Contemporary Global Issues
Key Question: What are some contemporary global issues?
Key Terms: absolute poverty, odious debt, civil society
Key Terms: absolute poverty, odious debt, civil society
Today, people around the world are more closely connected than ever before. Television and the Internet mean that people everywhere can communicate almost instantly. Problems that might once have concerned only a limited number of people can quickly become global issues - social, political, economic, or environmental challenges that cut across national borders and concern many people around the world.
In May 2008, for example, an earthquake in China killed thousands of people and left millions without food and shelter. Within hours, people around the world saw TV and Internet news reports of the event. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals quickly tried to help. As people have become more connected, they have also become more aware that some global issues - climate change, disease, and access to water - concern everyone on Earth.
In May 2008, for example, an earthquake in China killed thousands of people and left millions without food and shelter. Within hours, people around the world saw TV and Internet news reports of the event. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals quickly tried to help. As people have become more connected, they have also become more aware that some global issues - climate change, disease, and access to water - concern everyone on Earth.