People’s security low despite development success

By S R Ranjan: In 2021, despite the highest global GDP and COVID-19 vaccines more readily available in countries, global life expectancy declined for the second year in a row, life expectancy at birth is falling for a second year because of COVID-19 and the overall human development measures are also moving downward. Furthermore, around the world, climate change is likely to become a leading cause of death. Even with moderate mitigation of emissions, some 40 million people might die because of changes in temperatures before the end of the century. Notes findings of an UNDP report — New Threats to Human Security in the Anthropocene.

New Threats to Human Security in the Anthropocene report’s data and analysis shows that despite years of development growth there is a growing sense of insecurity among people. It states that in almost every country, including the richest countries, people’s sense of safety and security is at a low despite years of upwards development success. “Despite global wealth being higher than ever before, a majority of people are feeling apprehensive about the future and these feelings have likely been exacerbated by the pandemic,” says UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

Besides the recent years of threats from growing inequalities, world conflicts, digital technologies and the ability of healthcare systems to tackle global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the new report examines a cluster of threats that have shifted to become more prominent in recent years. It also notes the strong association between feelings of insecurity and declining levels of trust. People with higher levels of perceived human insecurity are three times less likely to find others trustworthy.

In order to tackle disconnect between development and security, the report calls for greater solidarity across borders and a new approach to development, that allows people to live free from want, fear, anxiety and indignity. Moreover, report authors urge the policy makers to consider solidarity, empowerment, and protection so that human security, planetary considerations and human development all work together and not despite each other. 

“In our quest for unbridled economic growth, we continue to destroy our natural world while inequalities are widening, both within and between countries. It is time to recognise the signs of societies that are under immense stress and redefine what progress actually means. We need a fit-for-purpose development model that is built around the protection and restoration of our planet with new sustainable opportunities for all”. 

Singh Rakesh Ranjan

Freelance Journalist

(Representational Images: Sources)