The global economy continues to be impacted by the financial fallout of US subprime mortgages, with the financial storm sweeping through every corner of the world. Global inflation is ubiquitous; purchasing power has hit rock bottom not just in France but worldwide. Governments are scrambling to contain social unrest by cutting state spending at great cost. In this interconnected global village, where one hair’s movement affects the whole body, no one is immune. Regardless of who drags whom down (such as the US economy), everyone will inevitably be affected. This demonstrates that major contemporary issues have become globalized. Every responsible government must not only be accountable to its own people but also possess macroscopic foresight, following channels of global communication to positively address urgent matters.

In this global village, the crucial tasks are resource allocation and efficient utilization. Wasting resources does not just harm your own assets, but depletes the common resources upon which humanity survives. These require globalized decision-making and actions, as well as a shared consciousness among all people. The sustainable survival of the global village depends on the choices and practices made right now.

Today, oil prices have reached unprecedented heights of $118 per barrel. At this moment, the world food supply has sounded the alarm, with basic food prices multiplying and soaring. The entire globe has been severely affected. Particularly in impoverished nations across Africa, Asia, or South America, many regions were already on the brink of hunger. With basic food supplies already scarce, the exponential surge in staple food prices acts like adding fuel to a fire, igniting a raging blaze of hunger. Major cities across Africa have held large-scale demonstrations and protests. Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, Egypt, and others have seen unrest, with Haiti in the Caribbean experiencing even more intense violence. Riots for survival have occurred, with reports of deaths emerging from this extraordinary predicament. It seems that mere appeasement cannot solve the problem. UN Secretary-General has issued warnings regarding this forming world food crisis.

Europe, America, and developing nations are also under this unusual pressure. Many citizens struggle with purchasing power and basic living standards. It appears this year marks an era of change. In this age of advanced high-tech and agricultural technology, it is hard to imagine such a reality of famine. Is this a problem of unequal distribution of basic world resources, or a loss of balance caused by people pursuing their respective economic interests?