Acute problems of humanity. Coursework: Global problems of our time

a set of problems of humanity, on the solution of which social progress and the preservation of civilization depend:

preventing global thermonuclear war and ensuring peaceful conditions for the development of all peoples;

bridging the gap in economic level and per capita income between developed and developing countries by eliminating their backwardness, as well as eliminating hunger, poverty and illiteracy on the globe;

stopping rapid population growth (“population explosion” in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa) and eliminating the danger of “depopulation” in developed countries;

prevention of catastrophic environmental pollution; ensuring the further development of humanity with the necessary natural resources;

prevention of immediate and long-term consequences of the scientific and technological revolution.

Some researchers also include among the global problems of our time problems of health care, education, social values, relations between generations, etc.

Their features are: - They have a planetary, global character, affecting the interests of all peoples of the world. - They threaten degradation and/or death of all humanity. - Need urgent and effective solutions. - They require collective efforts of all states, joint actions of peoples for their resolution.

Major global problems

Destruction of the natural environment

Today, the biggest and most dangerous problem is the depletion and destruction of the natural environment, the disruption of the ecological balance within it as a result of growing and poorly controlled human activities. Exceptional harm is caused by industrial and transport disasters, which lead to mass death of living organisms, contamination and contamination of the world's oceans, atmosphere, and soil. But an even greater negative impact is caused by continuous emissions of harmful substances into the environment. Firstly, a strong impact on people’s health, all the more destructive since humanity is increasingly crowded in cities, where the concentration of harmful substances in the air, soil, atmosphere, directly in the premises, as well as in other influences (electricity, radio waves, etc.) very high. Secondly, many species of animals and plants disappear, and new dangerous microorganisms appear. Thirdly, the landscape is deteriorating, fertile lands are turning into piles, rivers into sewers, and the water regime and climate are changing in places. But the greatest danger is global climate change (warming), possible, for example, due to an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This could lead to the melting of glaciers. As a result, vast and densely populated areas in different regions of the world will be under water.

Air pollution

The most common air pollutants enter the atmosphere mainly in two forms: either in the form of suspended particles or in the form of gases. Carbon dioxide. As a result of fuel combustion and cement production, huge amounts of this gas are released into the atmosphere. This gas itself is not poisonous. Carbon monoxide. The combustion of fuel, which creates most of the gaseous and aerosol pollution in the atmosphere, serves as a source of another carbon compound - carbon monoxide. It is poisonous, and its danger is aggravated by the fact that it has neither color nor smell, and poisoning with it can occur completely unnoticed. Currently, about 300 million tons of carbon monoxide enters the atmosphere as a result of human activity. Hydrocarbons entering the atmosphere as a result of human activities make up a small proportion of naturally occurring hydrocarbons, but their pollution is very important. Their release into the atmosphere can occur at any stage of production, processing, storage, transportation and use of substances and materials containing hydrocarbons. More than half of the hydrocarbons produced by humans enter the air as a result of incomplete combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel during the operation of cars and other vehicles. Sulphur dioxide. Atmospheric pollution with sulfur compounds has important environmental consequences. The main sources of sulfur dioxide are volcanic activity, as well as the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds. Sulfurous sources of sulfur dioxide have long surpassed volcanoes in intensity and are now equal to the total intensity of all natural sources. Aerosol particles enter the atmosphere from natural sources. The processes of aerosol formation are very diverse. This is, first of all, crushing, grinding and spraying of solids. In nature, mineral dust raised from the surface of deserts during dust storms has this origin. The source of atmospheric aerosols is of global importance, since deserts occupy about a third of the land surface, and there is also a tendency for their share to increase due to unwise human activity. Mineral dust from the surface of deserts is carried by the wind for many thousands of kilometers. Volcanic ash, which enters the atmosphere during eruptions, occurs relatively rarely and irregularly, as a result of which this source of aerosol is significantly inferior in mass to dust storms, its significance is very high, since this aerosol is thrown into the upper layers of the atmosphere - into the stratosphere. Remaining there for several years, it reflects or absorbs some of the solar energy that would, in its absence, reach the Earth's surface. The source of aerosols is also the technological processes of human economic activity. A powerful source of mineral dust is the building materials industry. Extraction and crushing of rocks in quarries, their transportation, cement production, construction itself - all this pollutes the atmosphere with mineral particles. A powerful source of solid aerosols is the mining industry, especially during the extraction of coal and ore in open pits. Aerosols enter the atmosphere when solutions are sprayed. The natural source of such aerosols is the ocean, which supplies chloride and sulfate aerosols resulting from the evaporation of sea spray. Another powerful mechanism for the formation of aerosols is the condensation of substances during combustion or incomplete combustion due to lack of oxygen or low combustion temperature. Aerosols are removed from the atmosphere in three ways: dry deposition under the influence of gravity (the main route for large particles), deposition on obstacles, and removal by precipitation. Aerosol pollution affects weather and climate. Chemical inactive aerosols accumulate in the lungs and lead to damage. Ordinary quartz sand and other silicates - mica, clay, asbestos, etc. accumulates in the lungs and penetrates the blood, leading to diseases of the cardiovascular system and liver disease.

Soil pollution

Almost all pollutants that are initially released into the atmosphere eventually end up on the surface of land and water. Settling aerosols may contain toxic heavy metals - lead, mercury, copper, vanadium, cobalt, nickel. They are usually inactive and accumulate in the soil. But acids also enter the soil with rain. By combining with it, metals can transform into soluble compounds available to plants. Substances that are constantly present in the soil also turn into soluble forms, which sometimes leads to the death of plants.

Water pollution

Water used by humans is ultimately returned to natural environment. But, apart from the evaporated water, this is no longer pure water, but domestic, industrial and agricultural wastewater, usually not treated or not treated sufficiently. Thus, freshwater bodies of water - rivers, lakes, land and coastal areas of the seas - are polluted. There are three types of water pollution – biological, chemical and physical. Pollution of the oceans and seas occurs due to the entry of pollutants with river runoff, their fall out from the atmosphere and, finally, due to human activity. A special place in the pollution of the oceans is occupied by pollution by oil and petroleum products. Natural pollution occurs as a result of oil seepage from oil-bearing layers, mainly on the shelf. The greatest contribution to ocean oil pollution comes from maritime oil transportation, as well as sudden spills. large quantities oil in case of tanker accidents.

Ozone layer problems

On average, about 100 tons of ozone are formed and disappeared every second in the Earth's atmosphere. Even with a slight increase in dose, a person develops burns on the skin. Skin cancer, as well as eye disease, leading to blindness, is associated with an increase in the intensity of UV radiation. The biological effect of UV radiation is due to the high sensitivity of nucleic acids, which can be destroyed, leading to cell death or mutations. The world learned about the global environmental problem of “ozone holes”. First of all, the destruction of the ozone layer is caused by the increasingly developing civil aviation and chemical production. Application of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture; chlorination of drinking water, widespread use of freons in refrigeration units, for extinguishing fires, as solvents and in aerosols have led to the fact that millions of tons of chlorofluoromethanes enter the lower layer of the atmosphere in the form of a colorless neutral gas. Spreading upward, chlorofluoromethanes are destroyed under the influence of UV radiation, releasing fluorine and chlorine, which actively participate in the processes of ozone destruction.

Air temperature problem

Although air temperature is the most important characteristic, it, of course, does not exhaust the concept of climate, for the description of which (and corresponding to its changes) it is important to know a number of other characteristics: air humidity, cloudiness, precipitation, air current speed, etc. Unfortunately, there is currently no or very little data that would characterize changes in these quantities over a long period on the scale of the entire globe or hemisphere. Work on collecting, processing and analyzing such data is underway, and it is hoped that soon it will be possible to more fully assess climate change in the twentieth century. The situation seems to be better than others with precipitation data, although this climate characteristic is very difficult to objectively analyze globally. An important characteristic of climate is “cloudiness,” which largely determines the influx of solar energy. Unfortunately, there are no data on changes in global cloudiness over the entire hundred-year period. a) The problem of acid rain. When studying acid rain, we must first answer two basic questions: what causes acid rain and how it affects the environment. Every year about 200 mil. are emitted into the Earth's atmosphere. Solid particles (dust, soot, etc.) 200 mil. t. sulfur dioxide (SO2), 700.mil. t. carbon monoxide, 150.mil. tons of nitrogen oxides (Nox), which in total amounts to more than 1 billion tons of harmful substances. Acid rain(or, more correctly), acid precipitation, since the fallout of harmful substances can occur both in the form of rain and in the form of snow, hail, causes environmental, economic and aesthetic damage. As a result of acid precipitation, the balance in ecosystems is disrupted, soil productivity deteriorates, metal structures rust, buildings, structures, architectural monuments, etc. are destroyed. Sulfur dioxide is adsorbed on the leaves, penetrates inside and takes part in oxidative processes. This entails genetic and species changes in plants. Some lichens die first; they are considered “indicators” of clean air. Countries should strive to limit and gradually reduce air pollution, including pollution that extends beyond their borders.

Greenhouse effect problem

Carbon dioxide is one of the main culprits of the “greenhouse effect”, which is why other known “greenhouse gases” (and there are about 40 of them) determine only about half of global warming. Just as in a greenhouse the glass roof and walls allow solar radiation to pass through, but do not allow heat to escape, so do carbon dioxide along with other “greenhouse gases”. They are practically transparent to the sun's rays, but they retain the Earth's thermal radiation and prevent it from escaping into space. A rise in average global air temperature should inevitably lead to an even more significant reduction in continental glaciers. Climate warming is leading to the melting of polar ice and rising sea levels. Global warming can cause major agricultural zones to shift in temperature, major floods, persistent droughts, and forest fires. Following the upcoming climate changes, changes in the position of natural zones will inevitably occur: a) reduction in coal consumption, its replacement natural gases, b) development of nuclear energy, c) development of alternative types of energy (wind, solar, geothermal) d) global energy saving. But the problem of global warming, to some extent, is currently being compensated for by the fact that another problem has developed on its basis. Global dimming problem! On this moment The planet's temperature has risen just one degree in a hundred years. But according to scientists’ calculations, it should have risen to a higher value. But due to global dimming, the effect was reduced. The mechanism of the problem is based on the fact that: rays of sunlight that should pass through the clouds and reach the surface and, as a result, increase the temperature of the planet and increase the effect of global warming, cannot pass through the clouds and be reflected from them as a result of never reaching the surface of the planet. And it is precisely thanks to this effect that the planet’s atmosphere does not heat up rapidly. It would seem easier to do nothing and leave both factors alone, but if this happens, then the person’s health will be in danger.

