1. What do you believe are the three greatest global problems we face as a human species? Explain why you selected each one and rank them in order. The three greatest global problems we face as human species are environmental destruction, technological advancement, and changing demographics, in that order. Environmental destruction is the greatest global problem because if this destruction does not cease, there will not be a planet left to hold the human species. Environmental destruction impacts the planet’s land and water, which must remain healthy in order to sustain life on this planet. Different types of environmental destruction that afflict the planet today include pollution, deforestation, desertification, and other malicious activities. After environmental destruction, technological advancement is the next-greatest global problem. While this might seem illogical, it is important to consider the negative ramifications of technological advancement. Technological advancement has led to the creation of the nuclear bomb, which can wipe out millions of people with ease, as well as several scientific practices that are ethically questionable. Additionally, some people argue that technological advancement has hurt, rather than helped, education, as students have grown dependent on the Internet for scholarship.

Many people today, of all ages, are not able to spell or perform simple calculations without the use of technology. Technological advancement is advantageous only as long as it does not replace human intellect and destroy human ethics, and at this point in time, it is clear that both intellect and ethics have been adversely affected by technological advancement. Lastly, after environmental destruction and technological advancements, changing demographics present the next-greatest threat to the globe. Specifically, the world’s population is increasing at a dramatic rate, which places a great strain on the planet’s resources. Not only is the population increasing, but also people are living longer than before, which puts additional pressure on the planet. This strain is exacerbated by environmental destruction, as this destruction negatively impacts the supply of resources at a time when they are needed the most.

2. With all your realistic and optimistic approach; what chance do we stand at rectifying the problems that you mention?
Optimistically, the world should rectify the problems mentioned above. New legislation designed to protect the environment should begin to show manifest, positive effects as time passes. Increased focus on ethics and transparency should help ensure that technological advancement does not outpace human morality. And while the world’s population continues to increase, it is not unfathomable for the population to begin to decrease for a variety of reasons. All of these are undeniable possibilities, as anything is possible. Realistically, the future of the world does not appear positive right now. While some nations focus on environmental protection, others scorn this type of protection in favor of development, as evidenced by China and India. Countries continue to use technology to develop weapons of mass destruction, a truly frightening possibility that might entail the abrupt termination of countless lives around the world. And while some people hope the world’s population will slowly begin to decrease, at this point in time, it is still rapidly increasing. It is hard to determine what chance the world has at rectifying these problems, as steps are being taken now to combat and encourage these problems. Once more steps are taken to combat the problems, as opposed to steps taken to encourage them, then perhaps the world has a chance.

3. Will this world we live in be a “better place” in 100 years? Why or why not? And by a “better place” I am leaving it up to your discretion to determine what you believe that means.
As discussed above, it is very difficult to determine if the world will be a better place in five years, never mind 100 years. A “better” world would be a world that effectively addresses the global problems mentioned above and subsequently prevents them from occurring again. Currently, there are signs of hope and signs of doom, and it is unclear whether hope or doom should win out in realistically assessing the world in the years to come. Given this uncertainty, the best step that can be taken to address global problems is to begin with one’s self. If one behaves as a responsible, global citizen, he or she can hope that others will be influenced to do the same.

This ripple effect could make a significant impact on the world’s future. Some of history’s greatest changes have originated from small changes, and this is a lesson to keep in mind when considering the planet’s future.