In the April 2007 issue, readers were invited to share their views on the problems the world faced. The response was substantial, and the findings are summarized here for a Canadian and North American audience.
Which issue is of the greatest concern on this list? Global warming was cited by the largest share of respondents at 40 percent, followed by terrorism and war at 19 percent, poverty at 15 percent, disease at 7 percent, famine at 3 percent, natural disasters at 2 percent, and seven percent selecting All or Other.
When asked whether Canada does enough to address the issue chosen, 20 percent said yes, while 80 percent said no.
How would that issue be solved if the speaker held the role of Prime Minister? A wide range of ideas emerged, from calls for accountability to proposals for new science, energy solutions, and international cooperation. The voices captured reflect personal hopes and practical steps that citizens believed could move the country forward.
Global Warming: “Make every school across Canada aware of what is happening. Older students would learn from the documentary An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, while younger students would explore the ideas in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. The three R’s should be encouraged: reduce, reuse and recycle.” -Chantal, Stony Plain, AB, 13
“Hire a team of scientists to develop a fuel derived from garden clippings and have that fuel available in cars and at gas stations.” -M., London, ON, 12
“Ensure full compliance with the Kyoto Accord. Changes should be implemented without excuses.” -Steven, Winnipeg, MB, 13
“Establish a law mandating electric or energy-saving cars nationwide. Increase support for electric bills so that on the first Sunday of every month, people would walk or bike to reduce emissions.” -Kevin, Delta, BC, 13
“Encourage more people to take buses, use the subway, or carpool. Research should be used to discover a fuel that uses water and oxygen.” -Sarah, Poplar Point, MB, 10
Terrorism and War: “War destroys and harms everyone; it is not the path forward.” -Danielle, Ilderton, ON, 14
“Stop sending troops to fight. Instead, maintain peacekeeping missions.” -Jocelyn, Brandon, MB, 11
“Arrange meetings with international cabinet ministers and, rather than sending naval forces, deploy people with expertise in global affairs.” -Nadia, Oakville, ON, 15
Disease: “Ensure top-notch scientists work on vaccines. Doctors should clearly explain vaccine contents so the public is informed and not fearful. Fundraising for equipment should also be part of the plan.” -Adam, Oliver, BC, 13
Famine: “Fundraise to support famine relief. Instead of spending on lavish holidays, funds should be directed to helping those in need abroad, and more non-profit organizations are required.” -Carrie, Morinville, AB, 15
“Hire people to create gardens that provide free, nutritious food for the poor to help combat famine.” -Kalle, Thunder Bay, ON, 13
Natural Disasters: “Fund weather stations so there is more data and money for advanced forecasting systems to keep the public informed about forecasts and potential dangers sooner.” -Aaron, Altona, MB, 15
Poverty: “Ensure sustainable shelter and food by providing stable housing.” -Heather, Newmarket, ON, 12
“Increase donations of food or money so that every person in Canada is treated with dignity and fairness.” -Nicole, London, ON, 12
“Prime Minister or not, everyone can contribute to change.” -Justine, London, ON, 12