Example Problem Listing

This section of a problem listing provides a clear, structured explanation of an issue that needs urgent attention. It is not just about identifying a problem—it is about understanding its causes, scope, and impact, as well as inviting participation to address it.

A strong problem listing should:

• Clearly define the problem (e.g., what’s wrong and why it matters).
• Identify who is affected and how (e.g., communities, industries, individuals).
• Explain why the problem persists (e.g., lack of resources, systemic failures, government inaction).
• Highlight obstacles to resolving the issue.

For example, if the problem is the global water crisis, the listing would cover:

• What the problem is: Billions of people lack access to clean drinking water.
• How it happens: Overuse, pollution, and climate change are depleting freshwater sources.
• Who is affected: Rural communities, urban populations, and entire economies.
• Why it persists: Poor water management, lack of investment, and failing infrastructure.

Unlike a rant, a problem listing is solution-oriented—it sets the stage for collaboration and action.

🌍 Why This Matters Now

This section explains why this problem is urgent today and why immediate action is needed. It should:

• Provide statistics or real-world examples to illustrate the crisis.
• Describe the impact of inaction.
• Showcase why now is the right time to focus on this issue.

For example, in a problem listing about the global water crisis, this section might highlight:

• 785 million people lack access to safe drinking water.
• Droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
• Cities like Cape Town, Mexico City, and Chennai are running out of water.

🚨 If no action is taken, the problem will only worsen, leading to:

• Water wars and increased geopolitical conflicts.
• Mass migration due to uninhabitable regions.
• Severe economic collapse in water-dependent industries (agriculture, manufacturing, etc.).

By outlining why this problem can no longer be ignored, this section ensures urgency and motivates people to participate in finding solutions.

🚀 Future State & Expected Outcomes

This section describes what success looks like if the problem is addressed. It should:

• Outline the potential solutions (e.g., policy changes, new technology, community action).
• Describe the impact of solving the problem.
• Provide a clear call to action.

For example, in the water crisis listing, this section might describe:

• Short-term goals: Raise awareness, push for better water conservation, and support local solutions.
• Long-term impact: More efficient water management, improved infrastructure, and widespread access to clean water.
• Tangible outcome: Reduced disease, stronger economies, and a more stable global environment.
• Call to action: Encourage water-saving behaviors, invest in clean water initiatives, or push for government intervention.

💡 Only share what you need to get your message across, so that you attract like-minded individuals and organisations to help tackle the problem.