The problem of overpopulation of the planet

The number of earthlings is growing rapidly, although at a constantly slowing pace. But every person consumes a large amount of different natural resources. Moreover, at present this growth occurs primarily in weakly or underdeveloped countries. However, they are focused on the development of a state where the level of well-being is very high, and the amount of resources consumed by each resident is enormous. If we imagine that the entire population of the Earth (the bulk of which today lives in poverty, or even starves) will have a standard of living as in Western Europe or the USA, our planet simply cannot stand it. But to believe that the majority of earthlings will always vegetate in poverty, ignorance and squalor is unfair, inhumane and unjust. The rapid economic development of China, India, Mexico and a number of other populous countries refute this assumption. Consequently, there is only one way out - limiting the birth rate with a simultaneous decrease in mortality and improving the quality of life. However, birth control faces many obstacles. These include reactionary social relations, the huge role of religion, which encourages large families; primitive communal forms of management, in which those with many children benefit; illiteracy and ignorance, poor development of medicine, etc. Consequently, backward countries face a tight knot of complex problems. However, very often in backward countries, those who put their own or tribal interests above the state ones rule, and use the ignorance of the masses for their own selfish purposes (including wars, repression, etc.), the growth of armaments and similar things. The problem of ecology, overpopulation and backwardness are directly related to the threat of a possible food shortage in the near future. Today, in a large number of countries, due to rapid population growth and insufficient development of agriculture, modern methods. However, the possibilities for increasing its productivity are apparently not unlimited. After all, an increase in the use of mineral fertilizers, pesticides, etc. leads to a deterioration of the environmental situation and an increasing concentration of substances harmful to humans in food. On the other hand, the development of cities and technology takes a lot of fertile land out of production. Lack of good drinking water is especially harmful.

Problems of energy resources.

Artificially low prices misled consumers and served as an impetus for the second phase of the energy crisis. Nowadays, the energy obtained from fossil fuels is used to maintain and increase the achieved level of consumption. But as the state of the environment deteriorates, energy and labor will have to be spent on stabilizing the environment, which the biosphere can no longer cope with. But then more than 99 percent of the electrical and labor costs will go to stabilizing the environment. But the maintenance and development of civilization remains less than one percent. There is no alternative to increasing energy production yet. But nuclear energy has come under the powerful pressure of public opinion, hydropower is expensive, and unconventional forms of generating energy from solar, wind, and tidal energy are under development. What remains is... traditional thermal power engineering, and with it the dangers associated with air pollution. The work of many economists has shown: electricity consumption per capita is a very representative indicator of the standard of living in the country. Electricity is a commodity that can be spent on your needs or sold for rubles.

The problem of AIDS and drug addiction.

Fifteen years ago, it was hardly possible to foresee that the media would pay so much attention to the disease, which received the short name AIDS - “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.” Now the geography of the disease is striking. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 100,000 cases of AIDS have been detected worldwide since the outbreak began. The disease has been detected in 124 countries. The largest number of them are in the USA. The social, economic and purely humanitarian costs of this disease are already great, and the future is not so optimistic as to seriously count on a quick solution to this problem. No less evil is the international mafia and especially drug addiction, which poisons the health of tens of millions of people and creates a breeding ground for crime and disease. Already today, even in developed countries, there are countless diseases, including mental ones. In theory, the hemp fields should be protected by the workers of the state farm - the owner of the plantation. The foreman's are red from constant lack of sleep. When understanding this problem, it is necessary to take into account that in this small North Caucasian republic there is no cultivation of poppy and hemp - neither public nor private. The republic has become a “transshipment base” for dope traders from various regions. The growth of drug addiction and the struggle with the authorities resembles a monster that is being fought. This is how the term “drug mafia” arose, which today has become synonymous with millions of ruined lives, broken hopes and destinies, a synonym for the catastrophe that befell an entire generation of young people. In recent years, the drug mafia has been spending part of its profits on strengthening its “material base.” That is why the caravans with the “white death” in the “golden triangle” are accompanied by detachments of armed mercenaries. The drug mafia has its own runways, etc. A war has been declared against the drug mafia, in which tens of thousands of people and latest achievement science and technology. Among the most commonly used drugs are cocaine and heroin. The health consequences are exacerbated by the alternating use of two or more types of different drugs, as well as by particularly dangerous methods of administration. Those who inject them into a vein face a new danger - they run a huge risk of contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can be fatal. Among the reasons for the growing craving for drugs among young people are those who do not have a job, but even those who have a job are afraid of losing it, no matter what it is. There are, of course, “personal” reasons - relationships with parents are not working out, unlucky in love. And in difficult times, thanks to the “concerns” of the drug mafia, drugs are always at hand... “White Death” is not satisfied with the positions it has gained, feeling the growing demand for its goods, the sellers of poison and death continue their offensive.

The problem of thermonuclear war.

No matter how serious the dangers for humanity are that accompany all other global problems, they are not even in the aggregate comparable to the catastrophic demographic, environmental and other consequences of a global thermonuclear war, which threatens the very existence of civilization and life on our planet. Back in the late 70s, scientists believed that a global thermonuclear war would be accompanied by the death of many hundreds of millions of people and the resolution of world civilization. Studies on the likely consequences of thermonuclear war have revealed that even 5% of the currently accumulated nuclear arsenal of the great powers will be enough to plunge our planet into an irreversible environmental catastrophe: the soot rising into the atmosphere from incinerated cities and forest fires will create a screen impenetrable to sunlight and will lead to a drop in temperature by tens of degrees, so even in tropical zone a long polar night will come. The priority of preventing a global thermonuclear war is determined not only by its consequences, but also by the fact that a non-violent world without nuclear weapons creates the need for prerequisites and guarantees for the scientific and practical solution of all other global problems in the conditions of international cooperation.

Chapter III. Interrelation of global problems. All global problems of our time are closely related to each other and mutually conditioned, so that an isolated solution to them is practically impossible. Thus, ensuring the further economic development of mankind with natural resources obviously presupposes the prevention of increasing environmental pollution, otherwise this will lead to an environmental disaster on a planetary scale in the foreseeable future. That is why both of these global problems are rightly called environmental and are even considered, with some justification, as two sides of a single environmental problem. In turn, this environmental problem can only be solved along the path of a new type of environmental development, fruitfully using the potential of the scientific and technological revolution, while simultaneously preventing its negative consequences. And although the pace of environmental growth over the past four decades, in general, in developing times this gap has increased. Statistical calculations show: if the annual population growth in developing countries were the same as in developed countries, then the contrast between them in terms of per capita income would have been reduced by now. Up to 1:8 and could turn out to be comparable per capita amounts twice as high as they are now. However, this “demographic explosion” itself in developing countries, according to scientists, is due to their continued economic, social and cultural backwardness. The inability of humanity to develop at least one of the global problems will most negatively affect the ability to solve all the others. In the view of some Western scientists, the interconnection and interdependence of global problems form a kind of “vicious circle” of disasters insoluble for humanity, from which there is either no way out at all, or the only salvation is the immediate cessation of environmental growth and population growth. This approach to global problems is accompanied by various alarmist, pessimistic forecasts for the future of humanity.

Christianity

Christianity began in the 1st century in Israel in the context of the messianic movements of Judaism.

Christianity has Jewish roots. Yeshua (Jesus) was raised as a Jew, observed the Torah, attended synagogue on Shabbat, and observed holidays. The apostles, the first disciples of Yeshua, were Jews.

According to the New Testament text of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:26), the noun “Χριστιανοί” - Christians, adherents (or followers) of Christ, first came into use to designate supporters of the new faith in the Syrian-Hellenistic city of Antioch in the 1st century.

Initially, Christianity spread among the Jews of Palestine and the Mediterranean diaspora, but, starting from the first decades, thanks to the preaching of the Apostle Paul, it gained more and more followers among other peoples (“pagans”). Until the 5th century, the spread of Christianity occurred mainly within the geographical boundaries of the Roman Empire, as well as in the sphere of its cultural influence (Armenia, eastern Syria, Ethiopia), later (mainly in the 2nd half of the 1st millennium) - among the Germanic and Slavic peoples, later (by the XIII-XIV centuries) - also among the Baltic and Finnish peoples. Into the new and modern times The spread of Christianity outside Europe occurred due to colonial expansion and the activities of missionaries.

Currently, the number of adherents of Christianity around the world exceeds 1 billion [source?], of which in Europe - about 475 million, in Latin America - about 250 million, in North America - about 155 million, in Asia - about 100 million, in Africa - about 110 million; Catholics - about 660 million, Protestants - about 300 million (including 42 million Methodists and 37 million Baptists), Orthodox and adherents of “non-Chalcedonian” religions of the East (Monophysites, Nestorians, etc.) - about 120 million.

Main features of the Christian religion

1) spiritualistic monotheism, deepened by the doctrine of the trinity of Persons in the single being of the Divine. This teaching has given and continues to give rise to the deepest philosophical and religious speculations, revealing the depth of its content over the centuries from new and new sides:

2) the concept of God as an absolutely perfect Spirit, not only absolute Reason and Omnipotence, but also absolute Goodness and Love (God is love);

3) the doctrine of the absolute value of the human person as an immortal, spiritual being created by God in His image and likeness, and the doctrine of the equality of all people in their relationship to God: they are still loved by Him, like children of the Heavenly Father, all are destined for eternal blissful existence in union with God, everyone is given the means to achieve this destiny - free will and divine grace;

4) the doctrine of the ideal purpose of man, which consists in endless, comprehensive, spiritual improvement (be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect);

5) the doctrine of the complete dominance of the spiritual principle over matter: God is the unconditional Lord of matter, as its Creator: He has given man dominion over the material world in order to fulfill his ideal purpose through the material body and in the material world; Thus, Christianity, dualistic in metaphysics (since it accepts two foreign substances - spirit and matter), is monistic as a religion, for it places matter in unconditional dependence on the spirit, as a creation and medium for the activity of the spirit. Therefore it

6) equally far from metaphysical and moral materialism, and from hatred towards matter and the material world as such. Evil is not in matter and not from matter, but from the perverted free will of spiritual beings (angels and humans), from whom it passed onto matter (“cursed is the earth because of your deeds,” God says to Adam; during creation, everything was “good and evil” ").

