Individuals worldwide are exposed to numerous threats, most of which are beyond their control. For example, the Coronavirus Pandemic ravaged populations and significantly impacted world economies. Similarly, some people suffer from the implications of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. However, the biggest threats and challenges to the world today arise from political instability and the effects of climate change, as the whole world is feeling the pinch of wars in some regions and the worsening environmental crisis. Nevertheless, security agreements, global human rights movements, and environmental agreements have greatly alleviated civic strife due to political crimes and encouraged governments to focus on environmental conservation.
The ever-increasing tension between global governments and nations with conflicting interests is one of the greatest risks to human security, democracy, and civil rights. Over the years, countries, particularly in the Middle East, have waged war against one another due to religious, cultural, and political differences (Henderson, 2009). Today, Russia, one of the world’s most powerful nations, has taken advantage of its powers to invade Ukraine and threaten any country that interferes with its actions (Mandelbaum, 2019). Therefore, building political tension between the US, European countries, Russia, and China is a significant threat to peace and harmony as it can plunge world governments into a destructive war and result in unimaginable losses.
Additionally, the impact of climate change is taking a toll on the global food production capacity and resulting in abnormal weather patterns worldwide. Researchers suggest that melting ice caps have increased groundwater levels, resulting in floods and heavy rains in some areas. At the same time, some regions on the globe are experiencing extended periods without rain, which limits their agricultural prospects (Cavicchioli et al., 2019). In addition, the changing weather patterns affect the quality of natural life as some plant and animal species can barely survive in their habitats (Henderson, 2009). Subsequently, the worsening environmental crisis may render the globe inhabitable and potentially wipe out the human race. Nevertheless, international actors have established strategies to limit adverse outcomes due to factors threatening human life.
Regardless of the complexities associated with environmental threats and global political instability, the international community has embarked on various mechanisms to prevent adverse outcomes and diminish the pace of escalations. The emergence of international human rights laws and movements such as the United Nations and NATO has improved individuals’ lives by limiting nations from doing as they please (Henderson, 2009). These movements call for all state actors to treat citizens according to stipulated human rights standards. Similarly, institutions like United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) create awareness and advocate for collaborative approaches to dealing with climate change issues, pollution, natural life, and sustainable development (Cavicchioli et al., 2019). Thus, international organizations drive positive change in human development and limit potential crises.
Peace, harmony, and living in a rich and conducive environment are critical components in human advancement and continuous development. However, destructive individuals’ action in the environment and political instability due to selfish interests put others at harm and threatens the existence of the human race. However, international non-governmental organizations and bodies like the UN, NATO, and UNEP address various areas of these issues using powers accorded to them by agreements and state treaties. Hence, they play a major role in preventing the escalation of conflicts into wars, environmental destruction, and human rights crimes, which are today’s major threats.
References
Cavicchioli, R., Ripple, W. J., Timmis, K. N., Azam, F., Bakken, L. R., Baylis, M.,… & Webster, N. S. (2019). Scientists’ warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 17(9), 569–586. Web.
Henderson, C. W. (2009). Understanding international law. John Wiley & Sons.
Mandelbaum, M. (2019). The new containment: handling Russia, China, and Iran. Foreign Aff., 98, 123. Web.