The world is a dynamic place. Problems of the world are vast and ever-changing. Teenagers are often criticised, labeled as ignorant, and largely ignored by the rest of society. The modern era of teenagers and young adults — Generation Z– are next in line to preserve and maintain society on a global-scale. However, increasing threats to society are more apparent leaving many wondering, how will teens grow up without fear in such a dangerous world, let alone face augmenting world problems?

The world is a scary, staggering place to say the least. The recent events which unfolded in Paris aid to this claim. Seven extremists, affiliated with the Islamic State, shot and bombed various locations throughout France. In the process, 129 innocent lives were lost, and 352 individuals were left injured. The highest number of casualties occurred during an Eagles of Death Metal concert, 89, at the Bataclan concert hall; many of the victims being teens & young adults. A U.S. citizen. Nohemi Gonzalez, 23, a student at California State University, Long Beach, one of 17 students studying abroad for a semester at Strate College of Design, was one of the many victims who lost their lives that day in the attacks. The repercussions of these attacks weren’t limited to France, rather the world entirely. Days earlier, attacks occurred in Beirut and Russia, and days after in Mali–all due to the Islamic State. The Islamic State, referred to as ISIS, also threatened to attack New York City after they released a propaganda video following the Paris attacks. The motive–establish fear. It is clear to many that these attacks will continue, however, no one knows where, when, or how. If the problem is not dealt with soon, it will continue to grow and future generations will assume responsibility of ridding ISIS from the world, a daunting task.

Further, the economy is still in turmoil. According to the U.N, the world economy faltered in 2015, with growth estimated at just 2.4 percent this year. Although economic growth is expected in the upcoming years, the major world superpower–the United States–has a federal debt of about $19 trillion. This means that the federal debt per person is equivalent to about $57,732 and is predicted to continue to keep increasing up to the year 2020. With these statistics, it is suggested that the burden of debt will fall on future generations, and teenagers of course, are next in line. This debt is not limited to the United States. A plethora of countries are, or are approaching debt crises. This list includes Greece, Ireland, the Dominican Republic. Spain, Ukraine, Croatia, and many more. If this list continues expanding, the world economy could be drastically impacted.

Around the world, various protests have taken place, many led by young people and those striving for a change in society.  In the United States, protests sprouted in Chicago subsequent to the controversial fatal shooting of 17 year old, Laquan McDonald, shot 16 times by officer Jason Van Dyke. Although the shooting occurred about a year ago, the video was recently released on November 24th. In the video, McDonald is shown walking towards cops with a knife in hand at a distance of at least 10 feet away. Officer Van Dyke felt his life was in danger, thus, he shot McDonald multiple times as he hit the ground and continued firing at his body. The release of the footage came months after local activists and an independent journalist, Brandon Smith, pushed officials in court to have the video released to the public. Many believe the shooting was unwarranted and protests ensued shortly after. In August of 2014, similar protests arose following the shooting of African American teenager Michael Brown. Protests were centered on the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality. Citizens around the world believe something must be done about the ever-growing abuse of power by cops and other high ranking officials in federal positions.  Parents have begun to question the safety of their children, even around those devoted to protecting them. In the United States, African American teens are twenty-one times more likely to be killed by cops than white ones. Based on this eerie fact, it is evident something but be done to combat corruption of power, not solely towards blacks, but for all people. Protests have also developed around the world regarding climate change.Tens of thousands of people worldwide have sprung to the streets for a global climate march, pressing world leaders to push for a hopeful international agreement at the upcoming climate summit in Paris. Outside of Paris, 2,400 events provoked world leaders with a message, drastically slash carbon emissions. One-hundred individuals even took to the White House to protest with signs that read “Don’t nuke the climate” and “Preserve our home”. London, Yemen, and Nepal were among other locations where protests were administered by passionate individuals.

It is clear that people around the world have a common goal, preserve the planet and the lives that constitute it. This begins with ordinary citizens, pushing leaders to listen. Teenagers have the strongest voices. Talk loud enough, and someone will hear. It may seem impossible to have an optimistic outlook, yet the impossible breeds new possibilities. Nations must negotiate, technological innovations must be utilized for the greater good. Dreams may vary, but the same vision is necessary.  Problems must be tackled simultaneously but with precaution. Peace may be unlikely, but the aspirations of genuine humans can overcome any fault. It is not possible to rid teenagers of fear; fear drives the best humans to topple walls and conquer boundaries, it is a natural human emotion.  However the expression of fear can build a stronger, safer, and more secure environment for future generations. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “ The best way to predict the future is to create it”.