Repository of problems worth solving
World Solve is a public institutional repository for identifying real unresolved problems across science, society, health, governance, economics, and local systems. Each entry is intended to be citable, inspectable, and actionable.
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4194Total
4194Open
0Solved
9Humans
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Cosmological data show the Universe’s expansion speeding up, yet we lack a clear physical mechanism beyond a simple cosmological constant. Precision surveys and alternative gravity theories could clarify whether dark energy is a new field or modified gravity.
mathematics-logic
global-unspecified
dark
energy
cause
cosmic
acceleration
remains
unknown
cosmological
gravity
data
science-space
whether
know
philosophy-ethics
don
universe
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Big Bang models suggest equal amounts of matter and antimatter, yet the observable Universe is dominated by matter. Precision measurements of CP violation and new physics at high energies could explain the imbalance.
science-space
global-unspecified
matter
antimatter
universe
origin
asymmetry
unresolved
big
bang
models
suggest
know
dark
fully
understand
actually
don
open
United States, North America
Kepler and other missions have identified thousands of exoplanets, but we lack robust statistics on Earth-size worlds with stable climates and liquid water. Next-generation transit and direct-imaging missions must refine occurrence rates.
climate-environment
north-america
united-states
not
know
common
truly
earth-like
habitable
planets
missions
kepler
global-unspecified
whether
philosophy-ethics
science-space
don
determine
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
These millisecond bursts of radio energy come from cosmological distances, but their progenitors are uncertain, ranging from magnetars to exotic compact objects. Coordinated multi-wavelength observations and rapid follow-up networks could identify their sources.
mathematics-logic
global-unspecified
radio
bursts
nature
fast
remains
mysterious
these
millisecond
energy
come
science-space
resolved
whether
know
philosophy-ethics
don
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Moons like Europa and Enceladus may harbor oceans beneath ice, but we do not know their chemical gradients or energy sources. Cryobot and plume-sampling missions could test for conditions suitable for life.
climate-environment
global-unspecified
lack
precise
constraints
habitability
subsurface
ocean
worlds
moons
like
europa
know
philosophy-ethics
whether
mathematics-logic
don
determine
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Objects in the distant solar system could reveal formation history and the presence of rogue planets, but only a few have been discovered. Wide-field deep surveys and improved orbit determination are needed.
climate-environment
global-unspecified
distribution
small
bodies
beyond
kuiper
belt
poorly
mapped
objects
distant
whether
know
philosophy-ethics
science-space
don
have
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Theory predicts metal-free stars that reionized the Universe, but no such stars have been observed. JWST-class telescopes and 21cm cosmology experiments could provide indirect signatures.
science-space
global-unspecified
stars
lack
direct
measurements
first
generation
population
iii
theory
predicts
whether
philosophy-ethics
mathematics-logic
know
don
have
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Running couplings suggest possible metastability of the vacuum. Improved measurements of Higgs and top masses refine stability assessments.
mathematics-logic
global-unspecified
not
know
whether
standard
model
stable
very
high
energies
running
philosophy-ethics
haven
resolved
possible
don
every
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Non-revenue water undermines sustainability. IoT leak detection and smart metering can reduce losses.
climate-environment
global-unspecified
water
urban
utilities
lose
large
shares
leaks
theft
non-revenue
undermines
african
don
cities
whether
asia
long
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Coal, oil, and gas drive emissions and pollution. Policy and technology shifts are needed for rapid decarbonization.
climate-environment
global-unspecified
reliance
fossil
fuels
continues
dominate
energy
mixes
coal
oil
whether
philosophy-ethics
way
determine
don
have
mathematics-logic
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Many plants remain stuck in low-tech production. Technology-transfer and cluster strategies can accelerate upgrading.
health-biology
global-unspecified
upgrading
manufacturing
higher
value-added
segments
slow
plants
remain
stuck
low-tech
informal
settlements
without
african
indonesia
india
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Top incomes grow faster than those of the majority. Progressive taxation and social transfers can counteract this.
economics-resources
global-unspecified
income
wealth
inequality
have
risen
economies
top
incomes
grow
faster
philosophy-ethics
whether
determine
don
agreed
way
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Poaching and trafficking persist. Stronger enforcement and demand reduction are needed.
economics-resources
global-unspecified
illegal
wildlife
trade
threatens
species
poaching
trafficking
persist
stronger
enforcement
philosophy-ethics
have
society-governance
don
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Global trade spreads invaders. Monitoring and control programs can reduce impacts.
economics-resources
global-unspecified
species
invasive
alter
ecosystems
harm
native
trade
spreads
invaders
philosophy-ethics
mathematics-logic
whether
determine
have
prevent
don
open
Global / Unspecified, Global
Duplication and gaps result. Shared planning platforms can improve alignment.
society-governance
global-unspecified
coordination
among
donors
implementing
agencies
weak
duplication
gaps
result
shared
african
technology-computing
systems
data
across
stress
Short-term grants limit long-term impact and organizational stability. Recurring-donation platforms and social-impact bonds could provide more stable support.
society-governance
africa
african
youth-led
civic
organizations
often
lack
sustainable
funding
short-term
grants
global-unspecified
remains
technology-computing
long
term
economics-resources
Heavily subsidized irrigation water discourages efficient use in water-stressed countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Volumetric water pricing paired with efficient irrigation tech could cut waste significantly.
climate-environment
asia
central-asia
water
pricing
subsidy
structures
often
encourage
wasteful
central
asian
agriculture
global-unspecified
urban
whether
don
philosophy-ethics
Coal remains the cheapest and most reliable power source for many governments despite pollution and climate costs. Faster cost declines in battery storage could accelerate the shift to renewables.
climate-environment
asia
india
coal
climate
dependency
countries
like
china
indonesia
complicates
commitments
global-unspecified
society-governance
methods
institutional
whether
migration
Graduates often hold certificates that employers don't value, while industries report shortages of specific technical skills. Employer-linked apprenticeship and skills-matching platforms could close this mismatch.
technology-computing
asia
vocational
training
remains
disconnected
actual
job
market
demand
graduates
economics-resources
global-unspecified
philosophy-ethics
whether
determine
resolved
way
Many older buildings in seismic zones like Nepal, Indonesia, and Turkey do not meet modern earthquake-resistant standards. Retrofit financing programs and stricter enforced building codes could save many lives.
economics-resources
asia
indonesia
building
earthquake
disaster
resilience
asian
stock
remains
inadequate
older
buildings
climate-environment
social-civic-problems
global-unspecified
standards
future