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Honors Modern World Your Brochure must include: An explanation of the problem and why it is a global problem A description of how technology and international organizations have addressed the problem in the past or are currently addressing the problem Analysis of the solutions, including any negative consequences or unresolved issues 3 images Data from reliable sources that supports the information you present Citations (in MLA format) for 5 sources

Global Problems The following four areas have experienced significant advances in
the last several decades, yet challenges remain.

Communication Medicine

Agriculture Energy

My Topic is:_____________________________________________

SENIORS ONLY!!!
Instead of a senior exam, you will complete a written assignment to go along with your brochure. Your response must include: An explanation of the problem (this may be taken from your brochure) At least 2 creative suggestions for how to more effectively address the problem. A prediction of how the problem will evolve in 50-100 years

Name:____________________ Due Date:__________ Pd:___

Agricultural Advances
Agricultural advances have increased crop yields across the globe, successfully addressing concerns about global food shortages in the 1970s. Today, however, hunger continues to be a problem in some regions of the world. The scientific advances that produced the first Green Revolution are now being questioned by some for causing environmental damage and the loss of needed biodiversity. Advances Higher crop yields due to pesticide and fertilizer use New seed varieties that are drought and pest resistant due to genetic engineering Concerns Environmental damage due to overuse of fertilizers and pesticides Loss of biodiversity and health concerns related to genetically engineered foods Getting Started Read the document found on the site below. It provides a historical overview and presents some of the arguments in support of, and against, the Green Revolution. Green Revolution: Curse or Blessing? http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/ib/ib11.pdf Additional Sites. The following sites are a starting place to expand your understanding of the different issues and questions related to agricultural advances. Lessons from the Green Revolution http://www.foodfirst.org/media/opeds/2000/4-greenrev.html The Toxic Consequences of the Green Revolution http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/07/07/the-toxic-consequences-of-the-greenrevolution.html Agroecosystem Biodiversity http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/ecosystems/bio-agroecosystems/en/

Name:____________________ Due Date:__________ Pd:___

Energy Advances Advances in energy technology, including nuclear, wind, solar, biofuels, and clean coal, have shown promise in addressing global energy needs and reducing the effects of global warming; however, many questions and challenges remain.
Advances Development of nuclear power and clean coal technologies Use of wind and solar technologies to generate electricity Development of biofuels, such as ethanol Concerns Dangers of nuclear power and unproven effectiveness of clean coal Practicality of mass use of wind and solar technologies High cost of producing biofuels and impact on global food supplies Getting Started Explore the site below. Pros and cons of each type of available energy http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/reports/procon.html Additional Sites. The following sites are a starting place to expand your understanding of the different issues and questions related to energy advances. Questions and answers about nuclear power http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/heat/themes/nuclear.html Cheap coal and the process to create clean coal technology http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/03/cheap-coal/appenzeller-text Negative impact of biofuels on world food supply http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070501faessay86305/c-ford-runge-benjamin-senauer/howbiofuels-could-starve-the-poor.html Interviews with experts from alternative energy fields http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/blackout/future/alternative.html Scientific and political developments in global warming, including the Kyoto Protocol http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/ Analysis and articles about alternative energy sources http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/green/index.html Sources of world CO2 emissions http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/heat/etc/worldco2.html

Name:____________________ Due Date:__________ Pd:___

Medical Advances Medical advances have improved living standards for many, including access to health care, vaccinations, antibiotics, AIDS drugs, and preventive care. Despite these advances, inequalities in medical care between developed and less developed nations remain significant. Subtopics (Additional topics are possible.) Advances New drugs, including vaccines, antibiotics, and AIDS drugs Improved access to health care (hospitals, doctors, clinics)
Concerns Poorest nations still lag far behind developed nations High cost of medical care and drugs Getting Started Explore the site below. It provides data, statistics, and reports on health care in countries around the world. Research on global diseases as well as programs to fight these diseases http://www.gatesfoundation.org/global-health/Pages/overview.aspx Additional Sites. The following sites are a starting place to expand your understanding of the different issues and questions related to medical advances. Data, statistics, reports on global health http://www.who.int/en/ Story about cholera in Zimbabwe http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100416070 Health care in India http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/12/community-doctors/rosenberg-text Maps showing contrast between malaria and expenditures on health care by nation. Click on link; scroll down to photo gallery: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97338308

Name:____________________ Due Date:__________ Pd:___

Communication Advances Technological advances in communication have had a major impact on mass culture and economic and social interactions. Less developed nations have struggled to overcome the emerging digital divide that favors more developed nations. Subtopics (Additional topics are possible.) Advances Impact of the Internet and cell phones on business and personal communication Increased global awareness and connections among people
Concerns Digital Divide: Growing disadvantage between those who have these technologies and those who do not Impact of digital divide on the quality of education and economic growth Getting Started Explore the site below. It provides an overview of the major issues involved in the digital divide. Issues and statistics dealing with digital divide http://www.digitaldivide.org/dd/digitaldivide.html are a starting place to expand your understanding of the different issues and questions related to the digital divide.
Additional Sites. The following sites

Search loss of linguistic diversity: http://www.2facts.com/icof/issues-home-feature.asp Analysis of digital divide in India http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/india/thestory.html

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