Let’s face it, long term thinking is hard for most leaders and society in general. It is too far off, but we still cannot wait to plan as the cost and problems can get too large. The World Economic Forum recently produced a Global Risks Report – 2015, which highlights the greatest risks over the next eighteen months and over the next ten years.
Rather than focus on the next eighteen months, let me focus on the longer term, ten-year horizon, as the risks are far more dramatic in impact as many are planetary in scope.
- Water crisis
- Failure of climate change adaption
- Profound social instability
- Food crisis
- Extreme weather events
- High structural un- or under-employment
- Large-scale cyber attacks
- State collapse or crisis
- Major biodiversity and ecosystem collapse
- Failure of national governance
Water tops the list as it is becomingly an increasingly dear commodity worldwide. I have noted before our energy production must bring into the equation more the impact on water sources. Moving to renewable energy sources which are not water intensive is as important as their positive impact on climate change. And, climate change will only make water and other problems like the food crisis, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapses even more problematic with increased droughts, forest fires and floods with stalled weather systems.
The profound social instability and high structural un- and under-employment are contributors to our global poverty problem. Other top ten risks are also contributors such as state or national governance failures or the climate impacted natural crises. Those in poverty tend to more impacted by these issues as they have so few choices. Plus, I would season the ability to address these issues with overall corruption, where monies, services and goods intended to help are steered to the pockets of leaders and oligarchies of influential people.
These are the questions we need to be asking politicians and candidates about. If they are unprepared to address these issues or deny their existence or importance, then we need to vote for other folks who are prepared. These problems are already rearing their ugly heads, so the time is fleeting on our ability to do things to address these problems.
A link to the 2015 Global Risks Report follows:
musingsofanoldfart 
Wow, Keith! That are important points you show. I agree! That is priority and politicians are supposed to deal with them. As long as they see themselves and not the matter in the center, they are the wrong people! Did you ever think to go into politics?
Erika, many thanks. I have thought about it, but I may get even more frustrated seeing the sausage made up close and the money influence leading to biased decisions. Keith
But we need people who make a change and make politics humanly!
Good list and you are aware, of course, that the human population explosion is at the root of all those issues!
Hugh, you are so right. The more consumers, the more resources needed. Keith
Note to a Readers: Some may find it of interest that the New York State Attorney General is investigating Exxon-Mobil for purposefully misleading investors and shareholders in the impact of climate change on their future business. Per PBS Newshour, what is interesting is internal memoranda that date back to the 1970s that show their concerns and yet this company today supports climate change denial groups to promote legislation that hinder the move to renewables. I encourage folks to watch the documentary movie “Merchants of Doubt” that support the NY attorney general’s claims.
These are the real adrenaline fueled fear. Water is our number one necessity. Limited rain and drought continues.
Absolutely. Not ironically, my newspaper did a four part series this week on the concerns over water from our main river source.
Over the summer we had very little rain in NY. It really bugged me when I saw people hand washing their cars and watering their lawns.
We all need to do better. I have been good about doing several things, but could still improve, too.
Me too. I still run the water most of the time when I brush my teeth. 😉