Global Issues and Human Development
Characteristics of Low-Income Countries
Key Indicators
Low-income countries often exhibit:
- High infant mortality rates
- Low levels of education
- High levels of poverty
Defining Poverty
Poverty refers to the deprivation of essential resources like food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare due to insufficient income. Extreme poverty is often measured as earning less than $1.90 per day.
Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Access to Sanitation
Both low- and middle-income countries face challenges related to unstable governments, political unrest, high birth rates, and rapid population growth. These factors can strain resources and hinder the provision of essential services like sanitation.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is prevalent in low-income countries due to factors such as:
- Lack of education about its harmful effects
- Affordability
- Limited regulations
Impact of Substance Use on Health
Substances like tobacco can significantly impact the burden of disease by contributing to various health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
Sustainability and Its Dimensions
Defining Sustainability
Sustainability is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Economic and Environmental Sustainability
- Economic Sustainability: Ensuring adequate incomes for a decent standard of living through employment and economic growth.
- Environmental Sustainability: Utilizing natural resources responsibly to preserve them for the future, addressing issues like climate change.
Safe Water and Sanitation
- Safe Water: Access to uncontaminated water sources for drinking, crops, and livestock.
- Sanitation: Safe disposal of human waste and maintenance of hygiene through garbage collection and wastewater treatment.
Social Sustainability and Well-being
Social sustainability focuses on creating equitable societies that meet the needs of all citizens, promoting aspects like gender equality. This contributes to both physical and spiritual well-being by fostering a sense of belonging and reducing discrimination.
Global Trade and Tourism
- Global Trade: The exchange of goods and services between countries.
- Tourism: Travel for leisure or business, often from high-income to low-income countries.
Impact of Global Trade
Global trade can positively impact health and well-being by:
- Creating job opportunities and raising living standards.
- Boosting local economies and supporting small businesses.
- Empowering women through entrepreneurship.
- Improving access to healthcare and nutrition.
Human Development Index (HDI)
Definition and Measurement
The HDI measures a country’s human development level based on factors like life expectancy, education, and income. It provides a single statistic for comparison between countries and tracks progress over time.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages: Comprehensive view of development, allows for comparisons, tracks progress.
- Disadvantages: Data reliability concerns, limited scope, doesn’t reflect individual aspects.
Climate Change and Its Impacts
Climate change, driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels, leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to agriculture. These impacts affect various dimensions of health and well-being, including physical, mental, and social aspects.