1. Identify and discuss three of the major problems/challenges confronting world leaders in the 21st century and give reasons for the most important one in your view
Climate change; over years, climate change has been a threat to the human existence presenting itself among the major world challenges. Insightfully, the issue of climate change came about by the industrialization era where high rates of carbon (IV) oxide emissions to the atmosphere tampered with the ozone layer creating a ‘greenhouse effect’ (Change, 2014). This consequently has brought about melting of the iceberg on mountains thereby causing rise of water above sea levels and high degree Celsius on the day causing high evaporation rates, subsequently among diverse geographical locations the water catchment areas especially the arctic ecosystem is being affected bearing in mind the significance of these ecosystems in support the existence of living and non-living organisms. Evidently, the areas that were formerly productive have reduced their productivity rate as some have turned into dry lands that can’t mutually support the ecosystem thus posing a food security threat to which some parts of the world are a threat to supporting lives (Change, 2014). Experienced increased health-related issues to climate change especially children find it difficult to cope thus developing a weak immunity system. According to the UN report of measures to promote food security and prevention of diseases, curbing of the carbon (IV) emissions is necessary.
New social compact; the 21st century as experienced more technological transitions considered to be the fourth industrial revolution. Regarding social compact it covers a wide range of issue including; the rule of law, paying of taxes, security and others, this all are subjected to creating firmness by harmonizing the prerequisites of personalities versus organizations, and the shared well. The need for addressing the new social compact is one of the challenges that leaders are faced with in ensuring their framework is not sabotaged or strained as the trends of change are experienced across the globe. According to this challenging recognition of long-term interest is essential for understanding its implications. Leadership responsibilities are to play a vital role in the new social compact to; provide equality that is, countering the increasing gap of income, sexual role and other disparities, be market driven by considering the long-term interest of the society not at individual level and finally, being courageous in the midst of divergent views that is making fact-based decisions (Basadur, 2004).
Healthcare challenge; in recent decades, significant improvement in the medical field has been cited. However, the health issue challenge remains due to increased pandemics and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to the high-priced care costs, predominantly in third world countries. The rapidly increasing world population also calls for the health system, particularly the developing countries are experiencing a high rate of reproduction which essentially means that there are increased number of elderly people and individuals calling for treating and prevention measures of the diseases that may arise. The world leaders are finding it a challenge to set up infrastructural facilities because of the constant demographic shift in the third world countries (Duffy, 2015).
In summary, climate change as a challenge has had more weight than other challenges given no appropriate measures have been taken to curb its adverse effects to the globe (Change, 2014). The emission of greenhouse gases is still on the rise. The challenge is side-lining other effects such as food security issue, healthcare issue and most importantly the economic impact it is and will continue to cause (Head " Alford, 2015).
References
Basadur, M. (2004). Leading others to think innovatively together: Creative leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(1), 103-121.
Change, I. C. (2014). Mitigation of climate change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 1454.
Duffy, D. J. (2015). Problems, challenges and promises: perspectives on precision medicine. Briefings in bioinformatics, 17(3), 494-504.
Head, B. W., " Alford, J. (2015). Wicked problems: Implications for public policy and management. Administration " Society, 47(6), 711-739.
