📈 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.
🥶 First visit to remote volcanic ridge beneath the Arctic
The expedition completed over 40 dives to depths of up to 5,277 meters beneath the Arctic sea ice. The area may contain hydrothermal vents that host unique ecosystems without sunlight. It is the first time a crewed submersible has visited the eastern part of the Gakkel Ridge.
🐺 North America's large carnivores have recovered over the past 50 years
Gray wolves, pumas, black bears, and grizzly bears have made significant comebacks in North America. Black bears have increased by approximately two percent annually since the 1980s and now number over 850,000 individuals.
💰 Kerala in India has eliminated extreme poverty
The Indian state of Kerala has reduced poverty from 59.8% in the 1970s to near zero. Kerala has the lowest proportion of multidimensionally poor people in India, with only 0.55% of the population. The result was achieved through investments in health, education, and targeted interventions.
📉 Measles deaths down 88 percent since 2000
The measles vaccine has saved nearly 59 million lives since the turn of the millennium. The number of deaths in 2024 is among the lowest recorded since 2000. 96 countries have now eliminated measles, including the first three countries in Africa.
🐕 Trained dogs track poachers in Africa
A British organization has sent 15 trained dogs to five African countries to combat poaching of rhinos and elephants. Some smaller nature reserves have almost completely eliminated poaching thanks to the deterrent effect of the dogs.
🏧 More women in developing countries have access to bank accounts
73% of women in low- and middle-income countries now have a financial account, an increase of 7 percentage points since 2021. The share of women saving formally has increased from 22% to 36% in three years. Mobile phones and digital accounts make it easier for women to use financial services.
🐢 India's olive ridley turtles have recovered – 10 times as many nests now
20 years ago, researchers counted around 100,000 turtle nests in India, but during last winter's nesting season, approximately one million nests were recorded. Protection measures such as seasonal fishing bans, protected coastal zones, and ecotourism have contributed to the recovery.
💉 DR Congo launches vaccination campaign for 62 million children
DR Congo is launching a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles and rubella that will reach 62 million children aged 6 months to 14 years. The combined vaccine replaces the previous measles vaccine in the national immunization program.
🐟 São Paulo's river was an open sewer – after major cleanup life returns to the water
The Novo Rio Pinheiros program has installed 280 kilometers of sewage networks and given more than 7,000 households access to basic sanitation. Two million residents have stopped dumping sewage into the Pinheiros River, and 173,000 residents along the Zavuvus stream now have clean water.