Social Issues
Across the world, people are grappling with a number of issues. Some are immediate, such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while others are long-term challenges that have been lingering for years.
Obesity is a global health problem. About half of the population worldwide is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for developing life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Efforts to fight obesity have become more popular in recent decades, and there are many organizations working to educate the public about healthy eating habits and physical fitness.
Climate Change
This global issue is already causing major impacts in many parts of the world, as temperatures continue to rise and more severe storms, wildfires and rainfall events occur. A quarter of the world’s population is directly affected by these hazards, but the 800 million more who live in extreme poverty will be at even greater risk.
Children’s Rights
In many parts of the world, children’s rights are threatened by poverty, poor health services and lack of access to education. In Sub-Saharan Africa, child mortality and HIV infection rates are some of the highest in the world, while stunting rates are disproportionately high.
Gender Equality
As more women enter the workforce, it’s important to ensure that they have equal opportunities to succeed. Inequality between genders is a serious problem, and efforts to address it are becoming more widespread.
Government Accountability
Many political scandals and technological advancements have led to a growing skepticism about the role of governments. A third of the public is unsure whether they trust their government to do “what’s best for them.” In the U.S., this skepticism has led to a new movement for government accountability.