Manage global water resources. According to the United Nations Development Program, almost 2 million children die each year because they lack access to clean water and adequate sanitation. An article from the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences warns that in the future, nations will fight over water, not oil.
Overhaul the U.S. health care system. "The New England Journal of Medicine" reports that the Food and Drug Administration approved a new cancer therapy that costs $31,000 per treatment, with a recommended dose of three treatments. If this trend continues, many believe, the escalating costs of health care will make life-saving treatments unaffordable for future generations.
Reduce energy consumption. Global Footprints cites an alarming energy statistic: "Fifty years ago, people used 11 million barrels of oil a day. Today, 75 million barrels are used daily." High consumption of fossil fuels leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, which can lead to climate change. By the year 2050, Global Footprints predicts, 200 million people will become refugees as a result of floods, droughts and food shortages resulting from global warming.
Reduce the U.S. federal debt. Mortimer B. Zuckerman, writing in "Bloomberg Business Week" points out U.S. tax revenue covers only four budget items: the military, health care, Social Security and debt service. All other federal programs, including support for local and state governments, unemployment compensation, the penal system, wars and homeland security are financed with borrowed money, primarily from China and Japan.
Break the cycle of obesity. According to the American Heart Association, 33 percent of children in the United States are obese, and "obese kids have an 80 percent chance of staying obese their entire lives." This leads to a reduced quality of life as it increases their chances of developing not only physical problems such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, but also emotional problems such as depression and low self-esteem. If that's not bad enough, childhood obesity also results in higher incidences of early death.