One of the main priorities of the scientific community should be for alternative energy sources. It is staggering how dependant on oil we are. It is in our plastics and other synthetic materials, provides power for our electricity, and is the force behind ground and air transportation. It is a non-renewable resource, and someday will run out.
There are a multitude of reasons we need to make this change. For instance, the problem of the Middle East would become a little simpler if they didn�t control a large portion of the one resource that most profoundly affects the world economy. Also, the burning of fossil fuels and the usage of plastics is not good for our planet.
I believe we can develop replacements for plastics that are �green,� and do not require the processing of fossil fuels. But this would only relieve a very small portion of our dependence on oil. The main usage of oil is for energy needs.
The replacement of oil as the primary supplier of energy is a much more difficult problem, and is probably more pressing. Science is very far from a long term, sustainable, viable oil alternative; and progress is very slow. It will take time and the investment of resource to achieve independence from oil, so we can not wait to start in earnest.
As world economies grow, so does the need for energy (oil). China is quickly becoming the major competitor for the oil supply, and this is likely to increase almost exponentially. If we wait too long to find viable alternatives, then our economy will come crashing down.
Poverty
Poverty in our country, around the world, and especially in AIDS torn Africa is one of the major challenges facing our country and the world. There are no easy solutions or quick fixes. It has been said that there will always be the poor. But we need to do a better job of meeting their needs and helping them improve their lot in life.
Social Programs
For many decades our country has run many programs aimed at aiding the poor (Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, housing). While there are some successes, to a large degree, these programs have failed. I believe that it is time to re-evaluate how we are trying to battle poverty. It is time to get rid of programs that don�t work and cost too much. It is time to find new, different, cost effective ways to accomplish the goals of the old programs. We need to help people get training for better jobs and support them in the work place with child care and other such programs. We need to make programs that encourage, build up, and strengthen individuals and families.
Medical Care