📈 Human Progress
In the last decades humanity has made great progress with less extreme poverty, increased health, wealth and democracy. We follow in the tradition of professor Hans Rosling.
✈️ Plane hijackings have decreased dramatically
The number of plane hijackings has significantly decreased since the 1980s. The number of fatalities in plane hijackings has also decreased. The last major hijacking occurred during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
🏭 Has China’s CO2 emissions peaked? New stats suggest so
China’s CO2 emissions decreased by 3% in March. Solar and wind covered 90% of the growth in electricity consumption, reducing the share of fossil fuels in electricity production. With the rapid increase in EVs, structural changes are occurring, suggesting that emissions may have peaked in 2023.
🚑 New Indian traffic safety model to save lives in poor countries
Zero Fatality Corridor has reduced road fatalities by over 50 percent on specific stretches in India. The model is adapted to the conditions of low- and middle-income countries. The Indian government plans to expand the model to the country’s 15 most dangerous highways.
🌼 A periodic table for flowering plants has been created – includes 9,500 species
Researchers analyzed 1.8 billion genetic letters from over 9,500 species of flowering plants. The research reveals the evolutionary history of flowering plants.
🌳 India's forests have steadily increased over the past 15 years
India ranks globally as third in net gain of average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020. They have prioritized biodiversity and conservation with an expanded network of protected areas.
🛰️ NASA has discovered a way to predict flash droughts months in advance
Flash droughts occur suddenly and quickly, but now researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found a way to detect them early. Plants' "glow" diminishes before a flash drought, and this change can be observed by satellites.
👩⚕️ We are close to eradicating polio
The world has made significant progress in the fight against polio, reducing the number of cases by a hundredfold since the 1980s. Two of the three serotypes of wild poliovirus have been eradicated. New vaccines and improvements in sanitation and testing will help us overcome the last obstacles.
🌍 The planet has likely passed "peak pollution" – emissions will now only decrease
The world has likely passed "peak pollution" for harmful local air pollutants. Emissions have significantly decreased in wealthier countries and China. The goal is to help developing countries quickly reduce pollution without hindering their development.
⚰️ Murders continue to decrease in the US
The number of murders has decreased by over 19 percent in more than 200 cities compared to 2023. Even in 2023, the number of murders dropped significantly.