What is the most significant challenge society faces today?

Well, we’re not going to write your essay for you. So, short answers may have to do.
In my view, ignorance and hatred are the most significant challenges in our immediate future. Each feeds the other, and they are both spreading like wildfire.

Haha, I did not expect my essay to be written for me! I am just bored with one word answers. Thank you for your input!

There’s a perfect storm brewing, in regards to peak oil and climate change. It’s going to make agriculture a real challenge, because of shifting weather patterns, decreasing land fertility, and chemical fertilizers becoming increasingly expensive.

I worry about many things—climate change, the economy, and the increasing polarization between the left and right. But I think my biggest fears is that one of these days there will be a nuclear event of some kind—a terrorist attack or a war. THAT will finish us all off.

@jf9434 Glad to hear it. Welcome to Fluther! :)

I think overpopulation is a major challenge, not that we can really do anything about it. Another thing would be the rate of consumption of resources.

Yeah, peak oil is a good one, and our ability to meet that challenge with new technologies.

simple not knowing when to shit!

@jf9434 When you say society do you mean society in America, or the world at large?

@JLeslie I am more focused on American society, though your answer may also pertain to the world’s culture.

I think an us and them attitude really hurts us. Our politicans and many in the media are reinforcing this. Not feeling like we all have good intentions and want similar things as Americans. I also think @augustlan point is important, hate and ignorance must be dealt with. If we could just get back to the golden rule it seems everything would be better. Not only treating others as you want to be treated, but treating property as you want your property to be treated. I extend property to the planet…if you would not want polution in your backyard, then you should not pollute anywhere, etc.

@Jayy Actually studies are showing that population growth is leveling out in many countries. I can only think of two where it hasn’t being India and China. For there to be population growth each couple has to have “2.1 children” and many don’t. I think the US is still leveled around 1.6 and most European countries are around 1 so you’ll see a large population drop there and pretty much everywhere in the next 50 years.

@jf9434 Indifferences…it has always been the achilles tendon of the human race.

An underlying hatred of one’s peers. The current generation has been grown to turn to paranoia and distrust for security.

Technology and the role it will play in our day to day lives.