World's Biggest Problems

1.       Overpopulation

I believe overpopulation is an oft ignored subject that has huge implications within the next millennium. Despite there being plenty of land for us to, even if we become extremely efficient with resources, the planet will eventually run out of space. On a long enough timeline, space colonization will likely be a solution to this problem, however we need to become more efficient with our resources in order to make it to that point where space colonization is possible. Although it obviously isn’t a practical solution at present, space colonization will be simply be a byproduct of time and will become a norm to human adaptation just as boats, trains, and planes have become.

2.       Fresh Water

Lack of fresh drinking water is something that will be necessary as our population continues to grow. Even if our population growth stagnates, fresh water will still be necessary to sustain our health for any amount of time. Corporations will be the most helpful in bringing fresh water to remote areas, as they already are doing (Coca-Cola) as part of their global expansions.

3.       Monopolized Internet

In the US, our internet access is essentially monopolized by a few large corporations which means customer service and prices are pretty much uncontrolled by competition. The only unfortunate thing is that the alternative is having the government turn internet access into a public utility which very likely means complete lack of privacy. I think the most practical solution is the increase of wireless internet providers, and as wireless technologies can begin to compete with wired connections, companies will be more capable of competing with the established cable companies.

4.       Poverty

Although I believe poverty is primarily caused by a lack of education, the lack of financial understandings makes it more difficult to climb out of poverty. Poor financial habits definitely do not discriminate based on economic status, but it is something that is especially devastating to those who are already poor. I believe increased financial awareness in our education system (how to save, budget, file taxes, etc.) as mandatory curriculum will help those in poverty to make wise decisions to make it easier to get out of poverty.

5.       Education

Our education system is flawed in that it is very cookie-cutter-esque and does not cater to the unique needs of individual students. I think that paying more attention to children during their formative years can give better insight on paths to encourage them on from an early age in order for them to gain knowledge through experiences that are suited for the learning styles.

6.       Urban Sprawl

Although I do not believe we are going to run out of land anytime soon, I firmly believe that current land use is inefficient, especially in first-world countries. As suburban areas continue to pop up because people want “space”, it results in more money spent in remote areas for infrastructure that could be used to build and maintain urban communities. Also, the increased use of automobiles increases traffic fatalities, air pollution, and time waste in general with commuting. A practical solution would be to offer tax credits to those who live close to an urban center, whether through renting or owning property in downtown areas.

7.       Political Corruption

I view political corruption as something that inhibits development in many countries, including our own. A recent example of this is Brazil’s hosting of the World Cup Series in in 2014 where dirty money was used to finance the construction of stadiums that were used only for a few weeks and have sat vacant since. In our own backyard, I believe a solution to stopping political corruption is composed of two parts: Anti-Corruption Acts and an educated population. Since representatives are based on popular vote, a voter-base that disagrees with the politician will be able to out-vote their representatives. This should lead to a reduction in bribery, as a bribed politician can easily be taken from power.

8.       Infrastructure/Transportation

A lack of properly maintained infrastructure inhibits reliability for people to get to their places of education or employment. A practical solution to enhancing infrastructure is investing in the logistics behind bus routes and other various programs that reward people who carpool. Additionally, if we reduce urban sprawl, we can have more resources to invest in metropolitan areas.

9.       Communication

Poor communication between individuals is a widespread problem that is the root cause of many issues. I also think people become offended way too easily, and the perpetual human pursuit of “always being right” is extremely damaging to our social relationships. Possibly the least practical solution from this list, but I think people should just stop being offended and stop trying to push their ideas on an unwelcoming person.  

10.   Tax Exempt Status for Nonprofits

I believe tax benefits should be taken away from religious institutions and other non-profits. It has already been evidenced that the IRS has difficulty determining what is and isn’t a religious establishment (see Church of Scientology which is likely a tax haven for rich actors in the first place). I do not believe it would impact charitable giving, as if someone truly believes in a cause, they will still donate to said cause, and will have more disposable income (instead of subsidizing other nonprofits that they may not believe in).