What is a World Issue?

Through this course we will investigate a wide range of topics and issues. This raises the question of what makes a topic an issue? For our purposes a world issue can be defined as a long standing, complex problem, involving many parts of the world that has more than one “correct” answer. The people who are directly connected to or impacted by an issue are called “stakeholders.”

The best way to see if you have grasped a new concept is to apply or use it.

Consider the chart below. Which one of the four listed problems in the chart is the BEST example of a world issue? Click on the white squares to insert a check mark if you think problem meets each of the four criteria of a world issue. The BEST example of a world issue will have four check marks.

Now that you've completed your analysis, answer the question below. When you have completed your answer, compare it to the one provided.

Question

Which one of the four problems in the above chart is the BEST example of a world issue? Explain your choice.

A recent chemical spill in the Arctic Ocean is not a long standing problem.

A trade dispute between Ontario and British Columbia does not extend beyond Canada to other parts of the world.

Similarly, a corrupt federal election in Colombia does not directly impact many parts of the world.

We are left with the rate of HIV/AIDS infections in African nations as the best example of a world issue.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infections in African nations is a longstanding problem (the epidemic started in the 1980s). The changing rate of HIV/AIDS is a result of economic, social and political decisions. According to AVERT.org 2014 statistics show that the pandemic is clearly seen in every region of the world.

This is a disease prevalent throughout a country or the world.

AVERT.org

Is there one “right” answer to the question of how we resolve this pandemic? Certainly not if for no other reason than the numerous related political, social and economic problems. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups who are directly connected to and affected by the issue at hand.

Imagine a neighbouring public high school decided to introduce a school uniform. Stakeholders would include the students and staff in that school, their parents, and the uniform suppliers. You would not be a stakeholder. While you may have a very strong opinion about the merits or failings of a school uniform, the decision to require uniforms at another school in your community does not directly impact you.

Concepts of Geographic Thinking

To understand world issues we need to think like a geographer and “do” geography. We want to go beyond just memorizing facts that we can repeat. Geographers need to be analytical and critical in their thinking in order to have a deeper understanding of our complex world.

The four concepts of geographic thinking  - spatial significance, patterns and trends, interrelationships and geographic perspective form the foundation we will use to understand world issues throughout this course.

Long Description

Spatial Significance

The concept of spatial significance requires us to consider the unique nature and importance of place. This is really the core of all geographical studies. In this case our starting point can be the unique nature of any and all locations. In three simple questions: What is where? Why there? and Why care? we can undertake any geographic inquiry.

Look at the map below. Why would these high rates happen in this particular part of the world? Countries in the southern part of Africa have the highest prevalence of HIV and as you move north in the continent the prevalence of HIV decreases. Why is that? What other questions arise from this map?

Adult HIV Prevalence Rate, 2014

Patterns and Trends

The concept of patterns and trends requires us to consider if characteristics are similar and repeating themselves in the natural or human environment (pattern) and characteristics or traits that increase, decrease or are constant over time (trend). Go back up to the HIV/AIDS graph. Can you see the pattern of distribution of HIV/AIDS?

Interrelationships

The concept of interrelationships requires us to look at connections within and between natural and human environments. We can look at the interconnected parts of nature that form systems. Then we can look at the interrelationships between the systems to determine the impact they have on one another.  Ultimately we want to know if these relationships are sustainable.  

When examining the HIV pandemic in Africa, what interrelationships exist between the different stakeholders - those infected with HIV, those medically treating the people suffering from HIV, those trying to educate the population about how the disease is transmitted and how to prevent it spreading?  Should countries with lower prevalence rates of HIV be concerned with what is going on in countries with higher rates?

Is there a connection between the prevalence of HIV and the physical environment?

Geographic Perspective

The concept of geographic perspective requires us to consider economic, political, social, and environmental implications of these issues. In order to solve problems, make decisions or develop a plan of action, we need to develop our ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives.

When analysing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, one would investigate how this pandemic has influenced decisions of local, national and international governments.  Look at the costs associated with treating those infected with HIV/AIDS and costs in preventative measures.  Social implications would include death rates, life expectancy, orphans, poverty, food security issues (if parents are ill where does this responsibility now fall?) and grandparents becoming parents to their grandchildren.  Finally, are there any environmental implications to countries with high rates of HIV/AIDS - what happens to those who die from the disease?