📈 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.
🦟 Scientists succeed in creating mosquitoes that block malaria
Researchers in Tanzania have for the first time in Africa created genetically modified mosquitoes that prevent the malaria parasite from developing. The modified mosquitoes contain naturally occurring molecules from frogs and bees that effectively stop the parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
🐘 Number of African forest elephants revised upward by 16 percent
A new report estimates there are 135,690 African forest elephants, an upward revision of 16 percent compared to 2016 figures. Gabon is home to 66 percent of the global population of African forest elephants.
📉 Global carbon dioxide emissions may be close to reaching their peak
Data on greenhouse gas emissions shows a decline during the first months of last year compared to the same period the year before. Solar power and electric vehicles are growing rapidly in several major economies, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
🥶 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.