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The world is experiencing a mix of stability and challenges. While many nations maintain a stable presence on the global stage, increasing debt levels threaten economic stability.
Picture Courtesy: Profit loss

A Perspective: World

The world is experiencing a mix of stability and challenges. While many nations maintain a stable presence on the global stage, increasing debt levels threaten economic stability. Major countries, whose currencies serve as global reserves, face significant internal issues. These challenges include escalating national debts, violence related to arms and ammunition, illegal immigration, and imbalances in trade where imports significantly outpace exports. Addressing these internal problems is crucial for maintaining global economic and social stability.

Natural Resources: 

  • Forest Area in the world: The world has lost 420 million hectares (mha), approximately 10.34 per cent of its total forest area in the last 30 years.
  • Fossil Fuels: While there is still a significant amount of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, their extraction and use are not sustainable in the long term. Eventually, reserves will diminish to the point where it's no longer economically feasible to extract them.
  • Minerals and Rare Earth Elements: Certain minerals like gold, copper, and rare earth elements are being extracted at rates that could lead to scarcity in the future.
  • Species and Biodiversity: Overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change are leading to the decline of many species. This includes not just animals but also plants and other organisms that are part of ecosystems. Some species have been or are on the verge of being driven to extinction.
  • Groundwater: In many regions of the world, groundwater is being extracted faster than it can be replenished by natural processes. This can lead to the depletion of aquifers.
  • Fish Stocks: Overfishing has severely depleted many fish stocks around the world. Some species have been overfished to the point where they are at risk of extinction.
  • Forests: Deforestation due to logging, agriculture, and development is causing the loss of large areas of forests. This not only reduces the availability of timber but also impacts biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.
  • Phosphorus: This is a critical element for agriculture, used in fertilizers. The majority of phosphorus is mined from finite phosphate rock deposits and could be depleted in the future.
  • Sand: Despite being one of the most common resources, the specific types of sand used in construction are being depleted in certain areas due to excessive mining.
  • Species: There are estimated 8 million species in the world out of which around one million species face extinction.

People and Economy:

  •  We are at eight billion population.
  • The population increase per second = births per second – deaths per second .The current population increase per second = 4.3 – 1.8 = 2.5 babies per second. This indicates we are at positive growth in terms of population.
  • Out of 8 Billion population we have 3 Billion labor workforce. We have 10% of the 8 billion population above 65 years, 65 % of population which is in the age group of 15-64 years and 24% of population in the age group of 0-14 years.
  • We have 41 developed countries, 152 developing countries with around 47 countries falling under the bracket of least developed. The basis of defining development is based on spending power and distribution of income rather than necessity availability which differs from country to country usually based on staples, education and healthcare.
  • The world inflation rate is increasing. Inflation increases are caused by a variety of factors. Demand-pull inflation occurs when consumer demand outpaces supply, driving prices up. Cost-push inflation arises when production costs increase, leading to higher prices for goods and services. Built-in inflation is linked to the adaptive expectations of workers and businesses, which increase wages and prices in response to past inflation. This indicates emphasis on luxury is more than necessity in developed and developing countries.
  • The Global debt stands at USD 298 trillion or 298, 000, 000, 000, 000 USD and when compared to global population of 8 billion every single person holds USD 37,250 of debt even if he / she / Third Gender has never had a bank account.
  • Fossil Fuels are still the major source of power in the world, but there has been substantial growth in renewable energy sources but again, this depletes the natural resources in the world.
  • There are 5 trillion pieces of plastic waste estimated to be in our oceans. This would affect the quality of oxygen we receive from oceans. We have roughly 10% of oxygen coming from oceans.

Transnational Issues are mainly due to:

  • Religion: Emphasis on religion and sub religion.
  • Borders have been causing disputes between countries.
  • Natural Resources have been causing wars.
  • Access to Clean drinking Water
  • Food disparity from developed to under developed countries
  • Shelter
  • Balance of resources utilization is at the lowest across the developed and underdeveloped countries.

Future of the World: Perspective

The future of the world appears to be at a crossroads. Here are a few key factors which will affect the world.

  • Environmental Sustainability: The depletion of natural resources, deforestation, species extinction, and climate change will continue to be significant challenges. Countries with high population densities, extensive industrial activities, and unsustainable resource management practices may face the greatest impacts. Developing nations undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization might experience heightened environmental pressures.
  • Demographic Shifts: The global population is projected to continue growing, reaching around 9 to 10 billion by 2050. Developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, are expected to experience the most significant population increases. These demographic shifts can strain resources, infrastructure, and social systems, potentially affecting countries with limited resources and inadequate social support structures.

