The big picture on GDP, emissions, and health, mutualism with eiders, unfoldable solar, a wondrous new orchid, a heat-resistant coral reef spawns, ocean carbon removal comes to America, and more!
I agree! I think a lot of confusion is caused because *the fact that we're becoming more humane makes it seem less we're becoming less humane* as individuals and institutions (especially the news) pay attention to and spotlight problems & suffering more!
This really is glass half full delusion. It's embarrassing to claim global gdp growth has led to progress. 4billion ish humans don't have even the hope of gaining the most basic conditions of life. Less people are dying of neglect immediately, hurray!
GDP is of course a terrible proxy for much of this (the classic "weapons sales contribute to GDP, parents caring for their own kids doesn't" argument) which is why I try to spotlight empirical measures of human wellbeing like decreased child deaths.
Well...that's just not true. Millions fewer children dying is very much real progress, and merits a sincere "hurray!" Billions more people than ever before are gaining "the most basic conditions of life" (which itself is a moving target as technology and living standards advance). There's a lot of work left to do, but ignoring demonstrable progress is the real delusion.
"Slowly but surely, we are building a much better civilization.
Sam, those words are so inspiring and also true I believe. We're gradually becoming more humane aren't we.
Take aways for me..Those amazing mortality charts.
The container,/solar panel station. Produce those at scale and you get rural electrification for off-the-grid locations.
Cambodian corals who thrive in warming waters--that's huge!
Agrivoltaics - I'm a fan!
I agree! I think a lot of confusion is caused because *the fact that we're becoming more humane makes it seem less we're becoming less humane* as individuals and institutions (especially the news) pay attention to and spotlight problems & suffering more!
This really is glass half full delusion. It's embarrassing to claim global gdp growth has led to progress. 4billion ish humans don't have even the hope of gaining the most basic conditions of life. Less people are dying of neglect immediately, hurray!
GDP is of course a terrible proxy for much of this (the classic "weapons sales contribute to GDP, parents caring for their own kids doesn't" argument) which is why I try to spotlight empirical measures of human wellbeing like decreased child deaths.
Well...that's just not true. Millions fewer children dying is very much real progress, and merits a sincere "hurray!" Billions more people than ever before are gaining "the most basic conditions of life" (which itself is a moving target as technology and living standards advance). There's a lot of work left to do, but ignoring demonstrable progress is the real delusion.
https://ourworldindata.org/extreme-poverty-in-brief