Top 5 World Problems

Good Afternoon Folks,

Remember last week when we listed the top ten world's biggest problems? Well, now we are going to knock that list down to a top 5.

Problems:

1.  Recently, North Korea claimed to discover a method for creating a hydrogen bomb. Although this is unlikely, the number of countries developing nuclear weapons increases each and every year. More and more countries are able to destroy the earth with the click of a button.

2.  The Earth's natural resources are being used more every day and eventually we are going to run out. If we do not find an alternative energy source, not only will we have no fuel, but we will destroy the Earth we live on.

3. Cyberterrorism is becoming a serious worldwide issue. Cyberterrorist are able access files, steal classified information, and control networks all from behind a computer screen. All it takes is one breach to cause nationwide turmoil.

4.  Income inequality continues to and will continue to be a problem if we do not do anything about it. Every day, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer as the gap between the top and the bottom continues to drift.

5. Our prison system is a joke. Instead of "rehabilitating" individuals it just sets them up for a life full of crime. Not only are we sticking a bunch of criminals together, but we are also sticking innocent ones with law breakers. Furthermore, we are keeping them from getting a job once they are released and almost ensuring they will be back with over a 75% retention rate.

Justification:

The reason I have nuclear weapons as the number one problem is because this is the only problem that can end humanity in an instant. We need to ensure the safety of our planet along with our species with nuclear weapons. Any day, in the wrong hands, someone could end the world, and it scares me.

Solutions:

1. I believe the government should subsidize tech companies that can come up with products to protect ourselves from cyberterrorism. It allows the government to develop a positive relationship with the private sector and it allows the government to utilize the competition in the private sector to ensure our safety. (Problem 3)

2. I believe developing a way to harness nuclear energy more safely is the most practical and efficient way of solving this worldwide problem. Another possible solution is developing a method of using recycled garbage as a new fuel source. (Problem 2)

3. We could make treaties with everyone promising to disarm and not use any nuclear weapons but what happens when someone lies? I honestly believe we are past the point of no return. Although I agree with a treating banning nuclear weapons, developing a defense system that can safely disarm a nuclear bomb before it detonates is the most practical method of ensuring safety. (Problem 1)

4. Set up a proportional income tax that taxes the rich more than the poor. Each bracket receives a higher tax by 5% until we reach 75%. Now the only money taxed is the money earned between the bracket. So if one bracket was between $100,000 - $500,000 and the next is $500,000 - $1,000,000 then nothing would get taxed except for the money between 100k and 500k and then another percentage will be taken from 500k to 1 million. Then provide tax breaks for CEO's that raise wages for employees without releasing others to cut costs. Also, providing basic Finance courses in high school so students understand the importance of managing money and saving early. I believe the inequality comes mainly from strategic financing and informing more people on how to manage their money will prove huge down the road. (Problem 4)

5. Set up a mock city and let the prisoners survive for themselves. Only for nonviolent crimes of course. Bill gates once said he assigned lazy people the most difficult tasks because they will find the most efficient method of doing so. I am not saying prisoners are lazy by any means, but many of them committed nonviolent crimes by trying to cheat the system or just trying to survive. I think both us and the prisoners would learn a lot from watching them live in a society filled with other prisoners. If they all break laws then nothing will get done. Last time we allowed prisoners to run a city we ended up with Australia and they aren't doing too bad. (Problem 5)

Justification:

The reason I believe preventing cyberterrorism through the usage of the private sector is because the private sector already has the technology, it is just a matter of the government paying for it. There is a ton of talent in silicon valley and simple subsidy could prevent a lot of major problems down the road. In summary, we have the resources it is just a matter of using them.