The next twenty years will be of critical importance to our planet, argues World Bank economist Jean-François Rischard. How global problems are resolved over these years will determine the fate of our planet for the next generations. In this chart, reprinted from his book, High Noon, Mr. Rischard points out the twenty most pressing issues facing the global community.

rom sharing global resources to sharing global humanity, Jean-François Rischard presents his list. How can we solve these issues in the next 20 years?

Twenty Global Issues, Twenty Years to Solve Them

Sharing our planet: Issues involving the global commons • Global warming • Biodiversity and ecosystem losses • Fisheries depletion • Deforestation • Water deficits • Maritime safety and pollution Sharing our humanity: Issues requiring global commitment • Massive step-up in the fight against poverty • Peacekeeping, conflict prevention, combating terrorism • Education for all • Global infectious diseases • Digital divide • Natural disaster prevention and mitigation Sharing our rule book: Issues needing a global regulatory approach • Reinventing taxation for the 21st century • Biotechnology rules • Global financial architecture • Illegal drugs • Trade, investment and competition rules • Intellectual property rights • E-commerce rules • International labor and migration rules

Adapted from "High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them". Copyright © 2002 by J.F. Rischard. Reprinted with permission of Basic Books.