LanceWillett.com

National Geographic is very concerned about America’s young people and their lack of global awareness. Based on a study done in late 2006, they realized that the next generation of leaders, workers, and educators coming out of our school system are sorely lacking in basic knowledge of the world around them.

We tested the geography knowledge of 18- to 24-year-olds across the U.S. to see how much they know about our world. How did they do? More know where the TV show CSI is set than can find Iraq on a map. The survey shows that too many young Americans have a limited understanding of the world.

Appalled at the study results, National Geographic launched a project called My Wonderful World. Aimed at kids/teens, parents, and educators, the aims to “give kids the power of global knowledge.” The website has games, a blog, ways to contact lawmakers and advocate for global education, and a global IQ tester.

Test your global IQ at My Wonderful World. (I took the test last night, and missed one question about fortified borders.)

Population geography is a fascinating study, especially as human population has exploded in the last 100 years. Even if you’ve been under a rock, you’ll have noticed by now that we are crowding up the globe.

In 19, 20, 21, you will find an engaging presentation documenting the rise of supercities through recent history. Though urban growth and sprawl is the status quo today in the 21st century, we’ll all be living in even bigger cities in the near future, according to the presenters’ projections. The people behind this study hope to explore the impact of this phenomenon on our lives and our futurand convince the movers and shakers of the world to listen to this important message.

Visit 19, 20, 21 for the entire presentation on history of supercities and the exponential growth of human population. Very highly recommended.

Note: I didn’t realize that Tokyo had passed Mexico City as the largest city in the world. 35 million plus, that’s amazing!