Global Issues And Ethical Considerations

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Topic 1: Global Issues and Ethical Considerations

Technological advancements and evolution through ages are evident across the globe.

Significant improvements have contributed to changes in the social, economic and political

struggles and endeavors. The initiatives yielded during these advancements are shifting the

human mindset whereby, absolute values are upheld most and others being neglected.

However, the scale measuring the importance of the social value differs from one individual to

another. Conflicts and failure to meet the human basic needs results to unsustainability which

the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals strive to mitigate. The personal values I

value most in the society starting with the most important one as number one and the least

essential following in that order are as presented in the table below.

The Most Important Values

Love

Equality

Peace

Trustworthiness

Caring

Diversity

Respect

Freedom

Authority

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Integrity

Empathy

Community

Spirituality/Religion

From the values identified above, love is essential and a key determinant of ethical

considerations and co-existence with the changing society. Love starting with an individual,

down to the family, community, country and universal love is the first way to achieve

sustainability. Equality of all individuals on economic, social and political grounds prevents

unnecessary hatred among individuals and states. Peace is another virtue that unites the globe.

Inner peace, peace with humanity, harmony with the environment, and world peace should be

promoted first for the other values to impact the world. Trustworthiness minimizes conflicts at

all levels in the society and promotes respect for one another.

Freedom of humanity is essential for creativity, innovation, and self-awareness thus

changing some concepts on the globe. Freedom, in this case, starts with individuals and

government authorities must promote democracy. However, control of this freedom is

necessitated to prevent negativity of excess freedom. Government authority should be

recognized for the roles of governance and control offered to ensure everyone is in line with

the set rules. Integrity is a value that should be portrayed by international and local bodies to

ensure there are stability and sustainability of development goals. Caring and empathy are

values requiring humanity to care for one another and other living beings. Hunger can be

minimized by fully applying these values, and zero deaths should be the outcome of

compassion and care. The spirit of communism promotes harmonious living and promotes

strong social ties. Dealing with problems as a community becomes more useful than

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individually. These values should be globalized to experience change and have less ethical

conflicts.

Perspectives

Cultural and social differences are the main contributing factors of variation of views

on particular matters. Conflicts settlement is possible through digging on the views presented

in a given scenario. Two differing perspectives at almost the same time must be evaluated to

understand the rationale for thinking differences. In the day to day activities, conflict

resolutions measures used include arbitration, mediation among others. In a typical setting,

parents and their teenager children have varying perspectives on certain trends around the

globe. A teenager believes in freedom of exploration whereas a parent is cautious of the

possible consequence of an issue. Arguments of both sides reasoning for and against a concept

is necessary before making judgments. In a dynamic world, the flexibility of the social norms

and some ethical standards should be allowed for harmonious living. Individuals in power, for

instance, parents, should correspond to the changes and give room for adjustment for growth

in the society to be achieved. Trustworthiness among friends, family members and the

community at large is a useful value when dealing with change.

Taking Responsibility in the World

Values in the community can guide one on when to take responsibility for the world

around us by either acting or not acting. With the increasing immorality and controversial

matters arising, one can either promote or condemn social injustices through actions taken prior

witnessing an incidence. Standing against some wrong with the current global issues is rare

due to fear of condemnation, fear of those in power, and fear of loss of material wealth and

opportunities. Integrity plays a crucial role in determining when to act and when not to work

since the tide of injustices carries us intentionally or unintentionally. Inferring from Schmitz

(120), taking responsibility involves expressing one’s view towards some issues in the society

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despite the pressure of not pursuing the matter. Some of these global issues can be eliminated

by taking strong stands on what is not right and seeking justice for the victims despite

threatening employment and personal security. Heroes in the modern society are those who act

as role models and positively impact others’ lives. Human rights activists are examples of

groups that have stood firm in promoting values considered unethical in the society. Civil wars,

slavery, and discrimination against certain groups of people are some of the evident examples

of how global issues have been addressed by taking responsibility through actions. Most

countries’ history has significant heroes and heroines who fought to achieve the present

freedom. Despite changes in majority of negative global issues, standing out is the ideal way

to overcome unethical practices and social injustices that affect the minority groups (Schmitz

121). Use of arts is one recommended way to make significant political, social, and economic

changes thus transforming the world to be a better place for the present and future generations.

