Due to intensive media coverage, today’s youth are much more aware of the hunger and poverty experienced by families in many parts of the world due to either, drought, famine, conflict or disease. They have seen or perhaps participated in the various campaigns led by pop stars and charities so it is not surprising that they have their own views on this topic.

Millions of people die from malnutrition because they live in countries affected by drought. We all feel sorry for them but what can be done? I think wealthy countries should pay farmers to grow extra crops which could then be given to the hungry people. Also the people in the drought affected countries should be taught how use underground streams to channel water to grow their crops.” Janice, England.

“I know that people all over the world are struggling because they are hungry, sick or poor but there is no simple solution to solving these problems. People give money to help but that only helps in the short term and sometimes only a fraction of the money is used to help out. The rest of the money often pays for people’s wages or to send stickers, cards and notelets to ask the public for more money. What good is that? I think we should all be asking just what is happening to money donate and maybe more of the money would be used for the right reasons.” Audrey Marsh, aged17 years, London.

“Why must we always give money to the poor people of Africa? What about the poor people in our own country? Every country has poor people who are starving, cold and homeless. If you see these people in your neighbourhood you don’t need to give them money you can help out by giving them something to eat or drink or some warm clothing you no longer need. If we all helped people around us there would be less poverty.” Kieran, Toronto.

“How did rich nations get rich? They worked hard and used all the resources they found in their own countries. How did poor nations get poor? They depended on rich nations keeping them. Today we see that some of the poorer nations such as India are getting richer because they are now using the raw materials found in the country to produce goods to sell abroad. We must teach other countries to do that too. Poverty will never go away altogether but poorer countries can be helped to get better.” Laura aged 17 years, North Carolina.

“It is hard to solve the problem of poverty when so many people have so little. Primitive farming methods limit any increase in wealth. Deforestation leaves the land in turmoil and it is difficult to cultivate. My proposal is to have specialists trained in agriculture to educate poor people about land cultivation and for developed countries to send the machinery needed to begin this process. This solution helped in Mauritius which not only increased their economy but advanced the technology in the country.” 

Poverty is probably THE issue in today’s society. Many environmental issues such as poaching, lack of drinkable water, mass garbage disposal, Aids etc. have some connection with it. Poverty is an issue that can be solved if governments realized the value of environmental conservation and environmental economics. We as a community are under considerable pressure but we don’t need to destroy all in order to help humanity. I am convinced the answer lies in conservation.” Radhika Gupta, South Africa.

These are the views of some of our teenagers. What are your views? Send your thoughts to [email protected] and let’s make this world a better place for all.