  • Economic Disparities: The gap between developed and developing countries may persist or even widen in the future. Developed nations with established economies, technology advancements, and stable governance structures are likely to maintain their positions. However, emerging economies with strategic planning, investments in education, infrastructure, and sustainable development may see improvements in their economic conditions.

  • Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Climate change will continue to impact countries across the globe, causing more frequent and intense natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Vulnerable countries, particularly those with low-lying coastal areas or already facing water scarcity, may be disproportionately affected. Small island nations, coastal regions, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia could be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

  • Transnational Issues: Religion, territorial disputes, and competition over natural resources can continue to contribute to conflicts and tensions between countries. Regions with historical geopolitical tensions, overlapping territorial claims, or limited access to resources might be more prone to transnational issues. Specific regions like the Middle East, South China Sea, and parts of Africa could continue experiencing geopolitical challenges.

  • Necessities v/s Need V/s Luxuries: The raise in spending would make the consumers rethink their luxuries to be needs which will fall under Necessities eventually. This reverse phycology of life will affect the populated countries with low income but higher needs. Eventually there would be galloping inflation everywhere across the world.

  • Countries trading between their currencies: and Dollar losing weight due to uncertain economic conditions in the future would further create disparity in prices in natural resources and further increase costs for developing nations. Transnational issues would be aggravated due to the same.

With the Present World, and the forecast of the future, we need to create a new fundamental world order to get the entire system into control. We need to define ethics in Health, agriculture and utilization of resources. There has to be responsibility, accountability and a control mechanism across latitudes and longitudes irrespective of land or ocean or air. This way we could see some light for the future generation. 

Steps those are necessary to shape a sustainable and equitable future:

  • Create One Global Currency: One Global currency which would supersede all currencies and which would be pegged to an ideal world, and ideal life with balance would make all countries, their governments and their people to oblige and move towards a better life. This ideally should be done by United Nations.

  • Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage and implement sustainable agricultural, logging, and fishing practices to conserve forests, soil, and marine ecosystems. This includes better management of natural resources.

  • Transition to Clean Energy: Accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. Invest in clean energy technologies and improve energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Water Management and Conservation: Implement effective water management strategies to conserve water resources, including investments in infrastructure to reduce waste and promote recycling of water.

  • Waste Reduction and Recycling: Develop and implement waste management strategies focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, particularly plastics.

  • Economic Diversification and Resilience: Encourage economic diversification and build resilience against economic shocks. Support the development of local industries and economies.

  • Education and Training: Invest in education and vocational training, particularly in developing countries. Educated and skilled workforces are critical for economic development and environmental stewardship.

  • Population Management: Encourage family planning and reproductive health services to manage population growth sustainably.

  • Protect Biodiversity: Create protected areas, enforce wildlife protection laws, and support conservation efforts to protect endangered species and habitats.

  • Global Cooperation: Strengthen international cooperation and collaboration to address transnational issues. This includes diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes, as well as international agreements on environmental protection and resource management.

  • Debt and Financial Reforms: Address the global debt crisis through international cooperation and financial reforms. This could include debt forgiveness for the poorest countries, coupled with sustainable economic plans.

  • Change Consumption Patterns: Encourage changes in consumption patterns to more sustainable choices. This involves not just individual choices but also government and corporate policies that make sustainable products more accessible and affordable.

  • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Implement strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting land-use practices that mitigate climate change.

  • Inclusive Growth: Promote inclusive economic growth that benefits all segments of the population. This includes social safety nets, fair wages, and equal opportunities for economic participation.

  • R&D and Technological Innovation: Invest in research and development of new technologies that can help address environmental and socio-economic challenges.

  • Empowerment and Governance: Empower local communities, particularly indigenous populations, in the stewardship of natural resources. Also, enhance governance structures that ensure accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

  • From Luxury to Necessity: People need to change realign themselves with necessity rather than luxury wherever necessary with combined efforts from the governments, people and business the rate of inflation can also be got under control.

Taking these steps requires the concerted efforts of governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. While the challenges are significant, human innovation and determination can create a future that is sustainable and inclusive.


Perspective