2020
is the start of a new decade. Meanwhile, it is another challenging year where
we need to work together to address all the unsolved global issues. Below are 5
global issues to watch in 2020, according to the UN Foundation:-
1.
Climate Change
The
past decade has been the warmest in recorded history. Deadly wildfires
including those affecting Australia, hurricanes, extreme weather events, and
climate-influenced migration and hunger in many parts of the world are now
regular occurrences. Our entire ecosystem is at risk: 1 million animal and
plant species may be extinct within years, the largest-scale ecological loss
humans have seen.
We
need to halve global emissions by 2030 but the emissions gap between what is
needed and our current commitments is significant. Starting this year, we need
to cut emissions by 7.6% every year for the next 10 years to limit warming to
1.5 degrees.
2.
Sustainable Development Goals (“SDG”)
2020
is a crucial year for ensuring our policies, financing, and ambition align to
reach the Goals by 2030. The world has made substantial strides: The extreme
poverty rate has fallen below 8%, the lowest recorded level in human history. The
mortality rate in children under five has nearly halved over the last twenty
years and more children than ever are receiving an education, getting necessary
vaccinations, and drinking clean water.
On
today’s trajectory, nearly half a billion people will still live in extreme
poverty in 2030: 589 million today compared with 479 million in ten years. The
overwhelming majority of those will be in Africa, affected by a warming planet
and unstable societies.
3.
Inequality
A
recent United Nations report shows that 20% of development progress was lost in
recent years due to the unequal distribution of education, health, and living
standards. The World Economic Forum has calculated that it will take women
almost 100 years to reach gender equality. Exclusionary practices in security,
justice, and politics are at the heart of many violent conflicts today.
As
stressed in the 2019 Human Development Report, we need to evolve our
understanding of inequality. Our definition of inequality should be expanded to
address the obstacles to 21st century skills and opportunities.
4.
Crises on the Brink: Conflict, Peace, and Humanitarian Response
The
year 2020 marks the ninth anniversary of the war in Syria, and the fifth in
Yemen. Venezuela may very well become the source of the world’s largest and
most underfunded refugee crisis. Lethal violence and violent crime are on the
rise, affecting growing cities in an urbanizing world. And the risk of
interstate conflicts and geopolitical strife has taken center stage.
According
to the 2020 Global Humanitarian Report, one out of every 45 people on this
planet will need help and protection next year. In 2020, almost 170 million
people in crises will need help and protection across more than 50 countries,
the highest figure in decades.
5.
A United World?
It
is the time to move the world closer to a sustainable, equitable, and just future
and to set the tone for the decade ahead. The
UN is working hard in encouraging the people to consider the intersecting
issues and mega-trends that will shape the world ahead: digital technology,
conflict and violence, inequality, climate change, shifting demographics, and
global health.
2020
is going to be a tough year for the world. The 2019 SDG report showed momentum for positive change,
but also identified several areas such as the climate crisis that need urgent
collective action. The good news is the awareness is increasing, especially
among youngsters. In Malaysia, four out of five (79%) Malaysian students would
choose to pursue a career that allows them to make a positive contribution in
solving pressing global issues, a new study by Cambridge Assessment
International Education (CAIE) revealed. Two-thirds (68%) of the students also
said they believe major issues like climate change and pollution will be worse
by 2030.
Action
should be taken in line with raising awareness. Global issues cannot be addressed
by any government or institution acting alone. Collaborative action among
governments, international organizations, corporations, NGOs, and individuals
are required. Believe it, everyone is able to make a difference in changing the
fate of our world!
Reference:
1. Kaysie Brown, 5 Global Issues to Watch
in 2020, 8 Jan 2020, United Nations Foundation
2. Four out of five Malaysian students seek
jobs that address global issues, 9 March 2020, The Malaysian Reserve
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