Topic 2: UN Sustainable Development Goals and Underlying Problems

United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not a new concept in

the globe. SDGs are formed to tackle the world’s crucial factors causing sluggish growth and

development through policy formulation and implementation (SDGs U. N 2). However, the

same global issues keep recurring indicating there are problems in the policies formulated

(SDGs U. N 11). According to analysts, the poverty margin is widening despite significant

developments observed in the global economy. Hunger is still an issue despite advanced

agricultural production through technology. Epidemics and diseases are killing more people

especially in the marginalized areas indicating no significant improvement in the promotion of

health and well-being. Some forms of inequalities still exist especially through unequal

distribution of resources. In all of the sixteen SDGs for the UN, the policymakers miss the point

on what the society needs.

Connected Problems

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Power distribution across the globe is one major factor resulting in the impending

problems of implementing the SDGs. Greed for power has caused inequality with those on the

high social class receiving all the benefits of leaving out the poor. The issue of poverty will

remain for centuries if the same power marginalization is sustained. Corporate power, political

power, and social power link poverty with inequalities spotted in the society. Monopolization

of commodities and services for profit gains among those in power affects the poor

communities and states. The current policies in the UN favor the powerful and the voice of the

poor is unheard. Prices attached to healthcare are higher for the poor, and despite the

government incentives provided, there is inequality on quality of services. In the developing

countries, quality education reaches only the high social class, and the poor are left out of these

benefits.

The connection of SDG problems

Uncontrolled

Power

Inequality

Indecent

economic growth

Poverty

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Economic and Political Problems

Economic growth denoted in the global economy favors the developed countries

whereas, in the developing nations, poor leadership contributes to underutilization of resources

that would otherwise benefit the local citizens. Foreign investments expected to help the less

developed countries have been a nightmare for the local citizens. Some of the internal fiscal

policies enacted to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) include tax holidays for foreign

investors yet taxing heavily the locals whose earnings are enormously low. The labor market

in these local markets continues to harm the local laborers and the revenues are not tapped into

the domestic economy but mostly to the foreign countries. A form of modern colonization still

exists where the powerful nations get to control and manage resources of the less powerful

nations. In the world history, the countries that became independent from colonization show

more sustainability and development in their cities and communities as compared to the

recently sovereign states. Additionally, countries involved in wars and other social conflicts

have issues in driving growth and SDG goals due to poor leadership and implementation

activities.

Solutions to SDGs inefficiency

SDGs require adjustments to attain the objectives of the listed development goals

(Thomas, Janaouskova, and Moldan 567). Bridging the gap between the rich and poor is one

critical way to ensure the minorities’ afflictions are attended. The issue of power can be

addressed by reducing the power given to the governments and the corporate world.

Exploitation and monopolization can be reduced by allocating resources more equally to

provide equal opportunities for development. SDGs policies should focus on the hardships of

the sick, unhealthy local person. Giving the low social class a voice and involving them in the

implementation of inclusive policies. Confrontation of power by activists, local communities,

and social movements can result in inclusivity where there is inequality. Educating

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communities on how to utilize resources, prevent diseases, and proper information channels

are advocated to produce into changes in the experienced poverty lines, differences, financial

and political power (Walter, Manolas, and Pace 114).

Individual and Community Responsibilities

Issues of climatic conditions and preservation of the environment are deemed to

everyone’s responsibility and not only the governing bodies. Policies on pollution must be

stricter than they are present. Manipulation of local communities by big multinational

companies must be made an international agenda whereby, any form of contamination by these

companies should be punishable under international laws. According to Walter, Manolas and

Pace (120), UN and other organizations must be in the front line on educating the public on

environment preservation.

Taking responsibilities in conserving the environment and utilizing renewable and non-

renewable resources increase efficiency and reduce the global warming factors. Switching of

electricity light when not in use, having a small carbon print, educating individuals in the

society on how to conserve the environment and re-use of specific products, is a milestone for

improved climatic conditions. Proper discharge of effluent by both individuals and companies

is possible through the construction of waste treatment facilities to reduce toxicity in the

environment. UN can fund local and international projects for prevention of climatic issues and

promote a safer environment through stricter rules on individuals who breach the set rules

regarding environmental conservation. Valuing the immediate surrounding is the most

rewarding policy for individuals and the local communities before expecting help from UN and

other international organizations.

Topic 3: The Connections between Money, Power, the System, and (the Lack of)

Sustainability

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Despite the efforts of a few who are concerned with sustainability, money, power, and

the system is weakening viability on earth gradually. Over the last decades, at least one-third

of earth’s natural resources have been consumed. The rate of consumption is quite high that

human beings are wiping out animals, clearing forests, destroying water catchment areas,

poisoning water resources, and depleting the available resources. The eco-system is getting

crushed by the increasing power and greed for money (Pearce 232). Lack of sustainability is

the ultimate result thus the ever declining living conditions especially among the poor. The

strong connection between money, power, the system and lack of durability is elaborated in

various phenomena.

