With the war in Ukraine raging, you might have heard that Ukraine is responsible for much of the world's grain and wheat production. And you might have heard experts warning that much of the world could feel the impact of food shortages as the war continues to disrupt supply chains.
In fact, many countries in Africa are already feeling the crunch and it remains to be seen what other consequences the war will have for the world at large. If you haven't been following this stuff, then it may come as a surprise to you. You might want to read up on it... and mention it to others you know, too.
Could such a future be nearer than we think? Well, it's not the only crisis we have to think about.
People shared their thoughts with us after Redditor TheRed_Knight asked the online community,
"What crisis is coming in the next 10-15 years that no one seems to be talking about?"
"Experts know..."
"Fertilizer shortage. Experts know about it. The public not."
Goukaruma
We are truly going to feel it in the coming months for sure.
"People who are reaching retirement age..."
"People who are reaching retirement age without sufficient savings and only having social security income to survive. A person retiring today would need at least $2K/month from savings, investments and pensions for the next 20-25 years in addition to their social security to cover expenses."
carelessopinions
What a sad state of affairs to think you save and save and it still won't be enough.
"The decline in krill..."
"The decline in krill and phytoplankton in our oceans. If you've never heard of either, just think krill and phytoplankton = bottom of the food chain that ultimately everything else in the ocean connects to."
DenseIndependent66
70% of the earth's oxygen comes from these, that's the real issue. They die, all oxygen based life on the planet dies.
"Water rights."
"Water rights and the migration associated with not having access to water."
iamdrinking
Phoenix and Las Vegas are in for a bad time.
"There is some talk..."
"Insects dying. There is some talk about it, but it's not a hot topic."
LeroyBadBrown
It wasn't until very long ago, that just driving around, your windshield would constantly be covered in bug guts. Now...not so much.
"Healthcare issues..."
"Healthcare issues due to plastic pollution. Plasticologists might emerge."
Zrakoplovvliegtuig
Microplastics are in the damn rain at this point, and I wish I was exaggerating.
"A critical shortage..."
"A critical shortage of certain professions. Mainly healthcare and teachers."
MrWizard11
It's almost as if people don't want to do such taxing work for pennies.
"The nursing shortage..."
"The nursing shortage began many years ago. Covid just exposed what was coming. It’s about to get so much worse."
[deleted]
Nursing has devolved to paperwork and less nurse to patient contact while also adding more liability. It’s very sad.
"Hedge funds..."
"Hedge funds buying up so much of the housing stock. Crisis in affordable housing is going to be on steroids."
Phil330
Most people will rent. It will be the new normal. "New" of course meaning old if you take into account feudalism.
"The latest projection..."
"The latest projection is that the Social Security Trust Fund will run out around 2034, after which benefits will be cut by 20-25%. Not only will this cause a huge and painful disruption for seniors who depend on SS, it will cause a crisis on confidence among all Americans who paid into this system and won't get back anywhere near what they put into it."
LetsPlayCanasta
Can’t wait for the day the American people wake up from the crap the government has been feeding us for a very, very, very long time!
Should be fun!
Sorry to give you an existential crisis with your morning coffee. In our defense, these are just the times we live in.
Have some observations of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
Want to "know" more?
Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again.
Mavourneen Michiels/Facebook
Kathy Simmons/Facebook
Danielle Marie Gates/Facebook
@covie_93/Threads
@Andy/X
@Andy reply to @ChassieBlu/X
@pumptinis/X