7) the doctrine of the resurrection of the flesh and the bliss of the resurrected flesh of the righteous together with their souls in the enlightened, eternal, material world and

8) in the second cardinal dogma of Christianity - in the teaching about the God-man, about the Eternal Son of God truly incarnate and made human to save people from sin, curse and death, identified by the Christian church with its Founder, Jesus Christ. Thus, Christianity, with all its impeccable idealism, is a religion of harmony of matter and spirit; it does not curse or deny any of the spheres of human activity, but ennobles them all, inspiring us to remember that they are all only means for man to achieve spiritual, god-like perfection.

In addition to these features, the indestructibility of the Christian religion is facilitated by:

1) the essential metaphysical nature of its content, making it invulnerable to scientific and philosophical criticism and

2) for the Catholic churches of the East and West - the doctrine of the infallibility of the church in matters of dogma due to the Holy Spirit acting in it at all times - a doctrine that, in the correct understanding, protects it, in particular, from historical and historical-philosophical criticism.

These features, carried by Christianity through two millennia, despite the abyss of misunderstandings, hobbies, attacks, and sometimes unsuccessful defenses, despite all the abyss of evil that was and is being done supposedly in the name of Christianity, lead to the fact that if Christian teaching could always be accepted and not accept, believe in it or not believe, then it is impossible and will never be possible to refute it. To the indicated features of the attractiveness of the Christian religion, it is necessary to add one more and by no means the least: the incomparable Personality of its Founder. To renounce Christ is perhaps even much more difficult than to renounce Christianity.

Today in Christianity there are the following main directions:

Catholicism.

Orthodoxy

Protestantism

Catholicism or Catholicism(from the Greek καθολικός - universal; for the first time in relation to the church the term “η Καθολικη Εκκλησία” was used around 110 in a letter of St. Ignatius to the inhabitants of Smyrna and enshrined in the Nicene Creed) - the largest branch of Christians in terms of the number of adherents (more than 1 billion) stva , formed in the 1st millennium on the territory of the Western Roman Empire. The final break with Eastern Orthodoxy occurred in 1054.

Orthodoxy(tracing paper from Greek ὀρθοδοξία - “correct judgment, glorification”)

The term can be used in 3 similar but distinctly different meanings:

1. Historically, as well as in theological literature, sometimes in the expression “Orthodoxy of Jesus Christ”, denotes the teaching approved by the universal Church - as opposed to heresy. The term came into use at the end of IV and in doctrinal documents was often used as a synonym for the term “catholic” (in the Latin tradition - “Catholic”) (καθολικός).

2. In modern wide usage, it denotes a direction in Christianity that took shape in the east of the Roman Empire during the first millennium AD. e. under the leadership and with the leading role of the department of the Bishop of Constantinople - New Rome, which professes the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and recognizes the decrees of the 7 Ecumenical Councils.

3. The set of teachings and spiritual practices that contains Orthodox Church. The latter is understood as a community of autocephalous local Churches that have Eucharistic communion with each other (Latin: Communicatio in sacris).

It is lexicologically incorrect in Russian to use the terms “orthodoxy” or “orthodox” in any of the given meanings, although such usage is sometimes found in secular literature.

Protestantism(from lat. protestans, gen. p. protestantis - publicly proving) - one of the three, along with Catholicism (see Papacy) and Orthodoxy, the main directions of Christianity, which is a collection of numerous and independent Churches and denominations associated with their origins with the Reformation - a broad anti-Catholic movement of the 16th century in Europe.

GLOBAL PROBLEMS

GLOBAL PROBLEMS

(from Latin globus (terrae) - globe) - a set of vitally important problems that affect the whole and are insoluble within individual states and even geographic regions. G.p. came to the fore in the 20th century. as a result of significant population growth and a sharp intensification of the production process in industrial society. Attempts to solve G.p. are an indicator of the gradual formation of a single humanity and the formation of truly world history. To the number of G.p. include: prevention of thermonuclear war; reducing rapid population growth (“population explosion” in developing countries); prevention of catastrophic pollution of the environment, primarily the atmosphere and the World Ocean; ensuring further economic development with the necessary natural resources, especially non-renewable ones; bridging the gap in living standards between developed and developing countries; elimination of hunger, poverty and illiteracy, etc. Circle G.p. is not sharply outlined, their peculiarity is that they cannot be solved in isolation, and humanity itself largely depends on their solution.
G.p. generated by the colossally increased impact of man on the environment, his economic activity transforming nature, which has become comparable in scale to geological and other planetary natural processes. According to pessimistic forecasts, G.p. cannot be resolved at all and in the near future will lead humanity to an environmental disaster (R. Heilbroner). Optimistic assumes that G.p. will turn out to be a natural consequence of scientific and technological progress (G. Kahn) or the result of the elimination of social antagonisms and the construction of a perfect society (Marxism-Leninism). The intermediate one consists in the demand for a slowdown or even zero growth of the economy and world population (D. Meadows and others).

Philosophy: Encyclopedic Dictionary. - M.: Gardariki. Edited by A.A. Ivina. 2004 .

GLOBAL PROBLEMS

[French global - universal, from lat. globe (terrae)- globe], a set of vitally important problems of humanity, on the solution of which further progress in modern era - preventing a world thermonuclear war and ensuring peaceful conditions for the development of all peoples; bridging the growing economic gap level and per capita income between developed and developing countries by eliminating their backwardness, as well as eliminating hunger, poverty and illiteracy on the globe; cessation strives. population growth (“demographic explosion” in developing countries) and eliminating the danger of “depopulation” in developed capitalist countries. countries; preventing catastrophic environmental pollution, including the atmosphere, oceans and T. d.; ensuring further economic development of humanity with necessary natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, including food, prom. raw materials and energy sources; prevention of direct and distant ones will be denied. consequences of scientific and technical revolution. Some researchers also include problems of health care, education, social values ​​and T. P.

These are vital important issues although they existed before to one degree or another as local and regional contradictions, they acquired modern planetary era and unprecedented scale due to the specific historical situation that has developed on the globe. situation, namely a sharp exacerbation of uneven socio-economic. and scientific and technical. progress, as well as the growing process of internationalization of all societies. activities. Contrary to opinion pl. scientists and societies. figures in the West, in particular representatives of the Club of Rome, G. p. are generated not so much by the colossally increased means of human influence on the world and on a huge scale (scale) his household activity, which has become comparable to geological. And etc. planetary natures. processes, and above all the spontaneity of societies. development and anarchy of production under capitalism, the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing exploitation of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latvia. America is multinational. corporations, as well as etc. antagonistic contradictions, the pursuit of profit and current benefits to the detriment of the long-term, fundamental interests of society as a whole. The global nature of these problems does not stem from their “ubiquity,” and certainly not from their “predatory nature.” nature of man,” supposedly equally inherent in any social system, as they say bourgeois ideologists, but from the fact that they somehow affect humanity as a whole and cannot be completely resolved within the framework dept. states and even geographical. regions. They also cannot be successfully solved in isolation from one another.

Universal. the character of civil society does not at all give them a supra-class and non-ideological character. content is believed bourgeois scientists, considering them from the standpoint of abstract humanism and liberal reformist philanthropy. The global nature of these problems does not negate the class approach to their study and fundamental differences in methods and methods for solving them in various social systems Oh. Marxists reject the pessimism common in the West. and pseudo-optimistic. concepts of G. p., according to which they either cannot be resolved at all and will inevitably plunge humanity into catastrophe (. Heilbroner), or can be resolved only by price T. And. zero growth of the world economy and population (D. Meadows and etc.) , or to solve them, only one scientific and technical progress (G. Kahn). The Marxist approach to G. p. differs from the non-Marxist one also with regard to their hierarchy (priority in their decision): to the bourgeoisie, to ideologists who put forward either environmentalism first. problems, or “demographic. explosion" or the contrast between "poor and rich nations" (advanced North and backward South), Marxists believe the most insistent. the problem of preventing global thermonuclear war, ending the arms race and ensuring international security, believing that this will create not only favorable peaceful conditions for socio-economic. progress of all peoples, but will also free up enormous material resources for solving the remaining G. p. Consistent. resolution of emerging G. and. is possible only after the elimination of social antagonisms and the establishment of relations between society and nature on a global scale, i.e. in communist society. However, already in modern conditions pl. G. problems can be successfully resolved not only in socialist. society, but also the rest of the world in the course of general democracy. struggle for and detente, against selfishness. state-monopoly policy capital, through the deployment of mutually beneficial international cooperation, establishment of a new world economic. order in relations between developed and developing countries.

Mutual conditionality and the complex nature of G. p. suggest that they scientific research can be successfully carried out only through the cooperation of scientists of different specialties, representatives of society, natural sciences. and technical sciences, based on dialectic. method and use of such methods scientific knowledge of social reality, as well as global.

Materials of the XXVI Congress CPSU, M., 1981; Brezhnev L.I., Great October and the progress of mankind, M., 1977; Commoner B., Closing Circle, lane With English, L., 1974; Biola G., Marxism and the Environment, lane O French, M., 1975; Bud yko M.I., Global ecology, M., 1977; Shiman M., Towards the third millennium, lane With Hungarian, M., 1977; G v i sh i a n i D. M., Methodological. problems of modeling global development, "VF", 1978, "" 2; Arab-Ogly 9. A., Demographic and environmental forecasts, M., 1978; Forrester J. V., World, lane With English, M., 1978; Zagladin V., Frolov I., G. p. and the future of humanity, “Communist”, 1979, No. 7; theirs, G. p. modernity: scientific and social aspects, M., 1981; Frolov I. T., Human Perspectives, M., 1979; Sociological aspects of global modeling, M., 1979; The future of the global economy (Report of the UN group of experts headed by V. Leontyev), lane With English, M., 1979; Future. Real problems and bourgeois speculations, Sofia, 1979; ? e h e i A., Human. quality, lane With English, M., 1980; State of the Art of Modernity, M., 1981; Leibin V.M., “Models of the world” and “man”: Critical. ideas of the Club of Rome, M., 1981; F a l k R., The study of future worlds, N.Y., ; Kahn H., Brown W., Martel L., The next 200 years, L., 1977.

Philosophical encyclopedic Dictionary. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. Ch. editor: L. F. Ilyichev, P. N. Fedoseev, S. M. Kovalev, V. G. Panov. 1983 .

