Global Economic Disparities: Development, Debt, and Food Security

Almost half the world's population, some 2.6 billion people, survive on less than $2 per day. The 500 largest fortunes in the world exceed the value of all income received by the 416 million poorest people on the planet. The 20% richer population accumulates about three-quarters of world income.

Developed Nations: Economic Characteristics

• High technological level
• Export of highly valued products
• Increased uptake of financial resources
• Significant investment in research, science, and technology
• Development of new technologies

Developing Nations: Economic Challenges

• Reduced technological level
• Exports of less valued goods
• Minor fundraising
• Low investment in research, science, and technology
• Inability to generate new technologies

Global Wealth Concentration Trends

Wealth concentration has increased significantly in recent decades. We can observe this increase by comparing the unequal distribution of population and global wealth among countries. Richer countries, despite concentrating a small portion of the planet's population, account for the bulk of global wealth, in contrast to what occurs in the poorest countries. The globalization process has led to diminished participation of the poorest countries in the world economy. The external debt of developing countries has grown rapidly in recent decades, bringing extremely negative consequences for these nations.

The Green Revolution: Impact and Outcomes

The Green Revolution aimed to increase food production. This revolution was characterized by the modernization of agriculture, mainly through the introduction of new farming techniques, such as the intensive use of pesticides for pest control, application of fertilizers for soil recuperation, use of agricultural machinery and implements, and the use of selected, more resistant, and productive seeds.

While agricultural production increased worldwide, conversely, hunger grew in much greater proportions. This is explained by the fact that a large part of agricultural production, especially from the poorest countries, is intended to supply the consumer market in developed countries, rather than the population that needs increased food supply.