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Good news for people
A century of progress for human rights across all world regions
Ranging from 0 (least rights) to 1 (most), the Varieties of Democracy 'Human Rights Index' examines the extent to which people are free from government torture, political killings, and forced labour and enjoy freedoms of movement, religion, expression, and association. Every region in the world scores significantly higher today than 100 years ago, with Europe leading the charge. OWD
No cases of Guinea worm detected yet in 2024
When the Carter Center began leading the international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease in 1986, there were an estimated 3.5 million cases in at least 21 countries in Africa and Asia. During the first three months of this year, not a single case has been detected worldwide. If this continues, we could soon achieve global eradication of the third disease in history. Carter Center
Nepal sees a threefold reduction in childhood diarrhoea
The Nepal Statistics Office reported that the diarrhoea rate for children under five dropped to 11.5% in 2022-23, a threefold decline since the previous fiscal year. Experts have attributed this to a decline in open defecation, increased education and awareness levels, behavioural changes, and, most importantly, an improvement in water and sanitation conditions. Kathmandu Post
UNAIDS says ending AIDS pandemic by 2030 within reach
In 1995, new HIV infections reached a peak of 3.3 million. A new UNAIDS report finds that number dropped by 60% to 1.3 million in 2023, with a record 30.7 million people accessing treatment. There's also been a 69% fall in deaths since 2004, and since 2010, new HIV infections among children have declined by 62%.
Ecuador will expand successful school meals initiative nationwide
In 2023, the World Food Programme launched a school meals programme for 1,000 children in Ecuador in rural areas with high malnutrition and poverty levels. Almost immediate improvements were recorded, including better academic performance and reduced illness. This year, the program rolls out nationwide, expanding meal provision and diversifying diets for tens of thousands of kids.
2.45 million fewer Filipinos living in poverty since 2021
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports poverty dropped from 18.1% in 2021 to 15.5% in 2023. The Family Income and Expenditure Survey confirmed this trend, recording a 2.3% and 2.6% decrease in poverty among families and the population overall, respectively, in 2023. The declines are attributed to a 22.9% rise in the mean per capita income of families near the poverty threshold since 2021.
Landmark ruling for same-sex couples in South Korea
In 2021, a gay couple filed a lawsuit after the National Health Insurance Service cancelled their spousal benefits. Upholding an earlier decision, the Supreme Court has now ruled that all same-sex couples are eligible to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples. LGBTQ+ advocates say the ruling marks the first legal recognition of same-sex unions in South Korea. Reuters
Millions more children are being educated in Zambia
Three years ago the government made education free for all, allowing two million more children to go to state-run schools without having to pay. To tackle overcrowding, the government has pledged to build over 170 new schools and recruit 55,000 new teachers by the end of 2026—of whom 37,000 have already been hired. BBC
New roads in Kazakhstan have dramatically improved quality of life
Since 2009, the World Bank has supported Kazakhstan’s South-West Roads Project, connecting approximately 5.5 million people along the Western Europe–Western China corridor. A new survey shows that 93% of respondents have noticed a higher quality of life post-project due to reduced travel times, lower road user costs, easier access to essential services, and better job and income opportunities.
The Gambia upholds ban on FGM in critical win for women and girls
Lawmakers in The Gambia have rejected a bill that would have overturned a 2015 law against female genital mutilation. The international community has welcomed the decision, which aligns with the country’s commitments to prevent harmful practices against girls and women. The UN has also praised the efforts of grassroots campaigners and activists to prevent the law from being overturned.
Substance abuse among US teenagers drops sharply since 1970s
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has been collecting data on the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour of young people since 1975 for its Monitoring The Future survey. In 1976, substance use for high school seniors stood at 92% for alcohol, 76% for cigarettes, and 64% for cannabis. By 2021, the figures had dropped by a whopping 39, 59, and 26 percentage points, respectively. Ryan Burge
More good news you didn't hear about
The proportion of the world's adults with a net worth of less than $10,000 has plunged from 75% in 2000 to less than 40% in 2023. The percentage of American workers earning under $15 an hour has dropped from 32% to 13% in just two years. The US Internal Revenue Service just collected a record $1 billion in past-due taxes from millionaires. Gavi’s Big Catch-Up begins, allocating 200 million vaccine doses to children missed during COVID-19. Saudi Arabia announces an unprecedented pension reform package, addressing critical issues such as retirement age and maternity leave. Johnson & Johnson agrees not to enforce its patent on critical TB medication in South Africa. The real immigration crisis: not enough immigrants. The Dutch Supreme Court confirms the right to same-sex marriage in the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. In Cabo Verde, poverty levels have fallen from 56.8% in 2001 to 28.1% in 2022. Biden announces another round of student loan forgiveness—in total, his administration has cancelled more than $168 billion in debt for nearly 4.8 million Americans. The US federal government has also approved a series of changes to make flying safer, easier, and more accessible for passengers with disabilities. A project in Uganda is using AI to power ultrasound imaging without the need for specialists, encouraging women to attend health screenings earlier in pregnancy.
