There are several major ongoing debates and issues affecting the planet as a whole. Here are some of the key ones:

Climate Change: There are ongoing debates around the causes, impacts, and best solutions for addressing climate change driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels. Discussions revolve around balancing environmental protection with economic impacts of mitigation strategies.

Environment and Conservation: Debates continue about how to protect biodiversity, ecosystems, forests, oceans and natural resources in the face of human development, pollution, overfishing and other threats to the environment.

Energy Sources: There are debates over transitioning away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on finite resources like oil and natural gas.

Food and Water Security: With growing populations, there are discussions about achieving global food and water security through sustainable agriculture, water management, reducing waste and inequalities in distribution.

Global Health: The Covid-19 pandemic thrust global health preparedness and vaccine/medicine access into the spotlight. Ongoing issues also include combating other diseases, healthcare costs and universal healthcare access.

Conflict and Human Rights: Debates persist around handling regional conflicts, distribution of resources, human rights violations, refugee crises and how the international community should intervene.

Technology’s Impact: There are conversations around the influence of technology ranging from automation’s effects on jobs to the ethics of AI, privacy concerns with data collection and social media’s societal impact.

Global Inequality: Issues like extreme poverty, education access, gender equality and the socioeconomic gaps between the world’s richest and poorest nations are part of the global inequality debate.

These weighty issues face no easy solutions but continue to be actively discussed and debated among world leaders, international organizations, experts, activists and the general public. Addressing them will likely define this era for humanity.

Significant points of contention that are likely to continue shaping discussions and debates among future generations:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Concerns over global warming, pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and sustainable resource management.
2. Social Inequality and Economic Disparities: Issues related to income inequality, access to education and healthcare, wealth distribution, and social mobility.
3. Technological Advancements and Ethical Dilemmas: Debates surrounding artificial intelligence, automation, privacy rights, data security, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
4. Political Instability and Governance: Challenges related to corruption, political polarization, populism, authoritarianism, and the effectiveness of democratic institutions.
5. Global Health Crises: Preparedness for pandemics, access to healthcare, vaccination policies, and the equitable distribution of medical resources.
6. Migration and Refugee Crises: Discussions on immigration policies, refugee rights, xenophobia, and the impact of displacement on societies.
7. Cultural Identity and Diversity: Struggles over cultural preservation, minority rights, cultural appropriation, and the tension between globalization and cultural homogenization.
8. Human Rights and Social Justice: Battles for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, indigenous rights, and the protection of marginalized communities.
9. Education Reform and Access: Efforts to improve educational systems, address disparities in access to quality education, and adapt curricula to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
10. Health and Well-being: Discussions on mental health awareness, healthcare accessibility, lifestyle-related diseases, and the importance of holistic well-being.
11. Demographic Shifts and Aging Population: Challenges associated with an aging population, pension systems, healthcare for the elderly, and intergenerational equity.
12. Resource Scarcity and Food Security: Concerns over water scarcity, food production, agricultural sustainability, and equitable distribution of resources.
13. Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Efforts to resolve conflicts, promote peace, prevent wars, and address the root causes of violence and instability.
14. Ethical Consumption and Consumerism: Debates on ethical consumer choices, sustainable consumption patterns, fair trade practices, and corporate social responsibility.
15. Digital Divide and Access to Information: Bridging the gap in access to technology and information, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring equitable internet access.
16. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Challenges related to urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, transportation systems, and managing urban growth.
17. Family Structures and Gender Roles: Discussions on evolving family dynamics, gender norms, parenting styles, and work-life balance.
18. Crisis Response and Disaster Preparedness: Strategies for mitigating the impact of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and emergencies exacerbated by climate change.
19. Energy Transition and Sustainable Development: Transitioning towards renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable development practices.
20. Civic Engagement and Activism: Encouraging youth participation in civic life, activism for social and environmental causes, and the role of technology in grassroots movements.

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the key areas where future generations are likely to encounter contention and engage in dialogue and action to shape the world they inherit.

Also, from another source:

Here’s a breakdown of some major ongoing debates and issues affecting our planet, along with why they spark contention:

Key Issues

• Climate Change:
  • Contention: While the science of climate change is overwhelmingly accepted, arguments persist about:
    • The severity and urgency of action required
    • Distribution of responsibility (developed nations vs those still developing)
    • Economic impacts of climate-focused policies vs. inaction
• Global Inequality:
  • Contention: Vast disparities in wealth, opportunity, and quality of life exist between nations and socioeconomic groups within them. Debates rage about:
    • Solutions: Free trade vs. protectionism, foreign aid vs. self-sufficiency models
    • Whether systemic changes to global capitalism are required
    • The role of historical colonialism and exploitation in present-day inequality
• Resource Scarcity and Conflicts:
  • Contention: Competition for crucial resources like fresh water, energy, and arable land is increasingly fierce. Tensions focus on:
    • Distribution of limited resources as populations grow
    • Prevention of conflict breaking out over resources, particularly in vulnerable regions
    • Long-term sustainable resource management, including the shift towards renewables
• Technology and Its Impact:
  • Contention: Rapidly progressing technology (AI, automation, biotechnology) holds both vast potential and dangers. Debates include: * Ethical dilemmas of technological power (privacy, manipulation, autonomous weapons) * The widening gap between those with access to technology and those without * Job displacement and ensuring economic benefits are not solely for the elite
• Political Polarization and Nationalism:
  • Contention: Many countries see rises in divisive, “us vs them” politics. This complicates global cooperation on complex issues: * How to balance national interests with those of the global community * Immigration and refugee crises highlight tensions between humanitarianism and sovereignty * Breakdown of trust in institutions and accepted truths makes solutions harder

Why These Points Cause Contention

• Vested Interests: Powerful groups (like industries or influential nations) might resist change that harms their profits or power, even when the change is ultimately beneficial for the planet.
• Complexity: No easy solutions exist. Trade-offs between economic growth, environment, and social wellbeing make agreement difficult.
• Ideology: Deep philosophical differences about the role of government, free markets, or individual freedom fuel conflicting opinions of what’s “best.”
• Lack of Global Governance: No single authority can dictate action. Agreement relies on cooperation, which itself faces hurdles due to the issues above.