Power and Money

For sustainability, controlled use of natural resources is necessitated. The government

has a role in protecting the natural resources and ensuring that the environment is well

conserved. However, the recent trends show that corporations have overtaken the natural

resources and the government provides a suitable environment for excessive manipulation of

resources. Monopolization and exploitation of resources by private firms aiming to maximize

profits are contributed by the present contribution of power (Erling et al. 220). The transition

of power from the government to a few individuals has affected exploitation, production and

market conditions. During exploitation, mining firms, for instance, pollute the environment

with no strict actions taken against them by the government. The resilient power of the

government leaves the poor and local communities being the victims of pollution, starvation,

floods, chemical-related diseases, and inadequacy of natural resources. In connection to money

and power, the system poses more threats including poverty, famines, loss of water catchment

areas, polluted environment, and economic instability. Living conditions worsen gradually, and

morbidity and mortality rates increase enormously.

Effects on Consumption

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Consumers comprise the primary drivers of an economy. The demands of consumers

are met by several suppliers, and quality improves with high competition in the market.

However, corporations have taken over the market power and manipulated consumers to

purchase products at higher prices and lower quality products. Consumers’ protection is not

as strict as in the earlier decades. Contents of products used are more likely to contain toxic

substances, and as a result, health paradigm causes lack of sustainability. Consumers are greatly

influenced to consume especially through the effective marketing campaigns. Production

industries have tripled in the 21st century, and there is too much disposal by consumers.

Wastage of products and spending too much on goods has contributed to economic growth, but

affected natural resources use. Consumption of fuels and non-renewable energy is way too

high. According to the footprint calculator, an American adult lifestyle and consumption rate

requires at least three earth for sustainability. The carbon footprint has the highest percentage

in the footprint illustrating that emission of carbon is higher with consumption of processed

products. Cropland coverage is relatively low thus feeding the globe is a problem that SDGs

policy implementers require to consider.

Reformations

Use of renewable energy is considered to be a direct path to reducing ecological

footprint and addressing climate change. Instead of driving for short distances, walking or

riding a bicycle has the potential to reduce carbon emission. Reduction of wastage is another

way consumers can reduce the carbon footprint. Wastage of food implies greater production

rates and manufacturing rates of food products. The quantities disposed of hurt the

environment. Instead of wasting food, the surplus can be given to those who have inadequate

According to the new school of thought on global issues and sustainability, moving towards

equity, Green Chemistry, and zero waste is the ultimate strategy to ensure money, power,

systems and lack of sustainability and related issues are adequately dealt with. Reduction of

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afflictions caused by inequality requires government intervention from the local level to the

international level. With zero wastage and use green chemistry, sustainable development of

cities, natural resources, and the suitable living environment are achieved. Seeing the bigger

picture on the connection between power, money, systems, and sustainability requires adjusting

into the use of the right strategies.

A closed loop production, producers transform and observe extended producer

responsibility, industrial ecology, and zero waste. Also, a private loop production implements

ways to eliminate toxic inputs, protection of workers, environment and the community at large

through controlled consumption rate. Rules on pricing for items is necessary to reduce the

economic wastage resulting from overpriced products. Balancing the living economies

provides benefits for all parties in a community. Resultantly, employees get safe, meaningful,

family-wage jobs, consumers get safe and high-quality products, suppliers get steady markets

and fair dealings, and communities enjoy healthy social and natural environment.

Topic 4: Creating More Sustainability

Application of Green Energy

The industrial revolution has been a leading factor in pollution and excessive usage of

non-renewable energy. The emissions made from these industries is depleting the ozone layer

increasing risks of survival on earth. Contamination of water sources, soil, and deforestation,

have caused catastrophic tragedies in human history. However, humanity is yet to learn from

its history, and some events are repeated. In Bill McKibben documentary, the math on the effect

of pollution and what industries compensate for pollution do not add up. The possible way to

ensure sustainability is a reduction of emissions from sectors. Engaging corporations in

corporate social responsibility, educating the community on how to respond to natural and

artificial disasters is strategic in ensuring sustainability with accordance to the sixteen SDGs

outlined by the UN. Turning into green energy as substitutes for non-renewable energy is

