Global Problems: Examples, Relationships and Causes. Relationship between global environmental problems and possible solutions

The problems of modernity and the future of mankind - these are the questions that concern all modern politicians and scientists. This is quite understandable. After all, the future of the Earth and all mankind really depends on the solution of modern problems.

Origin of the term

The term "global problems" began to appear in the scientific literature in the late 60s of the last century. This is how scientists characterized both the new problems that appeared at the junction of the industrial and information eras, and the old ones that existed in the system "man - nature - society", which have worsened and aggravated in modern conditions.

Fig 1. Environmental pollution

Global problems are problems that cannot be solved by the forces of one country or one people, but, at the same time, the fate of the entire human civilization depends on their solution.

Causes

Scientists identify two large groups of reasons that led to the emergence of global problems.

• The development of local problems, conflicts and contradictions into global ones (this is due to the process of globalization, unification and generalization of mankind).
• Active transformative human activity that affects nature, the political situation and society.

Types of global problems

The global problems facing humanity include three large groups of problems (modern classification).

Table"List of global problems of mankind"

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All global problems are interconnected and affect each other. It is impossible to solve them separately, an integrated approach is needed. That is why priority global problems were identified, the essence of which is similar, and the solution of which depends on the near future of the Earth.

Let us represent the dependence of problems on each other schematically and name the global problems of mankind in order of their importance.

Fig 2. Relationship of global problems with each other

• Peace problem (disarmament of countries and prevention of a new world global conflict) is connected with the problem (hereinafter referred to as “-”) of overcoming the backwardness of developing countries.
• Ecological problem is a demographic problem.
• energy problem - resource problem.
• food problem - use of the oceans.

It is interesting that the solution of all global problems is possible if we try to solve the most important and urgent problem at the moment - the world's space exploration.

Common features (signs) of global problems

Despite the fact that there are many global problems at the present stage of human development, they all have common features:

• they affect the vital activity of all mankind at once;
• they are an objective factor in the development of mankind;
• they require an urgent decision;
• they involve international cooperation;
• the fate of the entire human civilization depends on their decision.

Figure 3. Hunger in Africa

Main Directions for Resolving World Problems and Threats

To solve global problems, the efforts of all mankind are needed, and not only material and physical, but also psychological. In order for the work to be successful, it is necessary

• form a new planetary consciousness, constantly inform people about threats, give them only up-to-date information, and educate;
• develop an effective system of cooperation between countries in solving global problems: studying, monitoring the state, preventing aggravation of the situation, creating a forecasting system;
• concentrate a large number of forces precisely on solving global problems.

Social predictions of the existence of mankind

Based on the fact that at the moment there is an aggravation and expansion of the list of global problems, scientists make social forecasts for the existence of mankind:

• pessimistic forecast or environmental pessimism(in short, the essence of the forecast boils down to the fact that humanity is waiting for a large-scale environmental catastrophe and inevitable death);
• optimistic forecast or scientific and technical optimism(scientists hope that scientific and technological progress will lead to the fact that global problems are resolved).

What have we learned?

The term "global problems" is not new, and it does not refer only to those problems that appeared at the end of the 20th century. All global problems have both their own characteristics and similarities. They are interrelated and the solution of one problem depends on the timely resolution of another.

The topic "Global problems of our time" is one of the main topics in social science lessons at school. On the topic "Global problems, threats and challenges" they make reports and write abstracts, and it is necessary not only to give examples of problems, but also to show their connection, and explain how it is possible to cope with a particular problem.

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The global problems of modern society have become a natural continuation of the uneven development, both between the levels of states (the problem of the North-South), and within the countries themselves in different areas. Which is further aggravated by a large gap between the financial situation, the real standard of living and the opportunities of various strata of society. The emergence of many global problems of our time was facilitated by the scientific and technological revolution, which brought humanity to a new stage of development, gave it modern technologies, allowed it to cope with diseases ... And opened the way to the destruction of the entire planet.