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Essay. Global problems of our time

In the modern world, people face a huge number of problems, the solution of which determines the fate of humanity. These are the so-called global problems of our time, that is, a set of socio-natural problems, the solution of which determines the social progress of mankind and the preservation of civilization. In my opinion, global problems that put all of humanity at risk are a consequence of the confrontation between nature and human activity. It was man, with all the diversity of his activities, that provoked the emergence of many global problems.

Today the following global problems are identified:

the North-South problem - the development gap between rich and poor countries, poverty, hunger and illiteracy;

the threat of thermonuclear war and ensuring peace for all nations, preventing the world community from unauthorized proliferation of nuclear technologies and radioactive pollution of the environment;

catastrophic environmental pollution;

providing humanity with resources, depletion of oil, natural gas, coal, fresh water, wood, non-ferrous metals;

global warming;

ozone holes;

terrorism;

violence and organized crime.

Greenhouse effect;

acid rain;

pollution of seas and oceans;

air pollution and many other problems.

These problems are characterized by dynamism, arise as an objective factor in the development of society and require the united efforts of all humanity to be solved. Global problems are interconnected, cover all aspects of people's lives and affect all countries. In my opinion, one of the most dangerous problems is the possibility of the destruction of humanity in a third world thermonuclear war - a hypothetical military conflict between states or military-political blocs possessing nuclear and thermonuclear weapons. Measures to prevent war and hostilities were already developed by I. Kant at the end of the 18th century. The measures he proposed: non-financing of military operations; rejection of hostile relationships, respect; conclusion of the relevant international treaties and the creation of an international union seeking to implement a policy of peace, etc.

Another serious problem is terrorism. IN modern conditions Terrorists have at their disposal a huge number of lethal means or weapons that can kill a huge number of innocent people.

Terrorism is a phenomenon, a form of crime, directed directly against a person, threatening his life and thereby seeking to achieve its goals. Terrorism is absolutely unacceptable from a humanistic point of view, and from a legal point of view it is a grave crime.

Environmental problems are another type of global problem. It includes: lithosphere pollution; hydrosphere pollution; atmospheric pollution.

Thus, today a real threat hangs over the world. Humanity must take measures as quickly as possible to resolve existing problems and prevent the emergence of new problems.

The development trends of human culture are contradictory, the level public organization, political and environmental consciousness often does not correspond to the active transformative activity of man. The formation of a global human community, a single sociocultural space has led to the fact that local contradictions and conflicts have acquired a global scale.

The main causes and prerequisites for global problems:

• accelerating the pace of social development;
• constantly increasing anthropogenic impact on the biosphere;
• population increase;
• strengthening the interconnection and interdependence between different countries and regions.

Researchers offer several options for classifying global problems.

The challenges facing humanity today modern stage development, relate to both the technical and moral spheres.

The most pressing global problems can be divided into three groups:

• problems of a natural and economic nature;
• social problems;
• problems of a political and socio-economic nature.

1. Environmental problem. Intensive economic activity human and consumer attitude towards nature negatively affect environment: soil, water, air are polluted; The planet's flora and fauna are becoming impoverished, and its forest cover has been largely destroyed. These processes together pose a threat to humanity of a global environmental catastrophe.

2. Energy problem. In recent decades, energy-intensive industries have been actively developing in the world economy, and in connection with this, the problem of non-renewable reserves of organic fuel (coal, oil, gas) is becoming more acute. Traditional energy increases human pressure on the biosphere.

3. Raw materials problem. Natural mineral resources, which are a source of raw materials for industry, are exhaustible and non-renewable. Mineral reserves are rapidly declining.

4. Problems of using the World Ocean. Humanity is faced with the task of rational and careful use of the World Ocean as a source of biological resources, minerals, fresh water, as well as the use of waters as natural routes of communication.

5. Space exploration. Space exploration contains great potential opportunities for the scientific, technical and economic development of society, especially in the field of energy and geophysics.

Social problems

1. Demographic and food problems. The world's population is constantly increasing, which entails an increase in consumption. In this area, two trends are clearly visible: the first is the demographic explosion (sharp population growth) in the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America; the second is low birth rates and the associated aging of the population in Western European countries.
Population growth increases the need for food, industrial goods, and fuel, which leads to increased stress on the biosphere.
The development of the food sector of the economy and the efficiency of the food distribution system lag behind the rate of population growth on the planet, as a result of which the problem of hunger is worsening.

2. The problem of poverty and low living standards.

It is in poor countries with underdeveloped economies that the population is growing fastest, as a result of which the standard of living is extremely low. Poverty and illiteracy among large sections of the population and insufficient medical care are one of the main problems in developing countries.

Problems of a political and socio-economic nature

1. The problem of peace and disarmament. At the present stage of human development, it has become clear that war cannot be a way to solve international problems. Military actions not only lead to massive destruction and loss of life, but also give rise to retaliatory aggression. The threat of nuclear war made it necessary to limit nuclear tests and weapons to international level, however, this problem has not yet been completely resolved by the world community.

2. Overcoming the backwardness of underdeveloped countries. The problem of closing the gap in the level of economic development between Western countries and Third World countries cannot be solved by the efforts of lagging countries. The states of the “third world,” many of which remained colonially dependent until the mid-20th century, have embarked on the path of catching-up economic development, but they still cannot provide normal living conditions for the vast majority of the population and political stability in society.

3. The problem of interethnic relations. Along with the processes of cultural integration and unification, the desire of individual countries and peoples to assert national identity and sovereignty is increasing. Manifestations of these aspirations often take the form of aggressive nationalism and religious and cultural intolerance.

4. The problem of international crime and terrorism. The development of communications and transport, population mobility, transparency of interstate borders contributed not only to the mutual enrichment of cultures and economic growth, but also to the development of international crime, drug trafficking, illegal weapons business, etc. The problem became particularly acute at the turn of the 20th–21st centuries international terrorism. Terrorism is the use or threat of force to intimidate and suppress political opponents. Terrorism is no longer a problem of one single state. The scale of the terrorist threat in the modern world requires joint efforts of different countries to overcome it.

Ways to overcome global problems have not yet been found, but it is obvious that to solve them it is necessary to subordinate the activities of mankind to the interests of the survival of people, the preservation of the natural environment and the creation favorable conditions life for future generations.

The main ways to solve global problems:

1. Formation of humanistic consciousness, a sense of responsibility of all people for their actions;

2. A comprehensive study of the causes and prerequisites leading to the emergence and aggravation of conflicts and contradictions in human society and its interaction with nature, informing the population about global problems, monitoring global processes, their control and forecasting;

3. Development of the latest technologies and methods of interaction with the environment: waste-free production, resource-saving technologies, alternative energy sources (solar, wind, etc.);

4. Active international cooperation to ensure peaceful and sustainable development, exchange of experience in solving problems, creation of international centers for the exchange of information and coordination of joint efforts.

• Commoner B. Closing circle. Nature, man, technology. L., 1974.
• Pechchen A. Human qualities. M., 1980.
• Global problems and universal values. M., 1990.
• Sidorina T.Yu. Humanity between death and prosperity. M., 1997.

Global problems of the world - a breakthrough into the future world order

Global Studies, Global forecasting and modeling has been emerging and rapidly developing since the middle of this century. This is due to the awareness and study of global problems of the modern world.

The concept “global” comes from Lat. globus is a globe and is used to record the most important planetary problems modern era facing humanity.

There have always been and will continue to be problems facing people, humanity.

Which of the totality of problems are called global?

When and why do they occur?

Global problems highlight by object , in terms of the breadth of reality, these are social contradictions that cover humanity as a whole , and every person. Global problems affect the fundamental conditions of existence; This is a stage in the development of contradictions that poses Hamlet’s question to humanity: “to be or not to be?” — touches on the problems of the meaning of life, the meaning of human existence.

Global problems and methods for solving them. They can only be resolved through the joint efforts of the world community and integrated methods. Here, private feasibility measures are no longer enough. To solve modern global problems it is necessary a new type of thinking, where the main ones are moral and humanistic criteria.

The emergence of global problems in the twentieth century is due to the fact that, as V.I. Vernadsky predicted, human activity acquired a planetary character. There has been a transition from the thousand-year spontaneous development of successive local civilizations to world civilization.

Founder and President of the Club of Rome (Club of Rome - international non-governmental organization, uniting about 100 scientists, public figures, businessmen, created in 1968 in Rome to discuss and research global problems, promoting the formation of public opinion regarding these problems) A. Peccei wrote: “The diagnosis of these difficulties is still unknown, and it is impossible to prescribe against them effective medicines; at the same time, they are aggravated by the close interdependence that now connects everything in the human system... In our artificially created world, literally everything has reached unprecedented sizes and proportions: dynamics, speed, energy, complexity - and our problems too. They are now simultaneously psychological, social, economic, technical, and, in addition, political.”

In modern literature on global studies, several main blocks of problems are identified. The main problem is the problem of the survival of human civilization.

What is the main threat to humanity?

Production and stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction, which can get out of control.

Increasing anthropogenic pressure on nature. Ecological problem.

Related to the first two are raw materials, energy and food problems.

Demographic problems (uncontrolled, rapid population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, excessive concentration of population in large and major cities).

Overcoming comprehensive backwardness by developing countries.

Fighting dangerous diseases.

Problems of space exploration and the World Ocean.

The problem of overcoming the cultural crisis, the decline of spiritual, primarily moral values, the formation and development of a new social consciousness with the priority of universal human values.

Let us characterize the last of these problems in more detail.

The problem of the decline of spiritual culture has long been called among the main global problems, but right now, at the end of the twentieth century, scientists and public figures it is defined as the key one on which the decision of everyone else depends. The most terrible of the catastrophes that threaten us is not so much the atomic, thermal and similar options for the physical destruction of humanity, but rather the anthropological one - the destruction of the human in man.

Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov in his article “The World Through Man” wrote: “Strong and contradictory feelings cover everyone who thinks about the future of the world in 50 years - about the future in which our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will live. These feelings are dejection and horror before the tangle of tragic dangers and difficulties of the immensely complex future of humanity, but at the same time hope for the strength of reason and humanity in the souls of billions of people, which alone can withstand the impending chaos.” Further, A.D. Sakharov warns that... “even if the main danger is eliminated—the destruction of civilization in the fire of a major thermonuclear war—the situation of humanity will remain critical.

