Challenge - The Most Significant Events

Section 1—Prosperity

The Most Significant Events

Identifying the Most Significant Events

Complete this challenge by forming a conclusion about the events you researched.

1. Review your research and classification of the ten major globalizing events you selected.
   
   
2. Arrive at an agreed-upon conclusion about the five most significant events.
   
   
3. Select the top five events that have had the most significant impact on sustainable prosperity globally.
   
   
4. Do the events you selected mostly create or limit sustainable prosperity? Write a statement to capture your position about the overall impact these five events have on sustainable prosperity. Provide supporting reasons for your statement.

Classifying Events as Challenges or Opportunities

Opportunities are events that have contributed to greater sustainable prosperity for a significant number of people. Challenges are events that in some way have harmed sustainable prosperity for a large group of people. Some events may fall under both categories. In these cases you must decide whether the total effects of the event do more to help or to hinder sustainable prosperity.

Consider the following questions when deciding where to classify the opportunities and challenges:

• Can the group or community continue to function in the same way for an indefinite period; for example, stresses on the social systems that eventually undermine long-term viability, burnout, or resentment?

• Can the initiative continue to produce economic benefit indefinitely without artificial support; for example, subsidies, grants, volunteer labour, price controls, or unfunded pensions?

• Can the physical environment cope with the demands placed on it for an indefinite period; for example, depletion of non-renewable resources, unsustainable yields, or toxic buildup?

Exchanging Lists and Statements with Other Classmates

Defend your list and post your concluding statement.

Reconsidering and Revising Your Conclusions

Scoring Criteria: Creating or Limiting Sustainable Prosperity?

(10 marks)

Submit a copy of your original five events, the original concluding statement, and any revisions made after your work.