Chapter 5: Global Issues that Concerns the Schools and Society

The world has become a global village. We have become a citizen of a global community. What
takes place in one part of the globe no matter how far affects us. It is small world after all” so goes the song.
In this chapter, we will discuss global issues that affect schools and us. It is hoped that you are able to
propose solutions to social problems which have become current global issues.

Top 10 World Issues from Two Sources

A. Top 10 World Issues According to Millennial based on World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers
Survey in 2017
1. Climate Change/ Destruction of Nature (48.8%)
2. Large Scale Conflict/ Wars (38.9%)
3. Inequality (Income, Discrimination) (30.8%)
4. Poverty (29.2%)
5. Religious Conflicts (23.9%)
6. Government Accountability and Transparency/ Corruption (22.7%)
7. Food and Water Security (18.2%)
8. Lack of Education (15.9%)
9. Safety/Security/ Well-Being (14.1%)
10. Lack of Economic Opportunity and Employment (12.1%)

B. Top 10 Current Global Issues According to Chloe Turner

1. Climate Change
2. Pollution
3. Violence
4. Security and Well Being
5. Lack of Education
6. Unemployment
7. Government Corruption
8. Malnourishment & Hunger
9. Substance Abuse
10. Terrorism

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the Period 2015-2030

1. No Poverty (SDG 1): This goal aims to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce poverty in all its forms. It
focuses on ensuring social protection systems, equal access to basic services, and sustainable economic
growth to lift people out of poverty.

2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2): The goal is to achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture. It aims to end hunger by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all while
promoting sustainable farming practices.

3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): This goal focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-
being for all at all ages. It aims to reduce maternal and child mortality, combat major diseases, provide
access to essential healthcare services, and promote mental health.

4. Quality Education (SDG 4): The goal is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It
aims to provide access to free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education, promote lifelong
learning opportunities, and enhance educational infrastructure and resources.
5. Gender Equality (SDG 5): This goal aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
It focuses on ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women, ensuring equal access to
education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and promoting women's participation in decision-making
processes.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): This goal focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable
management of water and sanitation for all. It aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable
drinking water, improve water quality, increase water-use efficiency, and provide access to adequate
sanitation and hygiene facilities.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): The goal is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable,
and modern energy for all. It aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources, improve energy
efficiency, expand access to electricity in developing countries, and enhance international cooperation in the
energy sector.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): This goal promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable
economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It focuses on job creation, labor
rights, and promoting safe and secure working environments.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The goal is to build resilient infrastructure, promote
inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. It encourages research and development,
supports small-scale industries, and promotes sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

10. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): This goal aims to reduce income inequality within and among
countries. It promotes social, economic, and political inclusion and ensures equal opportunity and reduce
inequalities of outcome.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The goal is to make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It aims to ensure access to safe and affordable housing, and
upgrade slum settlements, while improving urban planning and management.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): This goal aims to ensure sustainable
consumption and production patterns. It promotes resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure,
and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all.

13. Climate Action (SDG 13): This goal aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its
impacts. It seeks to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural
disasters and integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.

14. Life Below Water (SDG 14): This goal aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and
marine resources for sustainable development. It focuses on preventing and reducing marine pollution,
protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, and regulating fishing.

15. Life on Land (SDG 15): The goal is to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and
halt biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): This goal seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and
inclusive institutions at all levels.

17. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): This goal aims to strengthen the means of implementation and
revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. It encourages and promotes effective public,
public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of
partnerships.

THE TOP TEN GLOBAL ISSUES AND HOW THEY CAN BE ADDRESSED

I. CLIMATE CHANGE

The global temperature are rising, and are estimated to increase from 2.6 degrees Celsius to 4.8
degrees Celsius by 2100. This would cause more severe weather, crises with food and resources and the
spread of diseases. The reduction of greenhouse emissions and the spreading of education on the importance
of going green can help make a big difference. Lobbying government and discussing policies to reduce
carbon emissions and encouraging reforestation is an effective way of making progress with climate change.

II. POLLUTION

Pollution includes ocean liter, pesticides and fertilizers, air, light, and noise pollution. Clean water is
essential for humans and animals, but more than one billion people don’t have access to clean water due to
pollution from toxic subtances, sewage or industrial waste.

III. VIOLENCE

Violence can be found in the social, cultural and economic aspects of the world. Whether it is
conflict that has broken out in a city, hatred targeted at a certain group of people or sexual harassment
occurring on the street, violence is a preventable problem that has been an issue for longer than necessary.
Here are various forms of violence:

PHYSICAL VIOLENCE - occurs when someone uses a part of their body or an object to control a
person’s action

SEXUAL VIOLENCE – occurs when a person is forced to unwillingly take part in sexual activity

EMOTIONAL VIOLENCE – occurs when someone says or does something that make a person feel
stupid or worthless.

PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE – occurs when someone uses threats and causes fear in an individual
to gain control.

SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE – occurs when someone uses and individual’s spiritual beliefs to manipulate,
dominate or control that person.

CULTURAL VIOLENCE – occurs when an individual is harmed as a result of practices that are part
of her or his culture, religion or tradition

IV. SECURITY AND WELL BEING- refers to the worldwide concerns related to the safety, health, and
overall welfare of individuals and communities

V. LACK OF EDUCATION- more than 72 million children throughout the globe that are of the age to be
in primary education are not enrolled in school.

- refers to a situation where an individual or a group of individuals does not have adequate access to
education. This could be due to various reasons such poverty, social inequality, gender, discrimination,
conflict, or geographical isolation.
VI. UNEMPLOYMENT- without the necessary education and skills for employment, many people,
particularly 15 to 24 years old, struggle to find jobs and create a proper living for themselves and their
families. This leads to a lack of necessary resources such as enough food, clothing, transportation and proper
living conditions.

VII. GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION

Government corruption is when people in government steal money or use their power for personal
gain. This can lead to a lot of problems, including poverty, lack of education, and poor healthcare. How
schools and society can address government corruption. Schools can teach children about government and
how to be a good citizen. Citizens can vote for honest politicians and hold their government accountable.
Journalists can investigate corruption and report on it to the public.

VIII. MALNOURISHMENT AND HUNGER

Malnourishment means not getting enough nutrients. There are more than enough food produced in
the world to feed everyone, but many people are still malnourished. This can be because of poverty, lack of
education about food and nutrition, or because of problems with how food is distributed. How schools and
society can address malnutrition and hunger. Schools can teach children about nutrition and how to grow
their own food. Governments can invest in programs that help people get enough food to eat. Local
communities can come together to support food banks and other organizations that help people who are
hungry.

IX. SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance abuse is when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful to their health or
well-being. It can lead to addiction, health problems, and even death. Schools can help prevent substance
abuse by teaching children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. They can also create a supportive
environment where students feel like they can talk to someone if they are struggling with substance abuse.
Parents and communities can also play a role in preventing substance abuse by talking to children about
drugs and alcohol and by setting a good example.

X. TERRORISM

- An issue throughout the world that causes fear and insecurity, violence, and death.

- Across the globe, terrorists attack innocent people, often without warning.

- National security and justice promotion are the priorities in combating terrorism; hence, illustrate serious
punishment for terror crimes.

EXAMPLE:

Marawi Siege (May-October 2017): The city of Marawi in Mindanao was besieged by ISIS-affiliated
militants, leading to a months-long conflict with the Philippine military. The siege resulted in the destruction
of the city and displacement of thousands of residents.