly. But increasingly, studies are showing action will not just be cheaper than inaction, but could actually result in economic, environmental and even health benefits, while improving sustainability.
Read “Action on climate change is cheaper than inaction” to learn more.
Climate Change and Global Warming Introduction
The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and there is now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening, and human-induced. With global warming on the increase and species and their habitats on the decrease, chances for ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing.
Many are agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns.
This section looks at what causes climate change, what the impacts are and where scientific consensus currently is.
Read “Climate Change and Global Warming Introduction” to learn more.
COP20—Lima Climate Conference
An overview of the Climate Change Conference (also known as COP 20), held in Lima, Peru in December 2014.
While it seemed like it was a successful meeting, because developing nations were committed to drawing up their own plans for emissions reductions for the first time, a number of important issues were left undecided such as how financing would work.
This page is an overview of the Lima Climate conference.
Read “COP20—Lima Climate Conference” to learn more.
Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
An overview of the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa that has been described by the World Health Organization as the largest, most severe and most complex outbreak in the history of the disease.
The epidemic began at the end of 2013, in Guinea. From there it spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal. Many of the affected countries face enormous challenges in stopping its spread and providing care for all patients.
Thousands of people have died and many are at risk as the fatality rate from this virus is very high. As the crisis worsens, as well as the enormous health challenges involved, the social and economic consequences may set these countries back, reversing some gains a number of these countries have made in recent years.
Read “Ebola Outbreak in West Africa” to learn more.
Foreign Aid for Development Assistance
In 1970, the world’s rich countries agreed to give 0.7% of their gross national income as official international development aid, annually.
Since that time, billions have certainly been given each year, but rarely have the rich nations actually met their promised target.
For example, the US is often the largest donor in dollar terms, but ranks amongst the lowest in terms of meeting the stated 0.7% target.
Furthermore, aid has often come with a price of its own for the developing nations. Common criticisms, for many years, of foreign aid, have included the following:
- Aid is often wasted on conditions that the recipient must use overpriced goods and services from donor countries
- Most aid does not actually go to the poorest who would need it the most
- Aid amounts are dwarfed by rich country protectionism that denies market access for poor country products while rich nations use aid as a lever to open poor country markets to their products
- Large projects or massive grand strategies often fail to help the vulnerable; money can often be embezzled away.
This article explores who has benefited most from this aid, the recipients or the donors.
Read “Foreign Aid for Development Assistance” to learn more.
Nature and Animal Conservation
Preserving species and their habitats is important for ecosystems to self-sustain themselves.
Yet, the pressures to destroy habitat for logging, illegal hunting, and other challenges are making conservation a struggle.
Read “Nature and Animal Conservation” to learn more.
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Poverty Facts and Stats
Most of humanity lives on just a few dollars a day. Whether you live in the wealthiest nations in the world or the poorest, you will see high levels of inequality.
The poorest people will also have less access to health, education and other services. Problems of hunger, malnutrition and disease afflict the poorest in society. The poorest are also typically marginalized from society and have little representation or voice in public and political debates, making it even harder to escape poverty.
By contrast, the wealthier you are, the more likely you are to benefit from economic or political policies. The amount the world spends on military, financial bailouts and other areas that benefit the wealthy, compared to the amount spent to address the daily crisis of poverty and related problems are often staggering.
Some facts and figures on poverty presented in this page are eye-openers, to say the least.
Read “Poverty Facts and Stats” to learn more.
Global Financial Crisis
Following a period of economic boom, a financial bubble — global in scope — burst, even causing some of the world’s largest financial institutions have collapsed. With the resulting recession, many governments of the wealthiest nations in the world have resorted to extensive bail-out and rescue packages for the remaining large banks and financial institutions while imposing harsh austerity measures on themselves.
Some of the bail-outs have also led to charges of hypocrisy due to the apparent socializing of the costs while privatizing the profits.
Furthermore, the institutions being rescued are typically the ones got the world into this trouble in the first place. For smaller businesses and poorer people, such options for bail out and rescue are rarely available when they find themselves in crisis.
Plummeting stock markets at one point wiped out 33% of the value of companies, $14.5 trillion. Taxpayers bailed out their banks and financial institutions with large amounts of money. US taxpayers alone have spent some $9.7 trillion in bailout packages and plans. The UK and other European countries have also spent some $2 trillion on rescues and bailout packages. More is expected. Much more.
Such numbers, made quickly available, are enough to wipe many individual’s mortgages, or clear out third world debt many times over. Even the high military spending figures are dwarfed by the bailout plans to date.
This problem could have been averted (in theory) as people had been pointing to these issues for decades. However, during boom, very few want to hear such pessimism. Does this crisis spell an end to the careless forms of banking and finance and will it herald a better economic age, or are we just doomed to keep forgetting history and repeat these mistakes in the future? Signs are not encouraging as rich nations are resisting meaningful reform…
Read “Global Financial Crisis” to learn more.
Causes of Poverty
Poverty is the state for the majority of the world’s people and nations. Why is this? Is it enough to blame poor people for their own predicament? Have they been lazy, made poor decisions, and been solely responsible for their plight? What about their governments? Have they pursued policies that actually harm successful development? Such causes of poverty and inequality are no doubt real. But deeper and more global causes of poverty are often less discussed.
Read “Causes of Poverty” to learn more.
Climate Change and Global Warming
The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and there is now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening, and human-induced. With global warming on the increase and species and their habitats on the decrease, chances for ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing. Many are agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns.