So, as a result of the arms race, already in the 80s, the total stock of weapons was 100 times higher than that used by all participants during the Second World War. Thus, the global problems of the modern world raise sharply the question of the survival of man as a species. This is so important that they are considered not only by social science, but also by sociology, political science, economics, some branches of geography, statistics, ecology, and so on.

There is an opinion that the blame for everything was globalization, which gave rise to such growth. Some also blame certain countries, in particular the economically developed West, as well as Europe, believing that the current state of affairs in the world was largely the result of their exploitation of former monopolies, consumerism and often predatory attitude towards the world ecology.

However, reflecting on whether the following judgments about global problems, that is, those already mentioned, are correct, one cannot but note that the USSR played its role in exactly how everyone came to the present. And the countries that were part of the USSR, with the exception of the Baltic states and partly Georgia, now cannot be called economically successful and belong to this group of states. Nevertheless, this does not relieve them of responsibility, including historical.

Thus, it is difficult to say that the cause of global problems is somehow connected with prosperity or, on the contrary, with backwardness in terms of economic relations. And the phenomenon is much deeper, it is not a simple sum of national or regional problems that have reached a new level. There is an opinion of scientists that a person found himself on the next stage of development and faced new problems for himself. The more opportunities he has, the more serious tasks have to be solved. And the higher the bet - the price for a probable loss. In fact, in the present, the economic, scientific, technological, transportation, etc. capabilities of people as a whole are unprecedented. And, accordingly, the risk is also maximum.

What are they?

Social science and philosophy divide the global problems of mankind into 3 large groups. The first includes those that arose along the line of the relationship between people and nature. In particular, global environmental problems (and we are talking about them) include environmental pollution, the rapid decline in biodiversity, the destruction of ecological systems, the lack of clean drinking water and food. The issue of resources is also often included in this list, although it is rather at the junction.

In terms of people and society as a whole, there is a demographic crisis, which has now become more complicated than just a matter of overpopulation of the planet. So, in some countries there is too much density, while others cannot even simply provide a guaranteed generational change due to a sharp drop in the birth rate. This also includes the problem of poverty, terrorism, social inequality, although the latter will already be controversial, many consider them rather regional, just some - very large-scale.

And finally, intersocial. These are the problems of preventing nuclear war, the backwardness of developing countries in comparison with developed ones. And not only. In general, the global problems of the world economy are associated with hyperinflation, periodic crises, as well as the amount of resources spent on permanent weapons. And now this issue has again been sharply raised in connection with the confrontation between Russia and the West.

Separate global problems of mankind

Some problems are so acute that they stand out from the main group and receive a special status. This is exactly what happened at one time with the greenhouse effect, which began to be discussed separately at the international level, when it was realized that among all environmental problems, this could be the most critical in the near future. Today, the topic of the World Ocean has a similar status.

Recall that it occupies 70% of the land. Without it, there would be no life on the planet. At the same time, ocean pollution is much more difficult to control than many developing countries take advantage of, dumping waste there and thus saving on their disposal or recycling. Developed countries are trying to control this process, but, firstly, they do not always have enough legal capacity, because no country can fully tell another what to do. Secondly, the oceans are huge. To cover the entire space, too large resources will be needed.

In addition, let us recall that the global problems of the world economy are, among other things, also a matter of resources, the provision of raw materials. What does oil production refer to, and now it is increasingly affecting the oceans. Of course, most companies follow safety precautions, try to prevent leaks, and carefully control the process. However, one major accident is enough to affect a significant part of the territory. And it is difficult to localize the disaster zone in the World Ocean.

In general, examples of this kind of global problems are known in large numbers. Sometimes we are talking about a simple mistake, sometimes - about technical imperfection. But most often, tragedies are caused by negligence, neglect of one's own duties, malicious intent, and even more often - poverty (people in developing countries cut down forests, because for them this is often almost the only way to feed themselves) and illiteracy.

