We Didn't Start the Fire - The World's Biggest Problems

THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PROBLEMS

Here are 10 of what I think are some of the world's biggest problems.

Hunger.
Thousands of pounds of food are destroyed each year in the US to keep food prices stable (e.g. the reason why cherries are all in the $4 range for a pint). Meanwhile, people go hungry every day, and I don't only mean in Africa. Here in the US, there are hungry homeless people and needy children right in our own backyard!

A possible way to help alleviate world hunger could be to instead of burning excess crops, it could be donated to the hungry instead.

Donate part of what you grow! :)

Orphans.
While it is completely understandable that most orphanages and child-placement centers run potential parents through the mill to make sure that children will be safe, cared for, and loved, it is also incredibly expensive to adopt a child. There are many children who could go to perfectly suitable families-- except the families can't afford it. Thus, orphans here and around the world often never get a family and are forced through the foster system.

A possible way to help families afford adoption could be to start a sort of grant or tax break that is given to the families of eligible status who go through with adoption. Of course, there would be regular checking up on the families for the first few years to make sure no one is abusing the system.

Spread of disease.
In the American bubble, it can be hard to think that diseases still run rampant around the world. However, the truth of the matter is that in places around the world, especially third world countries, disease can spread fast due to poor living conditions, lack of clean water, and other unhealthy situations. Cholera, for example, is still a dangerous disease still present in places like India and sub-Saharan Africa.

It is impractical to think that one day someone will create a 'cure-all'; instead, it is important to focus on preventive measures such as vaccines and immunizations, and sending them to places where they can be used in order to stop the spread of disease (for example, Hepatitis A).

Waste disposal.
The sheer amount of trash that we throw away is astounding. Where does it all go? Many articles of trash end up in the ocean, sadly, to be mistaken as food by marine life.

It is imperative to encourage more recycling; in states like Massachusetts, recycling cans and bottles for money is a common incentive to recycle. Or, we could follow in the suit of counties like Florida's Lee county, which burns much of its trash, using the energy created as a result to power whole cities.

Extinction of animals.
Every day, there are species of insects, fish, and other organisms that go extinct, from causes such as overhunting, pollution, and deforestation.

I would propose to make more nature reserves with protection rights for animals, and to preserve as much natural habitat as possible.

Technological/Cyber Crimes.
Some of you reading this may have recently received a new credit or debit card in the mail and-- let me guess-- it has a chip in it! Correct? Although chip technology is nothing new for Europeans, it is still somewhat new for many Americans. The truth is, cyberhackers and thieves are getting smarter; old credit cards were too easy to steal information from! The internet can be a dangerous place, there are many unsavory characters out there who would be all too happy to put a keylogger program on your computer to steal your information.

Unfortunately, there isn't much of a solution for this issue except for constant diligence. I would suggest, perhaps, that more preventive classes should be offered to warn people how to stay away from possible E-Crimes, especially for those of the older generations.

ISIS.
Radical ideas and terrorism. Need I say more?

ISIS does not want peace. It does not want capitulations. Every day, ISIS kills innocent people in the name of their cause.

You can't make a deal with a terrorist; it does not work like that. How does one 'solve' this issue? One doesn't. One can, however, help stop ISIS' recruitment by informing the populace how to notice the kinds of people that ISIS usually likes to prey on to join their cause, such as impressionable youths or those with low self-esteem, to stop them from joining.

Antibiotic resistances.
Yes, you read that right. Improperly taking your antibiotic medication can actually train the bacteria in your body to be immune to that type of antibiotic! There are only so many antibiotics available, so it is important to not train bacteria.

A solution could be to have some sort of reminder app or checklist reminding people when to have their pills; also, it is important for doctors to be trained to inform their patients of this possible issue!

Elder abandonment.
Along with abuse, elder abandonment is a real issue. Some people feel burdened by their parents or grandparents when they become in charge of them. It is not unheard of to leave a poor, sick member of the family behind when they can't afford to feed them or pay for their health care. Sometimes people are driven to abandon their elders because they can't afford a nursing home for their charge.

A solution could be a government plan which provides nursing home care for the elderly that can't afford it themselves, sort of like a 'nursing home welfare' plan.

Water Crises.
You can't even survive a week without water. What if the only water you had was from a dirty well? What if the only water you had near you had cholera bacterium in it? For third world countries, fresh, clean water is a luxury. But even in first world countries, we still have droughts and water shortages.

A possible solution could be to produce more saltwater distilleries, which takes the salt out of water, and then the clean water can be sent to various countries. Also, funds for well-digging is also a necessity, so new wells can be built in 'safe' areas (not near cemeteries, etc.).

Not everyone has the luxury of living in Iceland where nearly every stream is suitable to drink from!