Good news for the planet
Ecuador forms new conservation area to protect biodiversity hotspot
In the Ecuadorian province of Napo, the new Pueblo Kichwa de Rukullakta Provincial Conservation and Sustainable Use Area covers 419 km² of Ecuador's central Amazon region. Established by the provincial government in cooperation with local communities and Indigenous peoples, the project will safeguard the immense diversity of species, biomes, and ecosystems found within the area. Andes Amazon Fund
A destroyed park in Mozambique is now a conservation triumph
Gorongosa National Park was decimated in the Mozambican Civil War (1977-1992). After the war, the wildlife sanctuary languished until philanthropist Greg Carr committed $36 million to the park's revival in 2004. Twenty years on, the project has spent closer to $100 million, successfully rewilding the park, safeguarding endangered species, reviving tourism, and improving local livelihoods. Al Jazeera
First Nations will manage Canada’s largest marine protected area
Named Tang.ɢwan - ḥačxʷiqak - Tsig̱is, the new 130,000 km² MPA off the west coast of Vancouver Island will be co-managed by the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht, and Quatsino First Nations. It is a result of years of advocacy and explorations that discovered a wealth of biodiversity on seamounts. Harmful activities like bottom-contact fishing and dumping are now prohibited. Oceana
Great Green Wall has revived Africa’s degraded landscapes
The Great Green Wall Initiative, launched in 2007 by the African Union, aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across the Sahel and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. Since its start, it has successfully restored 18 million hectares and created 350,000 jobs across the 11 participating countries in North and West Africa. International Banker
Rapid recovery for the European turtle dove
The population of the European turtle dove has increased by 25% following a temporary hunting ban in place from 2021 through 2023 across France, Spain, and Portugal. The recovery equates to an additional 400,000 breeding pairs, prompting the three countries to continue the ban in 2024. Bird Guides
Wildlife comebacks for tigers, Siamese crocodiles, and narwhals
In Thailand, tiger numbers in the Western Forest Complex have steadily recovered over two decades; in Cambodia, 60 baby Siamese crocodiles were born at the end of June, the culmination of more than 20 years of efforts to revive the endangered reptile’s numbers; and in Canada, the narwhal is no longer considered at risk after researchers recorded stable population numbers in Nunavut.
World’s biggest buyer of consumer goods could* phase out plastic
The US federal government has announced its intention to phase out purchases of single-use plastics for food, events, and packaging by 2027; expand the market for reusable, compostable, or more easily recyclable substitutes; and ban single-use plastics from all government operations by 2035. *A big asterisk to acknowledge the current political reality in the United States. NYT
The Ocean Cleanup has removed over 15,000 tonnes of trash
Since its launch in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup has removed over 15 million kilograms of trash from oceans and rivers worldwide. Founder Boyan Slat recently posted, 'During the first eight years of The Ocean Cleanup, we collected 314,000 kg of trash. We're now collecting the same amount... every 4.5 days.'
Clayoquot Sound’s ancient forests receive permanent protection
More good news from Vancouver Island, Canada! In Clayoquot Sound, 760 km² of old-growth forests are now permanently protected by ten new conservancies managed by the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, who have been fighting to protect the forests from logging since the 1980s. A total of 1,639 km², or 63% of Clayoquot Sound, are now protected. The Narwhal
Mozambican conservationists’ push to protect a 'sky island'
The largest rainforest in southern Africa was known only to locals until 2004, when it was reached by an international team, leading to significant exploration and the discovery of diverse new species. Now Mozambican conservationists are working to turn Mabu into a community-protected area—prohibiting logging or mining but allowing locals who depend on the forest to manage and use it. BBC
More music for those who will listen
A court in Ecuador has ruled in favour of a river running through the city of Quito, determining it has the right not to be polluted. Hawaii is banning deep-sea mining. The US EPA has agreed to take long-overdue action on 32 states’ plans to reduce haze pollution. An initiative in western Greece is working to clean up 'ghost' fish farms. In a win for transparency, the Senegalese government will make the registry of licensed fishing vessels public. A judge has nullified an offshore oil and gas lease sale in Alaska's Cook Inlet, home to critically-endangered beluga whales. California’s Channel Islands have staged a remarkable comeback since the removal of their feral pig population. A new conservation easement in Florida will protect the state’s endangered panther population. For the first time in 81 years, 1,300 American white pelicans have nested at Hat Island in the Great Salt Lake. Bangkok is mobilising to vaccinate, sterilise, and care for its thousands of strays. Black grouse numbers in Belgium are gradually increasing after a successful release programme. An exploration of daylighting and how it can rekindle our ancient connection with water.