Let me explain about the latter: in the modern world, with the availability of education, as well as the Internet, everyone can, if desired, find out what types of plants and (or) animals are listed in the Red Book, what is the danger of their destruction, how to behave in nature. But there are a fairly large number of people living just in places where wild animals gather, who do not understand the whole picture. They do not have Internet access, they may not be aware of the problem. And yet such people

exploit nature without thinking. Many do not understand what else they can have a way out. Educational programs in India, for example, helped save the lives of many leopards: local residents began to help them when they found themselves, quite by accident, in traps designed for other animals.

The relationship of global problems

The global nature of today's existing problems is connected not only with the fact that they have an impact on the entire planet. Among other things, they cannot be solved by the forces of one country or even a group of states. This is where efforts need to be made. And it is also critical to consider the relationship. It is impossible to find something that would relate to the global problems of our time, but at the same time did not influence others or did not experience a corresponding influence - in turn.

In general, the chain can be considered as follows. Approximately two hundred years ago, a critical mass of discontent accumulated in different countries, which led to dramatic social changes and revolutions that took place somewhere earlier, somewhere later. People were no longer satisfied with religion, they began to look for answers in science, which resulted in a scientific and technological revolution. And it led to the creation of new medicines, an increase in living standards, and a solution to the issue of hunger (despite the fact that food shortage continues to be one of the global ones, fewer people are now undernourished than before). As a result, there was a population explosion, as a result - overpopulation.

Which, in turn, led to the threat of resource depletion and environmental pollution. A large number of people in itself can also exacerbate problems between countries and lead to new conflicts. And scientific and technological progress has put new, more powerful and dangerous weapons in the hands of states. Which led to the current state of affairs.

Global problems of our time, workshop

Exercise 1. Find a term that generalizes to all the other terms in the series below. Write down this word (phrase).

the threat of a new world war

rise in drug addiction

the spread of AIDS

threat of the 21st century

Task 2. Below are some terms. All of them, with the exception of two, are associated with the concept of "globalization". Find two terms that “fall out” of the general series, and write down the numbers under which they are indicated in response.

2) protectionism

3) internet networks

4) World Bank

5) world markets

6) subsistence farming

Task 3. Find in the above list the features that distinguish global problems from other problems of mankind. Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1) require for their resolution the joint efforts of the states of the world

2) arose in the second half of the last century

3) reflect the contradiction between people's needs and opportunities

4) caused by lack of natural resources

5) are large-scale

Task 4. Choose the correct judgments about the global food problem and write down the numbersin ascending order under which they are listed.

1) The solution of the global food problem is associated with the use of the achievements of scientific and technological progress.

2) This problem manifests itself mainly in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere.

3) The severity of the problem is determined mainly by the natural and climatic differences between the regions of the Earth.

4) The problem requires the development and implementation of advanced methods of agricultural technology.

5) This problem is interconnected with the global demographic problem.

Task 5. Establish a correspondence between examples of manifestations and characteristics of global problems: for each position given in the first column, select the corresponding position from the second column.

B) intensifying the activities of extremist groups (taking hostages, preparing and carrying out explosions in crowded places)

C) rapid population growth in Asia, Africa and Latin America

D) an increase in the gap in the level of gross national income per capita between groups of countries

D) the growth of diseases caused by hazardous waste products

1) the threat of global terrorism

2) the threat of an ecological crisis

3) the problem of "North - South"

Write down the numbers in response, arranging them in the order corresponding to the letters:

Task 6. Which of the following measures are aimed at overcoming the North-South problem? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

2) activities of international governmental organizations aimed at combating terrorism

3) provision of trade preferences for countries with a raw material nature of exports

4) reducing the cost of overcoming illiteracy

5) development of programs for the supply of weapons

6) limiting the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere

Task 7. Measures to overcome the problem of providing humanity with resources were discussed at the international conference. What could be included in the program of this conference? Choose the correct positions and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1) use of alternative energy sources

2) a program to support developing countries

3) reduction in military spending

4) allocation of funds for the eradication of illiteracy

5) saving fresh water for industrial and domestic needs

6) creation of underground storage facilities for rain and melt water

Task 8.

