This book is a compilation of articles by 27 experts who have collaborated to provide some basic information on 17 of the global issues that matter most to the future shape of our world. The aim of the book is to help increase awareness and understanding of these global issues among the citizens of the world—and among college and university students in particular—so that they can participate in an informed way in the debate over these global issues and ultimately contribute to their solution. Each of the chapters that address a specific global issue begins by defining the issue and identifying what makes it global in scope.

The chapter then moves on to explore the key underlying forces that shape the issue and the consequences of addressing or not addressing it, and then to a discussion of solutions, controversies, and international actions already under way or proposed. Issues reviewed on the book include global poverty, communicable diseases, education, migration, climate change, access to water, hunger, international trade, international financial stability and conflicts among others.Development Challenges