Humanity is threatened by the decline of personal and state morality, which is already manifested in the deep collapse in many countries of the basic ideals of law and legality, in consumer selfishness, in the general growth of criminal tendencies, in international nationalist and political terrorism, in the destructive spread of alcoholism and drug addiction. IN different countries the reasons for these phenomena are somewhat different. Yet it seems to me that the deepest, primary reason lies in the internal lack of spirituality, in which a person’s personal morality and responsibility are crowded out and suppressed by an authority that is abstract and inhuman in its essence, alienated from the individual.”

Aurelio Peccei, reflecting on various options for solving global problems, also calls the main one “Human Revolution” - that is, a change in man himself. “Man has subjugated the planet,” he writes, “and now must learn to manage it, to comprehend the difficult art of being a leader on Earth. If he finds the strength to fully and fully understand the complexity and instability of his current situation and accept a certain responsibility, if he can achieve a level of cultural maturity that will allow him to fulfill this difficult mission, then the future belongs to him. If he falls victim to his own internal crisis and fails to cope with the high role of defender and chief arbiter of life on the planet, well, then man is destined to witness how the number of such people will sharply decrease, and the standard of living will again slide to the level that has been passed for several centuries back. And only New Humanism is capable of ensuring the transformation of man, raising his quality and capabilities to a level corresponding to the new increased responsibility of man in this world.” According to Peccei, three aspects characterize the New Humanism: a sense of globality, love of justice and intolerance of violence.

From the general characteristics of global problems, let us move on to the methodology of their analysis and forecast. In modern futurology and global studies, attempts are being made to study global problems in a complex, interconnected manner. The classic example of global forecasting models is still considered the “Limits to Growth” model, carried out by project team Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the direction of Dr. D. Meadows. The group's findings were presented as its first report to the Club of Rome in 1972.

J. Forrester proposed (and the Meadows group implemented this proposal) to calculate from a complex set of global socio-economic processes several that are decisive for the fate of humanity, and then “play out” their interaction on a cybernetic model using a computer. The growth of the world population, as well as industrial production, food, a decrease in mineral resources and increased pollution of the natural environment were chosen as such.

Modeling showed that at the current growth rates of world population (over 2% per year, doubling in 33 years) and industrial production (in the 60s - 5-7% per year, doubling in about 10 years) during the first decades of the 21st century, mineral resources will be exhausted, production growth will cease, and environmental pollution will become irreversible.

To avoid such a catastrophe and create a global balance, the authors recommended sharply reducing the growth rate of population and industrial production, reducing them to the level of simple reproduction of people and machines according to the principle: new only to replace the old that retires (the concept of “zero growth”).

Let us reproduce some elements of the methodology and techniques of predictive modeling.

1) Construction of a basic model.

The main indicators of the base model in the case we are considering were:

Population. In D. Meadows' model, population growth trends are extrapolated into the coming decade. Based on this, a number of conclusions are formed: (1) there is no possibility of flattening the population growth curve before 2000; (2) most of the probable parents of 2000 have already been born; (3) we can expect that in 30 years the world population will be about 7 billion people. In other words, if we reduce mortality as successfully as before, and, as before, we try unsuccessfully to reduce fertility, then in 2030 the number of people in the world will increase 4 times compared to 1970.

Production. There was a conclusion that production growth outpaced population growth. This conclusion is inaccurate, because it is based on the hypothesis that the increasing industrial production of the world is evenly distributed among all earthlings. In fact, most of the world's growth in industrial output occurs in industrialized countries, where population growth rates are very low.

Calculations show that in the process of economic growth, the gap between the rich and poor countries of the world is tirelessly increasing.

Food. A third of the world's population (50-60% of the population in developing countries) suffers from malnutrition. And although overall agricultural production in the world is increasing, per capita food production in developing countries is barely maintained at its current, rather low level.

Mineral resources. The ability to increase food production ultimately depends on the availability of non-renewable resources.

At the current rate of consumption of natural resources and their further increase, according to D. Meadows, the vast majority of non-renewable resources will become extremely expensive in 100 years.

Nature. Will the biosphere survive? Man has only recently begun to show concern about his activities on the natural environment. Attempts to quantitatively measure this phenomenon arose even later and are still imperfect. Since environmental pollution is complexly dependent on population, industrialization and specific technological processes, it is difficult to give an accurate estimate of how quickly the exponential curve of overall pollution is rising. However, if in 2000 there are 7 billion people in the world, and the gross national product per capita will be the same as today in the United States, then total environmental pollution will be at least 10 times higher than modern levels.

Whether natural systems will be able to withstand this remains to be seen. Most likely, the permissible limit will be reached on a global scale with exponential growth in population and the pollution produced by each person.

Model 1 “standard type”

Initial parcels. It is assumed that there will be no fundamental changes in the physical, economic or social relationships that historically determined the development of the world system (for the period from 1900 to 1970).

Food and industrial output, as well as population, will grow exponentially until rapid resource depletion causes industrial growth to slow. After this, the population will continue to increase for some time due to inertia, and at the same time, environmental pollution will continue. Eventually, population growth will be halved as a result of increased mortality rates due to lack of food and medical care.

Model 2

Initial parcels. It is assumed that “unlimited” sources of nuclear energy will double existing natural resources and implement an extensive program for recycling and replacing resources.

Forecasting the development of the world system. Since resources will not be depleted as quickly, industrialization can reach a higher level than with the standard type model. However, a large number of more large enterprises will pollute the environment very quickly, which will lead to an increase in the mortality rate and a decrease in the amount of food. At the end of the relevant period, resources will be severely depleted, despite the doubling of the initial reserves.

Model 3

Initial parcels. Natural resources are fully utilized and 75% of them are reused. The emission of pollutants is 4 times less than in 1970. The yield per unit of land area has doubled. Effective birth control measures are available to the entire world population.

Predicted development of the world system. It will be possible (albeit temporarily) to achieve a stable population with an average annual per capita income almost equal to the average income of the US population today. However, in the end, although industrial growth will be halved and the mortality rate will increase as a result of resource depletion, pollution will accumulate and food production will decline.

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….3

1. The concept of global problems modern society…………………….5

2. Ways to solve global problems……………………….15

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….20

List of used literature………………………………………………………23

Introduction.

A sociology test is presented on the topic: “Global problems of modern society: the reasons for their occurrence and aggravation at the present stage of human development.”

The purpose of the test will be the following - to consider the causes of global problems of modern society and their aggravation.

Tasks test work :

1.Explain the concept of global problems of modern society, their causes.

2. Characterize ways to solve global problems at the present stage of human development.

It should be noted that sociology studies the social.

Social in our life is a combination of certain properties and features public relations, integrated by individuals or communities in the process of joint activity (interaction) in specific conditions and manifested in their relationships to each other, to their position in society, to the phenomena and processes of social life.

Any system of social relations (economic, political, cultural and spiritual) concerns the relationship of people to each other and to society, and therefore has its own social aspect.

A social phenomenon or process occurs when the behavior of even one individual is influenced by another or a group (community) regardless of their physical presence.

Sociology is designed to study precisely this.

On the one hand, the social is a direct expression of social practice, on the other hand, it is subject to constant change due to the influence of this very social practice on it.

Sociology is faced with the task of cognition of the stable, essential and at the same time constantly changing in the social, analysis of the relationship between the constant and the variable in the specific state of a social object.

In reality, a specific situation acts as an unknown social fact, which must be realized in the interests of practice.

A social fact is a single socially significant event, typical for a given sphere of social life.

Humanity has experienced the tragedy of two of the most destructive and bloody world wars.

New means of labor and Appliances; the development of education and culture, the affirmation of the priority of human rights, etc., provide opportunities for human improvement and a new quality of life.

But there are a number of problems to which we need to find an answer, a path, a solution, a way out of a disastrous situation.

That's why relevance test work is that now global problems - this is a multidimensional series of negative phenomena that you need to know and understand how to get out of them.

The test consists of an introduction, two chapters, a conclusion, and a list of references.

Authors such as V.E. Ermolaev, Yu.V. Irkhin, V.A. Maltsev helped us a lot when writing the test.

The concept of global problems of our time

It is believed that the global problems of our time are generated precisely by the pervasive unevenness of the development of world civilization, when the technical power of mankind has immeasurably surpassed the level of social organization it has achieved and political thinking has clearly lagged behind political reality.

Also, the motives of human activity and his moral values ​​are very far from the social, environmental and demographic foundations of the era.

Global (from French Global) is universal, (Latin Globus) is a ball.

Based on this, the meaning of the word “global” can be defined as:

1) covering the entire globe, worldwide;

2) comprehensive, complete, universal.

The present time is the boundary of a change of eras, the entry of the modern world into a qualitatively new phase of development.

Therefore, the most characteristic features of the modern world will be:

information revolution;

acceleration of modernization processes;

compaction of space;

acceleration of historical and social time;

the end of the bipolar world (confrontation between the USA and Russia);

reconsidering the Eurocentric worldview;

growing influence of eastern states;

integration (convergence, interpenetration);

globalization (strengthening interconnection and interdependence of countries and peoples);

strengthening national cultural values ​​and traditions.

So, global problems- this is a set of problems of humanity, on the solution of which the existence of civilization depends and, therefore, requiring coordinated international action to solve them.

Now let's try to find out what they have in common.

These problems are characterized by dynamism, arise as an objective factor in the development of society and require the united efforts of all humanity to be solved. Global problems are interconnected, cover all aspects of people's lives and affect all countries of the world. It has become obvious that global problems not only concern all of humanity, but are also vitally important to it. Complex problems facing humanity can be considered global because:

firstly, they affect all of humanity, touching on the interests and destinies of all countries, peoples and social strata;

secondly, global problems do not respect borders;

thirdly, they lead to significant losses of an economic and social nature, and sometimes to a threat to the existence of civilization itself;

fourthly, they require broad international cooperation to solve these problems, since not one state, no matter how powerful it may be, is unable to solve them on its own.

The relevance of global problems of humanity is determined by a number of factors, the main of which include:
1. Sharp acceleration of social development processes.

This acceleration clearly revealed itself already in the first decades of the 20th century. It became even more obvious in the second half of the century. The reason for the accelerated development of socio-economic processes is scientific and technological progress.

In just a few decades of scientific and technological revolution, more changes have occurred in the development of productive forces and social relations than in any similar period of time in the past.

Moreover, each subsequent change in human activities occurs at shorter intervals.