(A) A group of scientists led by A. Pechetti organized the so-called Club of Rome - an international non-governmental organization whose goal is to study the problems of the modern world. (B) Uncontrolled population growth, environmental problems, modern advances in science and technology have posed the problem of assessing the quality of social progress. (B) The aggravation of global problems testifies, in our opinion, to the crisis of modern civilization. (D) At the same time, we admit that attempts to solve global problems strengthen the unity of countries and peoples. (E) Experts from different countries take part in the work of the Club of Rome.

1) actual character

Task 9. Read the text below, each position of which is indicated by a specific letter.

(A) The global problems of the modern world threaten the survival of humanity as a biological species. (B) Downplaying the danger of a new world war in modern conditions is unjustified. (B) Officially, there are about 70,000 nuclear weapons on Earth. (D) Calculations show that this arsenal is capable of completely destroying life on the planet. (E) We believe that an appeal to the world community with a call for disarmament is extremely necessary.

Determine which provisions of the text are worn

1) actual character

2) the nature of value judgments

3) the nature of theoretical statements

Task 10. Read the text below, in which a number of words (phrases) are missing. Choose from the proposed list of words (phrases) that you want to insert in place of the gaps.

« ___________ (A) modern scientists call the process of formation of a single humanity. There is an active development of the world economy and the world system ___________ (B), common ideas about the optimal socio-political structure are being introduced, ___________ (C) is spreading. Globalization is ___________(D) a process that has both positive and negative impact on the development of modern humanity. On the one hand, the formation of ___________ (D) society is taking place, on the other hand, the economic disagreements between the countries of the West and the countries of the "third world" are aggravating, the problem of ___________ (E) is aggravating.

The words in the list are given in the nominative case. Each word (phrase) can only be used once. Choose sequentially one word after another, mentally filling in each gap with words. Keep in mind that there are more words in the list than you need to select.

2) division of labor

3) society

4) globalization

5) controversial

6) popular culture

7) agriculture

8) informational

9) computer

The table below lists the letters that indicate the omission of a word. Write in the table under each letter the number of the word you have chosen.

Task 11. Read the text below with a number of words missing. Choose from the proposed list of words that you want to insert in place of the gaps.

“There are countries on our planet that differ sharply in their socio-economic ___ (A) and, accordingly, in the level of ____ (B) population. On the one hand, there is a relatively small group of ___ (B), on the other hand, a large number of states in which economic development is characterized by backwardness, and the quality of life of the population is low. The economy of ___ (D) is based on the extraction and export of raw materials. The population of backward and moderately developed countries is ____ (D). The world population is already 7 billion. The general trend of modern development is such that the gap between the "golden billion" and the rest of humanity is ____ (E)."

The words in the list are given in the nominative case. Each word (phrase) can only be used once. Choose sequentially one word after another, mentally filling in each gap. Please note that there are more words in the list than you need to fill in the gaps.

2) minority

3) backward countries

4) the vast majority

5) is shrinking

6) level

7) welfare

8) gap

9) development

Task 12. What is the meaning of social scientists in the concept of "globalization"? Drawing on the knowledge of the social science course, make two sentences: one sentence containing information about the manifestations of globalization in the political sphere, and one sentence revealing the process of globalization in the economic sphere

Task 13. With the help of three examples, illustrate the relationship of global problems of our time.

Task 14. Name and illustrate with examples three positive consequences of the process of globalization.

Task 15. Population growth in developing countries has posed a food problem with all its acuteness. To solve it, an extensive way of developing agriculture is used - the development of new lands. This leads to large areas of tropical forests being cut down. The intensive path of development of agricultural production, associated with the use of modern technology, is often inaccessible to these states due to their economic backwardness. The interrelation of what global problems can be traced here? List three problems

Task 16. In solving the global problems of our time, two areas of scientists have emerged: neo-Malthusians, who believe that the growth of mankind must be strictly controlled and limited needs, and Cornucopians, who believe that technological progress and discoveries can make the resources necessary for human life unlimited. Scientists interviewed different categories of scientists and ordinary citizens to find out their attitude to the problem. Respondents were asked questions:"Who is right: neo-Malthusians or Cornucopians?"

