Introduction continued...
Global issues are persistent or long acting in that they may take years, decades, or even generations to be fully felt, and may require similar time frames to be resolved. World population, for example, has expanded exponentially for the past several hundred years. It has doubled just since 1960, and could potentially do so again in just 40 years. Even if all the nations of the world were to focus energy and resources on stabilizing population, such a goal would likely require several decades to achieve.
Global issues are interconnected, which means that a change in one – whether for better or worse – exerts pressure for change in others. Narrowing the gap between rich and poor, for example, could positively impact food security, health, population, and the economy. Food security is not only a matter of production and distribution, but also of population size, economics, human rights, and health. It also has significant environmental impacts because of the damage done in the process of that production and distribution.
Global issues are separate from events; they are the driving forces behind events. The nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, for example is not a global issue. It is an event, which is part of a larger pattern that includes Three Mile Island, global warming, and the Gulf War. Underlying that pattern of events is the global issue of energy.
A model that is helpful here is the "iceberg" example often used in systems theory. Just as only the tip of an iceberg is visible above the surface of the sea, events are visible indicators. We tend to concentrate on these events, because they are easy to see, and we often tend to base our decisions on them. If we are able to look below the surface, however, we will find these events are only part of a pattern of related events. And if we look deep enough – at the broad base of the iceberg that makes up most of its mass – we will find the systemic structures that generate those patterns and events.
When studying global issues, it is helpful to remember this model. If we truly want to understand and resolve these issues, we have to understand and change the systemic structures that generate them. Most important of all, we have to understand that the most powerful components of any structure are the paradigms – the mental models and assumptions – of the people who create and participate in those structures. If we truly wish to change the structures that generate the patterns and events that threaten us, it is as simple – or as difficult – as changing the way we think.
This site outlines some of the most critical global issues confronting us at the beginning of the 21st century:
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Population
• The Rich – Poor Gap
• Food and Water Security
• Environment
• Health
• Economy
• Energy
• Peace and Conflict
• Governance
Some readers may well identify others. Some of these global issues – such as food security, which has challenged human beings throughout history – may be resolved in our lifetimes. Others will likely arise.
What is important to remember as we explore these issues is that while they may be daunting – and at times even frightening – they also provide us with rare opportunities. As Israeli statesman Abba Eban said, History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives. As other alternatives disappear, and as the impacts of these issues multiply, the imperative and the opportunity for positive change increases.
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