In the course of scientific and technological progress, the earth's biosphere has been powerfully impacted by various types of human activity. The anthropogenic impact of society on nature has increased sharply.
2. Global population growth. He posed a number of problems to humanity, first of all, the problem of providing food and other means of subsistence. At the same time, the ecological problems, related to the conditions of human society.
3. Problem nuclear weapons and nuclear disaster.
These and some other problems affect not only individual regions or countries, but also humanity as a whole. For example, the consequences nuclear test are felt everywhere. The depletion of the ozone layer, caused largely by an imbalance in the hydrocarbon balance, is felt by all inhabitants of the planet. Usage chemical substances, used to control field pests, can cause mass poisonings in regions and countries geographically remote from the place of production of contaminated products.
Thus, the global problems of our time are a complex of acute socio-natural contradictions that affect the world as a whole, and with it local regions and countries.

Global problems must be distinguished from regional, local and local ones.
Regional problems include a range of pressing issues that arise within individual continents, large socio-economic regions of the world or in large states.

The concept “local” refers to problems either of individual states or large areas of one or two states (for example, earthquakes, floods, other natural disasters and their consequences, local military conflicts; collapse of the Soviet Union, etc.).

Local problems arise in certain regions of states and cities (for example, conflicts between the population and the administration, temporary difficulties with water supply, heating, etc.). However, we should not forget that unresolved regional, local and local problems can become global. For example, a disaster Chernobyl nuclear power plant directly affected only a number of regions of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia (a regional problem), but if you do not accept necessary measures security, its consequences may in one way or another affect other countries, and even become global. Any local military conflict can gradually turn into a global one if its course affects the interests of a number of countries other than its participants, as evidenced by the history of the First and Second World Wars, etc.
On the other hand, since global problems, as a rule, are not solved on their own, and even with targeted efforts a positive result is not always achieved, in the practice of the world community they strive, if possible, to transform them into local ones (for example, to legally limit the birth rate in a number of individual countries with demographic explosion), which, of course, does not exhaustively solve the global problem, but it does provide a certain gain in time before the onset of catastrophic consequences.
Thus, global problems affect not only the interests of individuals, nations, countries, continents, but can affect the prospects for the future development of the world; they cannot be resolved on their own or even through the efforts of individual countries, but require focused and organized efforts of the entire world community.

Unsolved global problems can lead in the future to serious, even irreversible consequences for humans and their environment. The generally recognized global problems are: environmental pollution, resource problems, demography and nuclear weapons; a number of other problems.
The development of a classification of global problems was the result of long-term research and generalization of the experience of several decades of their study.

Other global problems are emerging.

Classification of global problems

The exceptional difficulties and high costs of solving global problems require their justified classification.

According to their origin, nature and methods of solving global problems, according to the accepted international organizations classifications are divided into three groups. The first group consists of problems determined by the main socio-economic and political tasks of humanity. These include maintaining peace, ending the arms race and disarmament, non-militarization of space, creating favorable conditions for global social progress, and overcoming the development gap of countries with low per capita incomes.

The second group covers a complex of problems revealed in the triad “man - society - technology”. These problems should take into account the effectiveness of using scientific and technical progress in the interests of harmonious social development and the elimination of the negative impact of technology on people, population growth, the establishment of human rights in the state, its liberation from the excessively increased control of state institutions, especially over personal freedom as the most important component of human rights.

The third group is represented by problems related to socio-economic processes and the environment, that is, problems of relations between society and nature. This includes solving raw materials, energy and food problems, overcoming the environmental crisis, which is spreading to more and more new areas and can destroy human life.

The end of the twentieth and beginning of XXI centuries led to the development of a number of local, specific issues of development of countries and regions into the category of global ones. However, it should be recognized that internationalization played a decisive role in this process.

The number of global problems is growing; in some publications in recent years, more than twenty problems of our time are named, but most authors identify four main global problems: environmental, peacekeeping and disarmament, demographic, fuel and raw materials.

The energy problem in the global economy

The energy resource problem as a global one began to be discussed after the energy (oil) crisis of 1972-1973, when, as a result of coordinated actions, member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) simultaneously increased the prices of the crude oil they sold by almost 10 times. A similar step, but on a more modest scale (OPEC countries were unable to overcome internal competitive contradictions), was taken in the early 80s. This allowed us to talk about the second wave of the global energy crisis. As a result, for 1972-1981. oil prices increased 14.5 times. In the literature, this was called the “global oil shock,” which marked the end of the era of cheap oil and caused a chain reaction of rising prices for various other types of raw materials. Some analysts of those years regarded such events as evidence of the depletion of the world's non-renewable natural resources and the entry of humanity into an era of prolonged energy and raw material “hunger.”

Energy and raw materials crises of the 70s - early 80s. dealt a heavy blow to the existing system of world economic relations and caused grave consequences in many countries. First of all, this affected those countries that, in the development of their national economies, relied heavily on relatively cheap and sustainable imports of energy resources and mineral raw materials.

The most profound energy and raw material crises affected most developing countries, calling into question the possibility of implementing a national development strategy in them, and in some, the possibility of economic survival of the state. It is known that the vast majority of mineral reserves located in developing countries are concentrated in about 30 of them. The remaining developing countries, in order to ensure their economic development, which in many of them was based on the idea of ​​industrialization, are forced to import most of the necessary mineral raw materials and energy resources.

Energy and raw materials crises of the 70-80s. also contained positive elements. Firstly, the united actions of natural resource suppliers from developing countries allowed outsider countries in relation to individual agreements and organizations of raw material exporting countries to pursue a more active foreign trade policy in raw materials. Thus, the former USSR became one of the largest exporters of oil and other types of energy and mineral raw materials.

Secondly, the crises gave impetus to the development of energy-saving and material-saving technologies, strengthening the regime for saving raw materials, and accelerating the structural restructuring of the economy. These measures, taken primarily by developed countries, have made it possible to significantly mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis.

In particular, only in the 70-80s. Energy intensity of production in developed countries decreased by 1/4.

Increased attention has been paid to the use of alternative materials and energy sources.

For example, in France in the 90s. Nuclear power plants produced about 80% of all electricity consumed. Currently, the share of nuclear power plants in global electricity production is 1/4.

Thirdly, under the influence of the crisis, large-scale geological exploration work began to be carried out, which led to the discovery of new oil and gas fields, as well as economically viable reserves of other types of natural raw materials. Yes, new large areas oil production, steel North Sea and Alaska, mineral raw materials - Australia, Canada, South Africa.

As a result, pessimistic forecasts for the supply of world energy and mineral raw materials gave way to optimistic calculations based on new data. If in the 70s - early 80s. supply of main types of energy resources was estimated at 30-35 years, then at the end of the 90s. it increased: for oil - up to 42 years, natural gas- up to 67 years, and for coal - up to 440 years.

Thus, the global energy resource problem in the previous understanding as the danger of an absolute shortage of resources in the world does not now exist. But the problem of reliably providing humanity with raw materials and energy remains.

Ecological problem.

ECOLOGICAL PROBLEM

(from the Greek oikos - abode, house and logos - teaching) - in a broad sense, the whole complex of issues caused by the contradictory dynamics of the internal self-development of nature. The basis of the specific manifestation of E.p. at the biological level of the organization of matter there is a contradiction between the needs of any living unit (organism, species, community) for matter, energy, information to ensure its own development and the capabilities of the environment to satisfy these needs. In a narrower sense, environmental protection is understood as a set of issues that arise in the interaction of nature and society and concern the preservation of the biosphere system, the rationalization of resource use, and the extension of ethical standards to the biological and inorganic levels of the organization of matter.
E. p. is characteristic of all stages of social development, since it is a problem of normalizing living conditions. Definition of E.p. how the problem of human survival at the present stage makes it easier to understand its content.
E. p. is the core in the system of global contradictions ( cm. GLOBAL PROBLEMS). The main factors destabilizing the global situation are: the buildup of all types of weapons; lack of effective technological and legal support for the process of destruction of certain types of weapons (for example, chemical weapons); development of nuclear weapons, operation of nuclear power plants in economically and politically unstable countries; local and regional military conflicts; attempts to use cheaper bacteriological weapons for the purposes of international terrorism; population growth and extensive urbanization, accompanied by a gap in resource consumption levels between the “have” countries and the remaining “have-not” countries; poor development of both alternative environmentally friendly types of energy and decontamination technologies; industrial accidents; uncontrolled use of genetically modified crops and organisms in the food industry; ignoring the global consequences of the storage and disposal of toxic military and industrial waste, uncontrollably “buried” in the 20th century.
The main reasons for the modern environmental crisis include: industrialization of society based on waste technologies; the predominance of anthropocentrism and technocracy in scientific support and socio-economic and political decisions in the field of environmental management; the confrontation between capitalist and socialist social systems, which determined the content of all global events of the 20th century. The modern environmental crisis is characterized by a sharp increase in all types of pollution of the biosphere with substances that are evolutionarily unusual for it; reduction species diversity and degradation of stable biogeocenoses, undermining the ability of the biosphere to self-regulate; anti-ecological orientation of the cosmization of human activity. The deepening of these trends can lead to a global environmental catastrophe - the death of humanity and its culture, the disintegration of the evolutionarily established spatiotemporal connections of living and nonliving matter of the biosphere.
E. p. is complex in nature and is the focus of the entire system of knowledge, starting from the second. floor. 20th century In the works of the Club of Rome, the ecological prospects of humanity were studied by constructing models of the modern relationship between society and nature and futurological extrapolations of the dynamics of its trends. The results of the studies revealed the fundamental insufficiency of private scientific methods and purely technical means solutions to this problem.
From ser. 1970s interdisciplinary study of socio-ecological contradictions, causes of aggravation and alternatives for future development is carried out in the course of interaction of two relatively independent directions: general scientific and humanitarian. Within the framework of a general scientific approach, V.I.’s ideas received significant theoretical development. Vernadsky, K.E. Tsiolkovsky, representatives of “constructive geography” (L. Fsvr, M. Sor) and “human geography” (P. March, J. Brun, E. Martonne).
The beginning of the humanitarian approach to environmental protection was laid by the Chicago school of environmental sociology, which studied various forms of human destruction of the environment and formulated the basic principles of environmental protection (R. Park, E. Burgess, R.D. Mackenzie). Within the framework of the humanitarian approach, patterns of abiogenic, biogenic and anthropogenically modified factors and their relationships with a set of anthropological and sociocultural factors are identified.
General scientific and humanitarian directions are united by a qualitatively new task for the entire system of knowledge of understanding the nature of changes in the structure of life caused by the global expansion of modern man. In the process of consistent consideration of this task, in line with the greening of knowledge at the intersection of humanitarian and natural sciences a complex of environmental disciplines is being formed (human ecology, social ecology, global ecology, etc.), the object of study of which is the specificity of the relationship between different levels of the fundamental life dichotomy “organism - environment”. Ecology as a set of new theoretical approaches and methodological orientations had a significant influence on the development of scientific thinking in the 20th century. and the formation of environmental consciousness.
Formed in the second. floor. 20th century Philosopher interpretations of the problem of interaction between nature and society (naturalistic, noospheric, technocratic) over the years of environmental alarmism, the development of the international environmental movement and interdisciplinary research on this problem have undergone certain stylistic and substantive changes.
Representatives of modern naturalism are traditionally based on the ideas of the intrinsic value of nature, eternity and the binding nature of its laws for all living things, and the predetermined nature of nature as the only possible environment for human existence. But a “return to nature” is understood as the continued existence of humanity only in conditions of stable biogeochemical cycles, which means the conservation of the existing natural balance by stopping large-scale technological and social changes in the environment, reducing the rate of population growth, rationalizing consumption, authoritative enforcement of environmental discipline and environmental protection, and the spread of action ethical principles at all levels of life.
Within the framework of the “noosphere approach”, the idea of ​​the noosphere, first expressed by Vernadsky in his doctrine of the biosphere, is developed as the idea of ​​co-evolution. Vernadsky understood the noosphere as a natural stage of biosphere evolution, created by the thought and labor of a single humanity. At the present stage, coevolution is interpreted as the further joint dead-end development of society and nature as interconnected, but different ways of self-reproduction of life in the biosphere.

