There are three levels of issues that fuel the divide between different world regions and countries. According to Munasinghe (2009), the main problem is due to the economic growth, or lack of growth, exclusion, and poverty. Immediate drivers are the increase of population, consumption patterns, and governance. Finally, there are the underlying pressures. It includes the knowledge base, power structure, and values. The divide is fueled by resources, the increase in population, and ability to provide for the basic needs.
The Global North is mostly first world countries and a couple of second world countries. The Global South is less developed regions, including third world countries. A more sustainable future can be achieved by sharing resources and practices that have been successful. An increase in education, political stability, and economic practices will provide a platform for a better future. It requires the north and the south to work together to establish a more sustainable future for all society.
The Global South has to consider the rapid growth of their population. They do not have the resources necessary to support the increase in human capital. The economic growth is slow and hindered by the Global North who can produce the product more efficiently and at a lower cost. It takes the potential away for these countries to secure a stronger economic growth. Lastly, their political environment is remedial. They are unable to promote a change in society that will establish a more sustainable future.
Education is the backbone of promoting an environment that can foster a sustainable future. “Our societies urgently require new kinds of education that can help prevent further degradation of our planet, and that foster caring and responsible citizens genuinely concerned with and capable of contributing to a just and peaceful world” (The contribution, 2008). Starting early will allow the learner to establish the attitude, behavior, and skills to impact their actions in later in life and build a sustainable future.
- Munasinghe, Mohan. (2009). Future Vision: What Lies Ahead? Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 51:5, 35-39.
- The contribution of early childhood education to a sustainable society. (2008). Paris, UNESCO. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org