This section explores some of the effects of climate change. It also attempts to provide insights into what governments, companies, international institutions, and other organizations are attempting to do about this issue, as well as the challenges they face. Some of the major conferences in recent years are also discussed.
Read “Climate Change and Global Warming” to learn more.
Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are also a major global issue. Humans depend on a sustainable and healthy environment, and yet we have damaged the environment in numerous ways. This section introduces other issues including biodiversity, climate change, animal and nature conservation, population, genetically modified food, sustainable development, and more.
Read “Environmental Issues” to learn more.
Racism
Racism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others. Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear or hatred of others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic downturns. This article explores racism from around the world.
Read “Racism” to learn more.
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Global Financial Crisis
Following a period of economic boom, a financial bubble — global in scope — burst, even causing some of the world’s largest financial institutions have collapsed. With the resulting recession, many governments of the wealthiest nations in the world have resorted to extensive bail-out and rescue packages for the remaining large banks and financial institutions while imposing harsh austerity measures on themselves.
Some of the bail-outs have also led to charges of hypocrisy due to the apparent socializing of the costs while privatizing the profits.
Furthermore, the institutions being rescued are typically the ones got the world into this trouble in the first place. For smaller businesses and poorer people, such options for bail out and rescue are rarely available when they find themselves in crisis.
Plummeting stock markets at one point wiped out 33% of the value of companies, $14.5 trillion. Taxpayers bailed out their banks and financial institutions with large amounts of money. US taxpayers alone have spent some $9.7 trillion in bailout packages and plans. The UK and other European countries have also spent some $2 trillion on rescues and bailout packages. More is expected. Much more.
Such numbers, made quickly available, are enough to wipe many individual’s mortgages, or clear out third world debt many times over. Even the high military spending figures are dwarfed by the bailout plans to date.
This problem could have been averted (in theory) as people had been pointing to these issues for decades. However, during boom, very few want to hear such pessimism. Does this crisis spell an end to the careless forms of banking and finance and will it herald a better economic age, or are we just doomed to keep forgetting history and repeat these mistakes in the future? Signs are not encouraging as rich nations are resisting meaningful reform…
Read “Global Financial Crisis” to learn more.
Climate Change and Global Warming
The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and there is now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening, and human-induced. With global warming on the increase and species and their habitats on the decrease, chances for ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing. Many are agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns.
This section explores some of the effects of climate change. It also attempts to provide insights into what governments, companies, international institutions, and other organizations are attempting to do about this issue, as well as the challenges they face. Some of the major conferences in recent years are also discussed.
Read “Climate Change and Global Warming” to learn more.
Food and Agriculture Issues
Food and agriculture goes to the heart of our civilizations. Religions, cultures and even modern civilization have food and agriculture at their core. For an issue that goes to the heart of humanity it also has its ugly side.
This issue explores topics ranging from the global food crisis of 2008, to issues of food aid, world hunger, food dumping and wasteful agriculture such as growing tobacco, sugar, beef, and more.
Read “Food and Agriculture Issues” to learn more.
Foreign Aid for Development Assistance
In 1970, the world’s rich countries agreed to give 0.7% of their gross national income as official international development aid, annually.
Since that time, billions have certainly been given each year, but rarely have the rich nations actually met their promised target.
For example, the US is often the largest donor in dollar terms, but ranks amongst the lowest in terms of meeting the stated 0.7% target.
Furthermore, aid has often come with a price of its own for the developing nations. Common criticisms, for many years, of foreign aid, have included the following:
- Aid is often wasted on conditions that the recipient must use overpriced goods and services from donor countries
- Most aid does not actually go to the poorest who would need it the most
- Aid amounts are dwarfed by rich country protectionism that denies market access for poor country products while rich nations use aid as a lever to open poor country markets to their products
- Large projects or massive grand strategies often fail to help the vulnerable; money can often be embezzled away.
This article explores who has benefited most from this aid, the recipients or the donors.
Read “Foreign Aid for Development Assistance” to learn more.
Tax Avoidance and Tax Havens; Undermining Democracy
Through tax havens, transfer pricing and many other policies — both legal and illegal — billions of dollars of tax are avoided. The much-needed money would helped developing (and developed) countries provide important social services for their populations.
Some tax avoidance, regardless of how morally objectionable it may be to some people, is perfectly legal, and the global super elite are able to hide away trillions of dollars, resulting in massive losses of tax revenues for cash-strapped governments who then burden ordinary citizens further with austerity measures during economic crisis, for example. Yet these super elite are often very influential in politics and business. In effect, they are able to undermine democracy and capitalism at the same time.
As the global financial crisis has affected many countries, tackling tax avoidance would help target those more likely to have contributed to the problem while avoid many unnecessary austerity measures that hit the poorest so hard. But despite rhetoric stating otherwise, it does not seem to high on the agenda of many governments as you might think.
Read “Tax Avoidance and Tax Havens; Undermining Democracy” to learn more.
World Military Spending
World military spending had reduced since the Cold War ended, but a few nations such as the US retain high level spending.
In recent years, global military expenditure has increased again and is now comparable to Cold War levels. Recent data shows global spending at over $1.7 trillion. 2012 saw the first dip in spending — only slightly —since 1998, in an otherwise rising trend.
The highest military spender is the US accounting for almost two-fifths of the world’s spending, more than the rest of the G7 (most economically advanced countries) combined, and more than all its potential enemies, combined.
Read “World Military Spending” to learn more.
“If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence.” — Bertrand Russell, Roads to Freedom