The results of the survey were calculated by scientists and presented in the form of a table (data are given in%):

Ways to solve global problems of our time

Task 17. You have to prepare a detailed answer on the topic "The problem of the North and the South and ways to solve it."

Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in sub-points.

Global problems of our time, answers:

1 - Threat XXIcentury -1b.

2 – 26 – 1 b.

3 – 125 – 2 b .

4 – 145 – 2 b.

5 – 21332 – 2 b .

6 – 13 – 1 b.

7 – 156 – 2 b.

8 – 13221 – 2 b.

9 – 32112 - 2 b.

10 – 426581 – 3 b .

11 – 971345 – 3 b .

12 - - 3 b. 1) the meaning of the concept, for example: the process of becoming a single humanity;

(Another definition that is close in meaning may be given.)

2) one sentence with information about the manifestations of globalization in the political sphere, based on knowledge of the course, for example: “In the political sphere, globalization is expressed in the fact that international organizations assume an increasing part of the powers of national governments”;

(Other sentences may be drafted containing information on the manifestations of globalization in the political sphere.)

3) one sentence that reveals, based on knowledge of the course, the process of globalization in the economic sphere, for example: “Globalization of the economy is manifested in the formation of a world economic space in which industries, the geography of production, the exchange of information and technologies are determined by considerations of the development of the world economy, and economic booms and crises occur on a global scale.”

13 - - 3 b. 1) the economic backwardness of developing countries gives rise to the use of technologies that cause great damage to nature;

2) the rapid growth of population in developing countries exacerbates economic problems, increases the backlog from developed countries;

3) the low socio-economic level of a number of developing countries, the lack of developed health systems and education leads to the growth of dangerous diseases, such as AIDS.

14 - 3 b. - One of the most positive effects or consequences of globalization is the improved quality of goods and services due to increased competition.

Globalization has a net positive effect on the world economy. Breaking free from the rules that hinder globalization will allow money to move more freely.

The general level of education will increase due to the demands of globalization. Communication technologies make the world closer.

Globalization makes it easier for people to access information, while at the same time increasing the amount of new, interesting, accessible information for every inhabitant of the planet.

Once upon a time, limited jurisdiction was a hindrance to prosecuting criminals located in another country. Already now, due to international courts, these criminals can no longer seek political asylum in a foreign country, they will be deported to the country or brought to justice in which they committed the crime

15 - 2 b. - demographic;

- ecological;

- the gap in the levels of economic development of the countries of the "North" and "South".

16 - 3 b. Three conclusions are drawn, for example: 1) Most global scientists believe in the possibility of science in the human mind, believing that humanity will be able to find a solution to all current problems (58% of the scientists surveyed are supporters of Cornucopians).

2) Ordinary citizens, far from the problems of global studies, are poorly oriented in the problems of the survival of mankind, determining the strategy of the future (this is evidenced by the fact that about a third of the respondents were undecided in their views, and the remaining two-thirds were distributed equally between the two positions).

3) The most pessimistic in their views on the prospects of humanity are demographers and humanitarians who believe that people need to self-limit, strictly control the growth of inhabitants on Earth (respectively, 56% of demographers and 54% of humanitarians are supporters of neo-Malthusians).

17 - 3 b . 1) The problem of the North and the South is one of the global problems of our time.

2) The essence of the problem of North and South and its relationship with other global problems.

3) Manifestations and consequences of the named problem:

a) "population explosion";

b) hunger, poverty, illiteracy, disease;

c) unemployment and migration to economically prosperous countries of the world.

4) Ways to overcome the economic backwardness, poverty and misery of the "third world" countries:

a) implementation of a well-thought-out demographic policy;

b) the establishment of a new world economic order;

c) international cooperation in solving the problems of the North and the South.

Mark yourself:

30-38 b. - "5"

22-29 b. - "4"

11-21 b. - "3"

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