VC 2 – TASK 1A Research

1.What are some of the current issues confronting our world today?

1. Climate change

Climate change has always been a concern to many and in the recent days, it is becoming more alarming and prevalent of an issue in the eyes of society. As the greenhouse gases accumulate within the atmosphere, the surface temperature of the world rises causing the arctic permafrost to thaw. This  further accelerates climate change as the softened soil is  releasing vestiges of ancient life—masses of carbon enter the atmosphere as methane or carbon dioxide—that have been locked in frozen dirt for millennia. In turn, this hinders the natural biological development of wildlife, destroying the ecosystem and causing a massive impact on our world today.

Eg. Drowning of harp seals

In 2007, for example, more than 75 percent of pups in Canada perished because of poor ice conditions—in 2010, almost none survived, Johnston said.

Eg. Slowing down of hurricanes

“Nothing good comes out of a slowing storm,” says James Kossin, “It can increase storm surge. It can increase the amount of time that structures are subjected to strong wind. And it increases rainfall.”

Eg. Bleaching of coral reefs

In half the sites surveyed, live corals populated less than one percent of a given reef. At 80 percent of the Samoan sites, live corals were below 10 percent. The scientists estimate that these reefs may have previously had live coverage between 60 and 80 percent

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/08/arctic-permafrost-is-thawing-it-could-speed-up-climate-change-feature/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/06/hurricanes-cyclones-move-slower-drop-more-rain-climate-change-science/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/1/120106-harp-seals-global-warming-sea-ice-science-environment/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/05/samoan-islands-upolu-coral-reef-bleaching-climate-change-science-spd/

2. Health & the Law

Progressively over the years , there is an increase in awareness and understanding about drugs such as marijuana, and the relationship it has with mental health. More people slowly became exposed to it and its benefits, proven and tested by scientists all over the world. One cannot deny the medicinal properties that marijuana has on its consumers and liberalising it would benefit the society  in many ways. Instead of criminalising marijuana consumption, which results in a disproportioned incarceration rate (The United Nations reports that, by the beginning of the 21st century, an estimated 185 million people over the age of 15 were consuming drugs globally) and illegal drug trafficking, we could shift our perspective to see it as a form of medicine and understand that legalising it could potentially save many lives.

Number of new drug abusers remains high, CNB figures show

While the number of drug abusers arrested fell from 3,265 in 2016 to 3,089 last year, about 40 per cent of them were new abusers.Of the 1,249 new abusers arrested, about 64 per cent were below the age of 30.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/number-of-new-drug-abusers-remains-high-cnb-figures-show

Can CBD help treat depression?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to a growing body of research into its potential health benefits, which may include treating depression. The initial results of some studies into CBD and depression look promising.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324846.php

How depressed are Singaporeans?

Depression was the most common mental illness in Singapore (among the conditions assessed in the study), with one in 16 people (6.3 per cent) having had the condition at some point in their lives

https://www.businessinsider.sg/6-common-mental-disorders-affecting-singaporeans-today-and-where-you-can-go-to-get-help/

STILL A STIGMA

Another reason why it can be hard to identify individuals with “high-functioning” depression is because many sufferers hide their conditions.

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/well-dressed-successful-and-depressed-high-functioning-depression-seen-more-patients

https://www.ibhinc.org/drug-legalization

 

3. Sustainability & Conservation

Our planet is now in the midst of its sixth mass extinction of plants and animals — the sixth wave of extinctions in the past half-billion years. As of 2019, there are too many animals that are on the critically endangered list because of human behaviour. To sustain the growing human population, we poach, we contaminate bodies of water, destroy forests and the habitats of wild animals.The extinction of a single species not only means that we no longer get to co exist with them but it also accelerates the rate at which other animals within the food web go extinct too.This contributes to the unraveling of our planets sustainability. Fortunately, conservation efforts around the world are bent on helping these endangered animals revitalise their dwindling populations through a variety of humanitarian efforts, including curtailing illegal poaching, halting pollution, and habitat destruction, and curtailing the introduction of exotic species into new habitats.

Why does it matter when species go extinct?

“A single species’ disappearance can, in fact, make a huge difference on a global scale. Like pieces of yarn in a woven tapestry, the removal of one can start unraveling the whole system.When you remove one element from a fragile ecosystem, it has far-reaching and long-lasting effects on biodiversity.”

China’s medicinal tiger bones and rhino horns: Tradition or travesty?

Tiger bones and rhino horns may have a role in traditional Chinese medicine, but critics say that trendy health products with no medical value made from endangered animals are only a status symbol for the wealthy.

https://www.dw.com/en/chinas-medicinal-tiger-bones-and-rhino-horns-tradition-or-travesty/a-46193315

https://www.thoughtco.com/why-it-matters-when-species-go-extinct-1182006

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-species-become-endangered-1181928

4.Poverty and inequality

Colombia is the seventh most unequal country in the world and faces extreme disparity in terms of income. Where the top 10% earners receiving 39% of the total income in Columbia.The current laws and policies widen the income gap further.The inequality causes stark differences in the standard of living between columbians and this definitely bears its consequences on the columbian society. Since about 34% (12.7 million) of columbians live below the poverty line -earning less than $2 USD a day, they do not have access to food, basic healthcare and to survive ,are more inclined to contribute to the rampant illegal drug industries.

high child mortality rate

higher number of crimes

lack of basic healthcare

distributive conflict and social tension

Ineffective taxation laws?

” The personal income tax system in Colombia is regressive. This means that the richer you are, the lower is your tax effective rate. The Government proposes to overcome this problem by introducing a progressive tax system, i.e. to let the richer households pay a relatively higher effective tax rate.  “

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/opinion/2012/12/17/why-colombia-needs-a-more-progressive-tax-system

https://colombiareports.com/colombia-poverty-inequality-statistics/

https://colombiareports.com/understanding-colombias-conflict-inequality/

10 Facts about Poverty in Colombia 

2.Why is the issue important? Who does it affect and how?

Global climate change has already resulted in a wide range of impacts across every region of the country and many sectors of the economy. Increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, extinction of animals, human health, deterioration of the atmosphere are just some of the many pressing issues brought about by climate change. It affects all life on earth, as it becomes increasingly disruptive throughout this century and beyond.

https://www.globalchange.gov/climate-change

3.Who do you need to communicate to and why?

Target audience:

Millennials aged 18-34  tend to generally be more interested and understanding of current affairs/progressive and it is necessary to mould  and equip the current generation with the knowledge to change to world in whatever small way that they can. Have the power to contribute to small changes which eventually leads to a global change.In essence, the issues that I have brought up eventually affects the individual himself in one way or another. With an increase in awareness, these millennials may try to lessen the impacts of climate change in small ways,eg.using metal straws.If empowered, they would be more inclined to make changes to their lifestyle that would impact the world.

4.How has visual communication contributed to address the cause?

The loud contrasting colours create a bold and eye catching look which is necessary especially in increasing awareness.Yellow and black are used on roads and signs to draw attention to it. The font is a bold san serif, the boldness further emphasises the importance of the message and the san serif removes unnecessary distractions from the purpose of the text.Normally when I see posters related to climate change, very expected colours are used, like blue for the seas as well as green for the earth etc, however in this case its nothing related to those earthy colour schemes.

Image result for climate change graphic design

Greenpeace USA

11 December 2018

Extinction Rebellion uses graphic design to protest climate change

Dezeen.com

15 April 2019

Volunteer artists

Design elements to consider- animal skulls, endangered animals , hourglass, earth, thermometer , love/hearts ,loud clashing colours

AGAINST EXTINCTION!!

Love in the Time of Climate Change