Instead of throwing tomato soup at paintings, maybe climate activists would be better off doing something like this?
Solarpunk is a valid belief system
China installs nearly twice as much clean energy as rest of world
To put it mildly, Chinese power developers had a productive first half of the year. Solar additions reached 102 GW, up 31% compared to the same period last year, and new wind installations hit 26 GW, up 12%. Analysts say the country is easily on track to beat last year's record installations.
Could China beat its carbon peak target by seven years?
Coal generation continues to fall in China, down by over 7% in June, after a 4% drop in May. Even with power demand rising, the country is seeing more than enough new wind, solar, and hydro to make up for it. It looks increasingly likely that Chinese carbon emissions peaked in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule (it's sounding awfully quiet over in the BUTDACOALBRO corner). Bloomberg
Have we all peaked?
China’s possible carbon peak is excellent news—and builds on data showing the entire planet’s climate pollutants are falling. Total emissions fell between February 2024 and May 2024 compared to the same period last year—something to keep in mind given the current news about record temperatures. You're allowed to be worried AND hopeful. Yale Climate Connections
Europe's top coal-fired electricity producer sees coal plummet
Türkiye cleaned up its power generation act during the first half of 2024, lifting clean electricity generation by more than 25% and cutting fossil-fuel-fired output by 9%. Encouragingly, Türkiye's power firms have been able to cut coal's share of the national generation mix to make way for more clean power output despite an overall rise in electricity demand. Reuters
The US solar revolution isn't just California and Texas
Texas just hit the 20 GW mark for solar, and California isn’t far behind. As IEEFA points out, though, 'those two states are only part of the solar story.' In 2018, only 4 states generated 5% or more of their power needs from solar. By 2023, this had jumped to 15. Solar works everywhere now, as the robust growth evident in Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont shows.
EPA spending big money from the IRA on climate projects
The EPA is granting $4.3 billion to 25 new projects across states, municipalities, territories, and tribal lands, an economic and environmental boon to those areas. The work is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 971 million metric tons by 2050. Projects include energy efficiency in Nebraska and industrial decarbonisation in Pennsylvania. Washington Post
Italian renewables finally outpacing fossil fuels
Renewable energy generation in Italy has surpassed that of fossil fuels for the first time, supplying 43.8% of the country's energy in the first half of 2024, up from 34.9% the previous year. This boost is largely because of a 3.3-GW injection of solar energy, which suggests that Italy could continue increasing its installation rate from the 5.2 GW of solar installations it added in 2023. PV Tech
Major Australia-Asia power line secures key approval
The Sun Cable, the world's largest renewable energy and transmission project, has received environmental approval from an Australian state government. The 4,300-kilometre-long power line, designed with both undersea and overhead stretches, will send up to 20 GW of solar power from northern Australia to Singapore, with another 36-42 GWh of battery storage onsite. New Atlas
What's the opposite of doom-scrolling?
You're being lied to: the EV market hasn't stalled. Almost half of Volvo’s global car sales in June were plugins. As an 'orgy of house-building' ends in China, cement demand (and emissions) plummet. China hasn’t issued a single coal-based steelmaking permit so far this year. Batteries are coming for Southeast Asia, the last bastion of coal. Germany hits 90.2 GW of solar. UK's new government approves three massive new solar projects and gears up for a 'rooftop revolution.' So hot right now—permitting reform arrives in Congress via the Manchin-Barrasso Bill (if you know, you know). Ten US states just agreed to coordinate their activities to improve interregional transmission. All eyes on Iceland as new geothermal research projects kick off, aiming to harness volcanic heat. US EV registrations reach a new record, while fast chargers are set to outnumber gas stations within the decade. Germany is building a fast-charging network for electric trucks covering 95% of federal highways. Solid state batteries are on the cusp of commercialisation, and that means electric vehicles with 50% more range are on the way. Green steel is starting to happen, putting net zero targets in reach.
