Unit 3: World Issues and Sustainable Development Goals

Study Notes

Global challenges that affect nations and societies on a large scale, transcending national boundaries and requiring international cooperation and coordinated efforts.
Examples of world issues include poverty, hunger, climate change, inequality, conflicts, population growth, and resource depletion.

Goal 1: No Poverty - End poverty in all its forms everywhere by addressing factors such as social protection systems, access to essential services, and economic opportunities.
Poverty alleviation is crucial for achieving sustainable development and improving the well-being of communities globally.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger - End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Addressing food insecurity through sustainable practices and equitable distribution systems is essential for ensuring access to nutritious food for all.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all, promoting hygiene practices and efficient water management.
Clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are fundamental human rights for public health and sustainable development.
Goal 13: Climate Action - Urgent action is needed to combat climate change and its impacts by implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Climate action involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience to climate-related hazards, and promoting sustainable practices to protect the planet for future generations.

Insufficient food supply to meet the population's nutritional needs.
Factors contributing to food shortages include natural disasters, conflicts, population growth, poverty, inadequate agricultural practices, and rising food prices.

Climate Change: Changing weather patterns affect crop yields, leading to food shortages.
Land Degradation: Soil erosion, desertification, and deforestation reduce arable land, limiting agricultural productivity and contributing to food shortages.
Water Scarcity: Insufficient water availability for irrigation and agricultural practices reduces crop production, leading to food shortages.
Population Growth: Rapid population growth increases the demand for food, straining agricultural resources and potentially leading to food shortages.
Poverty and Inequality: Income disparities and limited access to resources make it challenging for vulnerable populations to afford and access an adequate food supply.

Food shortages and inadequate access to a nutritious diet can lead to malnutrition, which can severely affect human health and well-being.
Malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition (lack of essential nutrients) and overnutrition (excessive or imbalanced intake of nutrients).
Malnutrition can result in stunted growth, weakened immune systems, increased susceptibility to diseases, cognitive impairments, and higher mortality rates, particularly among children and pregnant women.

Overnutrition, associated with diets high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars, contributes to the rise of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.
These diseases pose significant health risks and increase the burden on healthcare systems.

The need to conserve energy arises from the growing energy crisis, which refers to the increasing demand for energy that surpasses the available supply.
Energy consumption, particularly from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels, leads to environmental degradation, climate change, and resource depletion.
Conserving energy helps reduce carbon emissions, mitigates climate change, preserves natural resources, and promotes sustainable development.