It might seem like everything stinks or trending down right now, but that is far from true. In fact, 2024 will likely be the best overall year for humanity since our genesis.
Bad stuff that’s decreasing (source):
- In 1989, the amount of ozone-depleting gasses in the atmosphere was 1300 thousand tons. In 2021, it had fallen to 17 thousand tons. Projects are completely removed by 2045.
- In 1970, 24% of the world’s population was food-deprived/hungry. In 2022, it was only 9%.
- In 1920, you needed to care about smallpox. Over 400k cases were reported. Since 1980, smallpox is 0. Yes, vaccination.
- In 1800, 191 countries had legal slavery. By 2020, it’s 0 (legally).
- In 1800, 43% of children died before age 5. In 2022, it’s 4%.
- In 1970, we had 79 oil tanker spills. By 2010, it had dropped to 6 per year.
- In 1950, 25% of children aged 5-17 worked to help support themselves and their family. It’s now less than 10%.
Good stuff that’s increasing (same source):
- In 1800, 10% of people could read. In 2022, it’s 87%.
- In 1980, 58% of people had practical access to clean drinking water. In 2022, it’s 91%.
- In 1990, 74% of the world’s population had access to electricity. In 2022, it’s 91%.
- In 1893, one country allowed women to vote. In 2023, it’s 195.
- In 1970, 69% of girls finished primary schooling. In 2022, it’s 89%.
- In 1972, there was one single female CEO of a US Fortune 500 company (Katherine Graham, The Washington Post). In 2022, there were 52.
Sometimes you gotta turn off the news, get your head out of the echo chamber, and look around.