Indistinguishable from magic
Dark oxygen at abyssal seafloor redefines scientific understanding
Four kilometres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have discovered oxygen being produced not by living organisms but by strange metallic lumps that give off almost as much electricity as AA batteries. It's one of the most exciting ocean science stories of the decade. 'I just ignored it, because I’d been taught – you only get oxygen through photosynthesis.' Guardian
Paleogenetics suggests modification to the Out of Africa thesis
New evidence shows that modern humans expanded out of Africa and interbred with Neanderthals between 200,000 and 250,000 years ago, and again around 120,000 years ago. 'It wasn’t a single out-of-Africa migration. There have been lots of migrations out of Africa at different time periods.' Paleoanthropologists say they're starting to see this more complicated reality in the fossil record, too. NYT
First-ever cave and new mineral discovered on the moon
Italian scientists have, for the first time, discovered a cave on the moon. It's at least 100 metres deep and could be an ideal place for a permanent base. Meanwhile, Chinese scientists have discovered an unidentified mineral crystal called ULM-1 in Chang'e-5 lunar samples, marking the first time that molecular water has been found in lunar soil.
A new record for fibre optic technology
Researchers in Japan and the UK have smashed the world record for fibre optic communications through commercial-grade fibre. By broadening fibre’s communication bandwidth, the team has produced data rates of 402 terabits per second, four times as fast as existing commercial systems—and 33% better than the previous world record. 'It’s just more spectrum, more or less.' IEEE Spectrum
AI helps doctors in England detect significantly more cancer
An artificial intelligence tool used in around 1,400 GP practices in England has been shown to increase the rate of cancer detection from 58.7% to 66.0%. The tool analyses a patient’s medical record to pull together their medical history, test results, prescriptions, and treatments, along with personal characteristics that might indicate cancer risk, such as postcode, age, and family history. Guardian
Disney unveils designs behind their iconic droid robots
Disney researchers have revealed their blueprints for how to make robots with personality. Their bipedal droids, designed with 'a focus on character-driven mechanical features,' combine the best of legged robot control, learning-based control, and character animation. The output? A friendly robot that can create expressive performances on the fly. Disney
Quantum microscopy study makes electrons visible in slow motion
German physicists have developed a method that enables them for the first time to record the movement of electrons at extremely high spatial and temporal resolution. 'We can make things visible that no one has seen before. This makes it possible to settle questions about the movement of electrons in solids that have been unanswered since the 1980s.' Phys.org
Google’s new weather prediction system combines AI with physics
Researchers have built a new weather prediction model that combines machine learning with more conventional forecasting techniques, potentially yielding accurate forecasts at a fraction of the current cost. The new model overcomes the issue that machine-learning techniques have with long-term predictions. 'It’s not physics versus AI. It’s really physics and AI together.' MIT Tech Review
Psilocybin temporarily resets entire regions of the human brain
New research shows that after a high dose of psilocybin, the brain desynchronizes at a massive scale, causing loss of our sense of self, time, and space. The next day, brain activity returns to normal, but an echo remains—a reset of circuits critical to the sense of self. Researchers saw such massive changes that some brain patterns resembled entirely different people. 'I’ve never seen an effect this strong.' Nature
The information superhighway is still out there
It's not often that somebody writes something that changes your mind, but Sam Matey might have pulled it off for us here, with his book review of Inheritors of The Earth. The argument is that the concept of 'invasive species' is mostly fallacious and makes no sense when describing our current ecological reality.
RAND scholar Michael Mazarr asks a genuinely interesting geopolitics question: how will the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China come to an end? History suggests that great power rivalries last on average for around 60 years, and this one's already a quarter of the way through. Engelsberg Ideas
While we're on politics, Francis Fukuyama has a Substack.
Ok, one more: a wonderful interview in The New York Times with the brilliant Robert Putnam, arguably the greatest political scientist of his generation.
Psychologist and philosopher Alison Gopnik provides more insight on artificial intelligence in a few sentences than you'll find in a thousand essays by Silicon Valley VCs. She's joined by computer scientist Melanie Mitchell to talk about complexity and learning in AI systems and our roles as caretakers. LARB
One type of intelligence is about what I call transmission: how do I pass information to and extract information from another person? A different kind of intelligence is about truth: I’m in the world and the world is changing—what AI people call a 'nonstationary environment'—so how do I find the truth about something that we haven’t seen before?
Some quick tips on finding love. Does it count if the author is only 34?
Authorities in Tokyo are locked in an unending battle with crows, and it sounds like the crows are winning, developing behaviours unseen among other members of their species. 'We are not sure sometimes who is smarter, us or the crows.' So how did Tokyo become the Renaissance Florence of crows? Apparently it's something to do with its notoriously narrow streets (come for the crows, stay for the mysticism). The Lunar Dispatch
And finally, for all you fans of Everything Everywhere All At Once: nothing matters, so be kind.
That's it for this edition—thanks for reading. We'll see you next week.
With love,
Gus and Amy