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effective in reducing the carbon emissions as well as toxicities on the earth (McKibben 1). The

cost of availing medical facilities and equipment for ailments caused by pollution is way higher

than implementing policies to prevent unfitting habitats. Divestment campaign

Population Control

David Suzuki elaborates on the outcome of the exponential growth of living things. The

uncontrolled population is dangerous and affect usage of the available resources. A society that

grows exponentially leads to shrinking of land, natural resources, and economic and financial

resources. Zero hunger goal cannot be sustained since the production rate of food is lower than

the number of people to feed. Competition for the available resources leads to the negativity of

power whereby, those in power benefit whereas those who are not influential survive on the

little left. The relatively small population has fewer expenditures associated with it thus

controls usage of financial and natural resources use. Economic growth must not be

proportional to population growth since the distribution of funds per person shrinks with a high

population. Sustainability is, therefore, achieved through population control.

Environment Conservation

Developed and developing countries have a role in influencing divestment of

businesses that emit toxic substances and contribute to climatic change. Oil drilling companies

must be banned from drilling in deep waters due to the damages caused to the marine and dry

land life once there is oil spillage. Divesting from less environmental friendly is campaigned

to protect the future generations. Wars on corporations that manipulate residents through the

unlawful use of power ought to be launched to ensure the welfare of the community,

employees, consumers, and suppliers are met (Griggs 305). Launching of projects that educate

a population on alternative visions of the future to ensure sustainable new world civilization

becomes another way to meet environment conservation goals (Bashlak 7). Individuals have a

responsibility to protect their environment regardless of age, gender, the nationality of social

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class. The effects of a destroyed environment are like a tide that does not filter individuals with

different attributes. Education and campaigning against environment pollution are valid from

the low levels and spreads across the entire globe. A footprint with less chemical and carbon

emissions, utilization of green energy, and proper use of natural resources rewards humanity

and other creatures in the eco-system. Diseases are prevented in a safe environment thus

sustaining a healthy population.

Promoting Equality

There are going values in humanity that act as a conscience and guides one on how to

treat others. Show of compassion, empathy, and communism is essential in creating

sustainability. Greedy leaders must be eliminated from leadership. Sharing of the available

resources equally helps mitigate poverty, hunger, and even social conflicts. Promotion of

world, regional, and internal peace is a step in bringing equality. A peaceful world does not

require allocation of billion dollars funds on a military. Instead, the funds can be used to fight

poverty, hunger, and foresee growth and development of regions (Francois et al. 511).

Redesigning our current culture, inadequacies of war, poverty, hunger, debt, and unnecessary

human suffering is eliminated and can be avoided. The transition of power is necessitated to

improve on policy formulation. Focusing on needs of those not represented in the power

hierarchy increases sustainability in the system. Equality also reduces the gap between the rich

and the poor in a society, thus an SDG achievement of reducing poverty. Use of land in more

productive way whereby there are no production excess leverages inequality regarding social

classes formed based on economic capabilities.

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Works Cited

Bashlak, Iryna Anatoliivna, O. Glushakova, and Y Pavlov. The Venus Project. (2011).

Bill McKibben. “New York just declared war in the oil industry.” The Guardian. (2018).

Griggs, David, et al. “An integrated framework for sustainable development goals.” 2014.

Griggs, David, et al. “Policy: Sustainable development goals for people and planet.” Nature

495.7441 (2013): 305

Hak, Thomas, Svatava Janaouskova, and Bedrich Moldan. “Sustainable Development Goals:

A need for relevant indicators.” Ecological Indicators 60(2016): 565-573.

Holden, Erling, Kriskten Linnerud, and David Banister. “The imperatives of sustainable

development.” Sustainable Development 25.3 (2017): 213-226.

Leah Filho, Walter, Evangelos Manolas, and Paul Pace. “The future we want: Key issues on

sustainable development in higher education after Rio and the UN decade of education

for sustainable development.” International Journal of Sustainability in Higher

Education 16.1 (2015): 112-129.

Pearce, David. Bluepring 3: Measuring sustainable development. Routledge, 2014.

Schmitz, David. “Taking responsibility.” Distributive Justice. Routledge, 2017. 111-132.

Scheneider, Francois, Giorgos Kallis, and Joan Martinez-Alier. “Crisis or opportunity?

Economic degrowth for social equity and ecological sustainability. Introduction to this

special issue.” Journal of cleaner production 18.6 (2010): 511-518.

SDGs, U. N. “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” (2015).

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