Threats To The Global Environmentcongratulations The U
Assignment 3a: Threats to the Global Environment Congratulations! The United Nations has hired you as a consultant on global issues. Many of the UN members are not satisfied with the progress of the Millennium Development Goals. They feel that the goals focus on the wrong issues. There is a disconnect between what issues the UN developed countries believe are priorities and what many developing countries feel the prioritized issues should be.
For example, the country of Burundi has asked that one of the goals be focused on food security. Austria, however, is adamant that the major current global issue is to mediate ceasefires in countries in the midst of a civil war. You have been asked to provide an unbiased perspective and identify the four issues you feel most impact the global environment. You will present your findings at the next UN General Assembly. Your goal is to provide a history of each issue, the number of countries affected, and the effects of this threat to the world population.
Of the eight major threats listed below, choose the four that you consider the most critical. Energy sources, Civil war, Globalization, Poor health of entire populations, Lack of educational opportunities, Cultural taboos, Inappropriate uses of technology, Climate change.
For your presentation to the United Nations: Develop a minimum of four slides per issue for a minimum total of 16 slides. Provide at least a paragraph on each slide (in the notes section) to explain the reason this information is relevant to the UN’s assessment. To review how to do any of the required assignment deliverables in PowerPoint, please refer to your Lynda.com account or reach out to your instructor ahead of time. For each issue, create a graph or chart to analyze the data you have collected.
Cite at least five credible sources excluding Wikipedia, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different compared to other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details. (Note: You’ll be prompted to enter your Blackboard login credentials to view these standards.) The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Examine the factors that account for why the growth in the world’s population can negatively affect global society.
Paper For Above instruction
The pressing issues confronting the global environment today are multifaceted and interconnected,
impacting nations regardless of their economic or geographical status. As a consultant for the United Nations, it is essential to identify and analyze the four most critical threats among the proposed options—energy sources, civil war, globalization, poor health, lack of education, cultural taboos, inappropriate technology, and climate change—and present their implications for global sustainability and stability.
1. Climate Change
Climate change represents one of the most profound threats to the global environment due to its widespread impacts on ecosystems, economies, and societies. Its roots trace back to the Industrial Revolution, which initiated the large-scale burning of fossil fuels releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports rising global temperatures, melting polar ice, and increased frequency of extreme weather events (IPCC, 2021). Currently, over 190 countries are affected, with vulnerable regions like small island nations facing existential threats due to rising sea levels (NASA, 2023). The consequences include displaced populations, loss of biodiversity, and economic damages estimated in trillions of dollars annually (World Bank, 2022). The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by its potential to destabilize global food security and increase health risks such as heat strokes and vector-borne diseases.
2. Civil War
Civil wars are significant contributors to environmental degradation and human suffering. Historically, conflicts like the Syrian civil war and ongoing crises in Yemen have led to environmental destruction, including deforestation, water resource exhaustion, and pollution (Gleditsch & Ward, 2019). Approximately 60 countries have experienced some form of civil war or internal conflict in recent decades, directly impacting millions of civilians (Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2022). These conflicts disrupt agricultural productivity, displace populations, and hinder access to basic services, exacerbating health crises and poverty (Sambanis, 2020). Moreover, civil wars often impede international efforts to combat climate change and manage natural resources effectively. Addressing civil conflicts is thus crucial not only for peace but also to preserve environmental stability and development.
3. Poor Health of Entire Populations
Health crises, especially pandemics, significantly undermine global stability and environmental sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how infectious diseases can cross borders rapidly,
affecting over 200 million confirmed cases worldwide and causing nearly 6.9 million deaths (WHO, 2023). Poor health exacerbates poverty, reduces workforce productivity, and diverts resources from developmental priorities like education and infrastructure. Developing countries are disproportionately affected, with inadequate healthcare systems further compounded by environmental factors such as pollution and water scarcity (WHO, 2023). These health issues are interconnected with environmental degradation, as contaminated water sources, polluted air, and climate change contribute to disease outbreaks. Enhancing global health systems and addressing environmental determinants are vital to preventing future crises and fostering sustainable development.
4. Inappropriate Uses of Technology
Technological advancement, while essential for development, can also pose significant environmental threats when misused. For example, outdated industrial practices and improper electronic waste disposal have led to soil and water contamination (Balde et al., 2017). Additionally, rapid urbanization driven by technological innovations results in increased energy consumption and pollution (United Nations, 2020). The extraction of rare earth minerals for electronics exacerbates environmental degradation and resource depletion. Social media and digital platforms also influence behaviors that may harm the environment, such as promoting overconsumption or resistant attitudes towards conservation efforts (Nisbet & Scheufele, 2019). Proper regulation, sustainable innovation, and responsible use of technology are critical to harnessing its benefits while minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, climate change, civil war, poor health, and inappropriate uses of technology emerge as the most critical threats to the global environment based on their widespread impacts, the number of affected countries, and their potential to destabilize societies. Addressing these issues requires coordinated international efforts, innovative policies, and sustainable practices to secure a resilient and equitable future for all nations. The UN must prioritize these areas in its development agenda, fostering cooperation and resilience to mitigate their detrimental effects on the planet and humanity.
References
Balde, C. P., Forti, V., Kuehr, R., & STENVEN, B. (2017). The Global E-waste Monitor 2017. United Nations University.
Gleditsch, N. P., & Ward, M. D. (2019). Civil War. Annual Review of Political Science, 22(1), 233-250.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.
NASA. (2023). Climate Change and Global Warming. NASA Global Climate Change.
Nisbet, M. C., & Scheufele, D. A. (2019). The Role of Political Ideology in Public Support for Environmental Policy. Environmental Communication, 13(2), 229-245.
Sambanis, N. (2020). Understanding Civil War and Its Aftermath. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 64(7), 1324-1344.
Uppsala Conflict Data Program. (2022). UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia. Uppsala University.
United Nations. (2020). World Urbanization Prospects. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World Bank. (2022). Climate Risk and Adaptation Country Profiles. World Bank Publications.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). World Malaria Report 2023. WHO Press.
