18 SSB PRAYAGRAJ
What is the biggest problem in the world today?
- Climate change
- Regional conflicts
- Social injustice
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." – Robert Swan
The modern world faces multiple crises, but identifying the biggest challenge requires a deeper analysis. Let’s evaluate the three major global problems:
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1️⃣ Climate Change 🌍🔥
📌 Rising Global Temperatures:
- The Earth’s temperature has increased by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times (IPCC, 2023).
- If it crosses 1.5°C, extreme weather events will become irreversible.
📌 Frequent Natural Disasters:
- 2023 was the hottest year on record, causing severe droughts, wildfires (like in Canada & Greece), and floods.
- India saw over 3,000 extreme weather events in 2023, killing 2,900+ people (IMD).
📌 Rising Sea Levels & Habitat Loss:
- Tuvalu & Maldives may disappear by 2050 due to rising sea levels.
- Amazon Rainforest lost 17% of its cover, impacting biodiversity.
📌 Food & Water Crisis:
- 40% of the world’s population faces water scarcity (UNESCO, 2023).
- Global crop yields may decline by 25% by 2050, worsening hunger.
📌 Why It’s the Biggest Problem:
- Climate change affects all nations, economies, and ecosystems, making it a universal challenge.
- Other issues like conflicts and social injustices can be resolved, but climate change is irreversible beyond a point.
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2️⃣ Regional Conflicts 🌍⚔️
📌 Rising Wars & Tensions:
- Russia-Ukraine War has displaced over 14 million people and cost $900 billion in damages.
- Israel-Palestine conflict has led to 30,000+ civilian deaths in Gaza (2024, UN Reports).
📌 Nuclear Threats & Arms Race:
- 9 countries possess nuclear weapons, increasing the risk of global war.
- North Korea, Russia, and China are expanding military capabilities, escalating global tensions.
📌 Terrorism & Proxy Wars:
- Taliban’s return in Afghanistan, ISIS activities in Africa, and ongoing civil wars (Sudan, Myanmar) worsen instability.
- India faces border tensions with China & Pakistan, affecting regional security.
📌 Refugee & Economic Crisis:
- Over 114 million people are displaced globally (UNHCR, 2024), burdening economies.
- Inflation & food shortages in war zones affect millions of innocent civilians.
📌 Why It’s the Biggest Problem:
- Wars directly impact global trade, peace, and human security.
- Even climate action becomes difficult in conflict-ridden regions.
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3️⃣ Social Injustice ⚖️🚨
📌 Gender Inequality:
- Women earn 20% less than men for the same job (ILO, 2023).
- 700 million women face domestic violence or discrimination globally.
📌 Poverty & Economic Disparity:
- Top 1% of the world owns 46% of global wealth (Oxfam Report, 2024).
- Over 700 million people live in extreme poverty (<$2.15 per day).
📌 Racism, Casteism & Religious Conflicts:
- Hate crimes, racial discrimination, and religious extremism fuel violence and unrest.
- Black Lives Matter (USA), Rohingya crisis (Myanmar), and caste-based discrimination in India highlight deep-rooted issues.
📌 Why It’s the Biggest Problem:
- Social injustice leads to poverty, crime, and human rights violations, affecting billions.
- It is the root cause of many other conflicts in the world.
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@ssbclear