Humanity can develop, so to speak. representatives of the noospheric approach, only in a self-developing biosphere. Human activities must be included in stable biogeochemical cycles. One of the main tasks of coevolution is to manage human adaptation to changed environmental conditions. The co-evolutionary development project provides for a radical restructuring of technologies and communication systems, large-scale waste disposal, and the creation of closed production cycles, introduction of environmental control over planning, dissemination of the principles of environmental ethics.
Representatives of the post-technocratic version of the future interaction between society and nature supplement the basic idea of ​​removing any limits from the transformative activity of humanity through a radical technological restructuring of the biosphere with the idea of ​​qualitatively improving the mechanism of evolution of man himself as a biological species. As a result, humanity will allegedly be able to exist in environments that are ecologically unusual for it, both outside the biosphere and in a completely artificial civilization within the biosphere, where social life will be provided by artificially reproduced biogeochemical cycles. In essence, we are talking about the development of the radical idea of ​​autotrophy of humanity, expressed at one time by Tsiolkovsky.
Ontological and epistemological analysis of E.p. at the present stage, it allows us to avoid one-sided theoretical conclusions, the hasty implementation of which can sharply worsen the ecological situation of humanity.

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Introduction

The growing role of world politics and relations between countries,

the relationship and scale between world processes in economic, political, social and cultural life. And also the inclusion in international life and communication of ever larger masses of the population are objective prerequisites for the emergence of global, worldwide problems. In fact, this problem is really relevant in recent times. At the moment, humanity is seriously faced with very serious problems that are affecting the whole world, in addition also threatening civilization and even the very lives of people on this earth.

Since the 70-80s of the 20th century, a system of problems associated with the growth of production, political and socio-cultural processes occurring in different countries, regions and the world as a whole has clearly emerged in society. These problems, which in the second half of the 20th century were called global, to one degree or another accompanied the formation and development of modern civilization.

Problems of world development are characterized by extreme diversity, due to regional and local characteristics, and sociocultural specifics.

Research into global problems in our country was launched with a certain delay during the period of their significant aggravation, much later than similar studies in the West.

Currently, human efforts are aimed at preventing a global military catastrophe and ending the arms race; creating prerequisites for the effective development of the world economy and eliminating socio-economic backwardness; rationalization of environmental management, prevention of changes in the natural human environment and improvement of the biosphere; carrying out an active demographic policy and solving energy, raw materials and food problems; effective use of scientific achievements and development of international cooperation. Expanding exploration research outer space and the World Ocean; elimination of the most dangerous and widespread diseases.

1 Concept of global problems

The term “global” itself originates from Latin word“globe”, that is, the Earth, the globe, and since the late 60s of the 20th century it has become widespread to designate the most important and serious planetary problems of the modern era, affecting humanity as a whole. This is a set of the most important life problems, on the solution of which the further social progress of mankind depends and which, in turn, can themselves be resolved only thanks to this progress. In order to combine different approaches to global problems, in order to understand the results obtained, the need arose for a new science - the theory of global problems, or global studies. It is intended to develop practical recommendations for solving global problems. Effective recommendations must take into account multiple social, economic and political factors

Global problems of humanity are problems of all humanity that affect the relationship between society and nature, issues of joint solutions to resource availability, and relationships between countries of the world community. Global problems have no borders. Not a single country or state is able to solve these problems on its own. Only through joint large-scale, international cooperation is it possible to solve them. It is very important to realize the universal interdependence and highlight the objectives of society. This will prevent social and economic disasters. Global problems differ from each other in their characteristics.

Of all the totality of problems of today's world, global issues vital for humanity, the qualitative criterion acquires significant importance. The qualitative side of defining global problems is expressed in the following main characteristics:

1) problems that affect the interests of all humanity and each person individually;

2) act as an objective factor in the further development of the world, the existence of modern civilization;

3) their solution requires the efforts of all peoples, or at least the majority of the planet's population;

4) failure to solve global problems can lead in the future to irreparable consequences for all humanity and each individual person.

Thus, qualitative and quantitative factors in their unity and interrelation make it possible to isolate those problems of social development that are global, or vitally important for all humanity and each individual person.

All global problems of social development are characterized by mobility, because none of these problems is in a static state, each of them is constantly changing, acquiring different intensity, and therefore significance in a particular historical era. As some of the global problems are solved, the latter may lose their relevance on a global scale, moving to another, for example, local level, or disappear altogether (an illustrative example is the disease of smallpox, which, being a truly global problem in the past, has practically disappeared today).

Exacerbation of traditional problems (food, energy, raw materials, demographic, environmental, etc.) that arose at different times and different nations is now forming a new social phenomenon - a set of global problems of our time.

IN general view Social problems are considered global. Which, affecting the vital interests of humanity, require the efforts of the entire world community to be resolved.

At the same time, global, universal, and regional problems can be distinguished.

Global problems facing society can be grouped as follows: 1) those that may worsen and require appropriate action. To prevent this from happening; 2) those that, in the absence of a solution, can already lead to disaster; 3) those whose severity was removed, but they require constant monitoring

1.2Causes of global problems

Scientists and philosophers have put forward hypotheses about the connection between human activity and the state of the biosphere. Russian scientist V.I. Vernandsky in 1944 said that human activity is acquiring a scale comparable to the power of natural forces. This allowed him to raise the question of restructuring the biosphere into the noosphere (the sphere of activity of the mind).

What caused global problems? These reasons include the sharp increase in the human population, the scientific and technological revolution, the use of space, and the emergence of a single world information system, and many others.

The industrial revolution of the 18th-19th centuries, interstate contradictions, scientific and technological revolution of the mid-20th century, and integration aggravated the situation. Problems grew like a snowball as humanity moved along the path of progress. The Second World War marked the beginning of the transformation of local problems into global ones.

Global problems are a consequence of the confrontation between natural nature and human culture, as well as the inconsistency or incompatibility of multidirectional trends in the development of human culture itself. Natural nature exists on the principle of negative feedback, while human culture exists on the principle of positive feedback. On the one hand, there is the enormous scale of human activity, which has radically changed nature, society, and people’s way of life. On the other hand, it is a person’s inability to rationally manage this power.

So, we can name the reasons for the emergence of global problems:

globalization of the world;

the catastrophic consequences of human activity, the inability of humanity to rationally manage its mighty power.

1.3 The main global problems of our time

Researchers offer several options for classifying global problems. The challenges facing humanity at the present stage of development relate to both the technical and moral spheres.

The most pressing global problems can be divided into three groups:

1.Demographic problem;

2. Food problem;

3. Deficiency of energy and raw materials.

Demographic problem.

Over the past 30 years, the world has experienced an unprecedented population explosion. While the birth rate remained high and the mortality rate decreased, the population growth rate increased significantly. However, the global demographic situation in the field of population is by no means unambiguous. If in 1800 there were up to 1 billion in the world. person, in 1930 - already 2 billion; in the 70s of the 20th century, the world population approached 3 billion, and at the beginning of the 80s it was about 4.7 billion. Human. By the end of the 90s, the world population was more than 5 billion. Human. If the vast majority of countries are characterized by relatively high rates of population growth, then for Russia and some other countries the demographic trends are of a different nature. Thus, a demographic crisis is evident in the former socialist world.

Some countries are experiencing an absolute decline in population; others are characterized by fairly high rates of population growth; one of the features of the socio-demographic situation in the countries of the post-Soviet space is the persistence in most of them of relatively high mortality rates, especially among children. In the early 1980s, the world as a whole experienced a decline in the birth rate. For example, if in the mid-70s, 32 children were born annually for every 1000 people, then at the beginning of the 80s -90s, 29. At the end of the 90s, the corresponding processes tend to persist.

Changes in fertility and mortality rates affect not only the rate of population growth, its structure, including gender composition. So in the mid-80s Western countries for every 100 women there were 94 men, while in different regions the ratio of male and female populations is by no means the same. For example, in America the sex ratio of the population is approximately equal. In Asia, men are slightly larger than average; There are more women in Africa.

As we age, gender imbalances change in favor of the female population. The fact is that the average life expectancy of women is longer than that of men. In European countries, the average life expectancy is about 70 years, and for women -78. The longest life expectancy for women is in Japan, Switzerland and Iceland (more than 80 years). Men live longer in Japan (about 75 years).

The increase in childhood and youth ages of the population, on the one hand, the increase in average life expectancy and the reduction in the birth rate, on the other, determine the trend of population aging, that is, an increase in its structure of the proportion of elderly people aged 60 years and older. In the early 90s, this category included up to 10% of the world's population. Currently this figure is 16%.

Food problem.

To solve the most pressing global problems arising in the interaction of society and nature, collective action of the entire world community is necessary. The worsening global food situation in the world is precisely such a problem.

