Global Problems

There is no shortage of global problems, and no question that the list below is incomplete. A central goal of the Center is to develop a systems framework for understanding global problems, how they relate to one another, and ways that  such problems may be collectively solved. The task requires the ability to use multiple perceptual filters to investigate problems from many perspectives, one not necessarily more important than another. To a large extent, problems are linked to the populations they impact. Those who rely on the oceans for a livelihood are likely to be more concerned about fisheries depletion than those in war-torn countries whose primary concern may be poverty, hunger, and avoiding infectious disease. The development of a universal framework for understanding global problems provides a foundation upon which societies, governments, and individuals can better understand future challenges, and know where to invest precious resources. A website that provides an overview of many of the problems listed below can be found at: globalissues.org . In addition, each of the problems listed below is linked with a web site that offers one perspective on the problem - not necessarily right or wrong -  just one way to look at the issue. Hopefully, each site will provide a starting point for further exploration.