A world divided
By Mike Lamont, Graham Smout, Ryan McCarthy, Jayne Jones, Matt Galloway, Tialda Veldman, Callum Gay, Rowan Smith, Yadana Saw and Paul Zoubkov
As we spin further into the twenty-first century our world remains a divided place. For a lucky few there is plenty; for most there is none.
The richest 20 percent of the world’s population now consume 86 percent of its resources. For the vast majority of people, however, even the most basic necessities of life – clean water, food, shelter – are scarce.
And this uneven spread of wealth is growing.
But poverty is not inevitable. It CAN be overcome.
The question is, what are YOU prepared to do?
What causes poverty?
COLONISATION: This has caused loss of land and resources and left deep social and psychological scars.
UNFAIR TRAIDE: Rich countries have protected their own economies while exploiting the economies and resources of poorer countries.
INTERNATIONAL DEBT: Massive international debt owed by third world countries takes cash away from health, education and economic development.
Often the original debt money was stolen by corrupt governments, or spent on useless projects without proper consultation or consent.
Although the original amount may have been repaid many times over, the debt keeps growing because of high interest rates.
WAR: Conflict destroys lives and livelihoods, homes and crops, roads and communications. It creates unemployment, scares away investment and demands huge military spending.
INADEQUATE RESOURCES: Lack of food, water, education, healthcare, land, shelter, technology, start-up finance – all these can act as a cause of poverty.
IMMORAL GOVERNMENTS: Some governments have no concern for citizens or their rights. Corruption, discrimination, brutality and unaccountability all contribute to the growth of poverty.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The poor are much more likely to depend directly on the environment for sustenance or income. Natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods and droughts) and man-made environmental problems (pollution, over-grazing, etc) have the greatest impact on those who are most in need.
This article was written as part of Global Focus a collaborative project of Tearaway Magazine and the Global Education Centre. It was first published in Tearaway magazine and is reprinted here with their permission
Illustrator: Gavin Mouldey