According to some estimates, the total number of people suffering from famine at the beginning of the 80s was 400 million, and in the 90s half a billion. This figure fluctuated between 700 and 800 million people. The most acute food problem faces Asian African countries, for which the priority task is to eliminate hunger. According to available data, over 450 million people in these countries suffer from hunger, malnutrition or malnutrition. The aggravation of the food problem cannot but be affected by the destruction as a result of modern economic development of the most important natural life support systems: oceanic fauna, forests, and cultivated lands. The food supply of the population of our planet is influenced by: the energy problem, the nature and characteristics of climatic conditions; chronic food shortages and poverty in some regions of the world, instability of food production and distribution; fluctuations in world prices, insecurity of food supplies to the poorest countries from abroad, low productivity of agricultural production.

Deficiency of energy and raw materials.

It is widely believed that modern civilization has already used up a significant, if not most, of its energy and raw material resources. For a long time, the energy supply of the planet was based on the use of predominantly living energy, that is, the energy resources of humans and animals. If we follow the forecasts of an optimist, then the world's oil reserves will last for 2 - 3 centuries. Pessimists argue that existing oil reserves can meet the needs of civilization for only a few more decades. Such calculations, however, do not take into account the existing discoveries of new deposits of raw materials, as well as new opportunities for discovering alternative energy sources. Somewhere similar estimates are made for other traditional types of fossil fuels. These figures are rather conditional, but one thing is clear: the scale of use of industrial energy installations of direct resources is acquiring such a character that one should take into account their limitations, due to the level of development of science, technology and technology, and the need to maintain the dynamic balance of ecosystems. In this case, if no surprises occur, there is apparently every reason to assert: in the predicted future, there should be enough industrial, energy and raw material resources for the needs of humanity.

It is also necessary to take into account the high degree of probability of the discovery of new sources of energy resources.

2. Ways to solve global problems

Solving global problems is a task of extreme importance and complexity, and so far it cannot be said with confidence that ways to overcome them have been found. According to many social scientists, no matter what individual problem we take from the global system, it cannot be solved without first overcoming the spontaneity in the development of earthly civilization, without moving to coordinated and planned actions on a global scale. Only such actions can save society, as well as its natural environment.

Conditions for solving modern global problems:

The efforts of states aimed at solving major and socially significant problems are intensifying.

New technological processes are being created and developed based on the principles of rational use of natural materials. Saving energy and raw materials, using recycled materials and resource-saving technologies.

The progress of scientific technologies, including the development of biotechnologies, based on the effective use of chemical, biological and microbiological processes, is becoming comprehensive.

The orientation towards an integrated approach in the development of fundamental and applied developments, production and science prevails.

Globalist scientists offer various options for solving global problems of our time:

Changing the nature of production activities - the creation of waste-free production, heat-energy-resource-saving technologies, the use of alternative energy sources (sun, wind, etc.);

Creation of a new world order, development of a new formula for global governance of the world community on the principles of understanding the modern world as an integral and interconnected community of people;

Recognition of universal human values, attitude towards life, man and the world as the highest values ​​of humanity;

Refusal of war as a means of resolving controversial issues, search for ways to peacefully resolve international problems and conflicts.

Only together can humanity solve the problem of overcoming the environmental crisis.

One of the most popular points of view for solving this problem is to instill in people new moral and ethical values. Thus, in one of the reports to the Club of Rome, it is written that new ethical education should be aimed at:

1) the development of global consciousness, thanks to which a person realizes himself as a member of the world community;

2) formation of a more thrifty attitude towards the use of natural resources;

3) development of such an attitude towards nature, which would be based on harmony, and not on subordination;

4) fostering a sense of belonging to future generations and a willingness to give up part of one’s own benefits in their favor.

It is possible and necessary to successfully fight for the solution of global problems now on the basis of constructive and mutually acceptable cooperation of all countries and peoples, regardless of the differences in the social systems to which they belong.

Solving global problems is only possible through the joint efforts of all countries coordinating their actions at the international level. Self-isolation and development features will not allow individual countries to remain aloof from the economic crisis, nuclear war, the threat of terrorism or the AIDS epidemic. To solve global problems and overcome the danger that threatens all of humanity, it is necessary to further strengthen the interconnection of the diverse modern world, change the interaction with the environment, abandon the cult of consumption, and develop new values.

Conclusion

To summarize, we can say that the global problem is the result of enormous human activity, which leads to changes in the way of life of people, society and the essence of nature.

Global problems threaten all of humanity.

And accordingly, without certain human qualities, without the global responsibility of each person, it is impossible to solve any of the global problems.

Let us hope that an important function of all countries in the 21st century will be the preservation of natural resources and the cultural and educational level of people. Because we are currently seeing significant gaps in these areas. It may also be that the formation of a new - information - world community, with humane goals, will become that necessary link in the development of humanity, which will lead it to the solution and elimination of major global problems.

Bibliography

1. Social studies - textbook for grade 10 - profile level - Bogolyubov L.N., Lazebnikova A. Yu., Smirnova N. M. Social studies, grade 11, Vishnevsky M.I., 2010

2. Social studies - Textbook - 11th grade - Bogolyubov L.N., Lazebnikova A.Yu., Kholodkovsky K.G. - 2008

3. Social studies. Klimenko A.V., Rumanina V.V. A textbook for high school students and those entering universities

Global problems of humanity affect our planet as a whole. Therefore, all peoples and states are engaged in solving them. This term appeared in the late 60s of the XX century. Currently, there is a special scientific branch that studies and solves global problems of humanity. It is called global studies.

Scientific experts work in this field various areas: biologists, soil scientists, chemists, physicists, geologists. And this is no coincidence, because the global problems of humanity are complex in nature and their emergence does not depend on any one factor. On the contrary, it is very important to take into account the economic, political, and social changes taking place in the world. Life on the planet in the future depends on how correctly the modern global problems of humanity are solved.

You need to know: some of them have existed for a long time, others, quite “young”, are associated with the fact that people began to negatively impact the world around them. Because of this, for example, environmental problems of mankind have arisen. They can be called the main difficulties of modern society. Although the problem of environmental pollution itself appeared a long time ago. All varieties interact with each other. Often one problem provokes another.

Sometimes it happens that global problems of humanity can be solved and completely gotten rid of them. First of all, this concerns epidemics that threatened the lives of people all over the planet and led to their mass death, but then they were stopped, for example, with the help of an invented vaccine. At the same time, completely new problems appear that were previously unknown to society, or existing ones grow to a global level, for example, depletion of the ozone layer. The cause of their occurrence is human activity. The problem of environmental pollution allows us to see this very clearly. But in other cases, the tendency of people to influence the misfortunes that happen to them and threaten their existence is clearly visible. So, what problems of humanity that have planetary significance exist?

Environmental disaster

It is caused by daily environmental pollution and depletion of earth and water reserves. All these factors together can accelerate the onset of environmental disaster. Man considers himself the king of nature, but at the same time does not strive to preserve it in its original form. This is also hampered by industrialization, which is proceeding at a rapid pace. Negatively affecting its habitat, humanity destroys it and does not think about it. It is not for nothing that pollution standards have been developed and are regularly exceeded. As a result, humanity's environmental problems may become irreversible. To avoid this, we must pay attention to the preservation of flora and fauna, and try to preserve the biosphere of our planet. And for this it is necessary to make production and other human activities more environmentally friendly so that the impact on the environment is less aggressive.

Demographic problem

The world's population is growing rapidly. And although the “population explosion” has already subsided, the problem still remains. The situation with food and natural resources is deteriorating. Their stocks are decreasing. At the same time, it increases Negative influence on the environment, it is impossible to cope with unemployment and poverty. Difficulties arise with education and healthcare. The UN has taken upon itself the solution to global problems of this nature. The organization created a special plan. One of its points is the family planning program.

Disarmament

After the creation of a nuclear bomb, the population tries to avoid the consequences of its use. For this purpose, non-aggression and disarmament treaties are signed between countries. Laws are being adopted to ban nuclear arsenals and stop the arms trade. The presidents of leading states hope in this way to avoid the outbreak of the Third World War, as a result of which, as they suspect, all life on Earth could be destroyed.

Food problem

In some countries, the population is experiencing food shortages. Residents of Africa and other third countries of the world suffer especially from hunger. To solve this problem, two options have been created. The first is aimed at ensuring that pastures, fields, and fishing areas gradually increase their area. If you follow the second option, you should not increase the territory, but increase the productivity of existing ones. For this purpose, the latest biotechnologies, methods of land reclamation, and mechanization are being developed. High-yielding plant varieties are being created.

Health

Despite the active development of medicine, the emergence of new vaccines and drugs, humanity continues to get sick. Moreover, many diseases threaten the lives of the population. Therefore, in our time, the development of treatment methods is actively underway. Modern substances are created in laboratories for effective immunization of the population. Unfortunately, the most dangerous diseases of the 21st century - oncology and AIDS - remain incurable.

Ocean problem

Recently, this resource has not only been actively researched, but also used for the needs of humanity. Experience shows that it can provide food, natural resources, and energy. The ocean is a trade route that helps restore communication between countries. At the same time, its reserves are used unevenly, and military operations are ongoing on its surface. In addition, it serves as a base for the disposal of waste, including radioactive waste. Humanity is obliged to preserve the riches of the World Ocean, avoid pollution, and rationally use its gifts.

Space exploration

This space belongs to all humanity, which means that all peoples must use their scientific and technical potential to explore it. Created for deep space exploration special programs, which use all modern achievements in this field.

People know that if these problems do not go away, the planet may die. But why do many people not want to do anything, hoping that everything will disappear and “dissolve” by itself? Although, in truth, such inaction is better than the active destruction of nature, pollution of forests, water bodies, destruction of animals and plants, especially rare species.

It is impossible to understand the behavior of such people. It would not hurt them to think about the fact that their children and grandchildren will have to live, if, of course, it is still possible, on a dying planet. You shouldn’t count on anyone being able to rid the world of difficulties in a short time. Global problems of humanity can only be solved together if all of humanity makes an effort. The threat of destruction in the near future should not be frightening. It is best if it can stimulate the potential inherent in each of us.

Don’t think that it’s difficult to cope with the world’s problems alone. This makes it seem like it is useless to act, and thoughts of powerlessness in the face of difficulties appear. The point is to join forces and help at least your city prosper. Solve small problems of your habitat. And when every person on Earth begins to have such responsibility towards themselves and their country, large-scale, global problems will also be solved.