What's Your Problem? The World Is Getting Better (Really)
Nov 7, 2024
Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and deputy editor of Our World in Data, addresses how we can escape the doomsday narrative around global challenges. She highlights significant advancements in agriculture and health while tackling misconceptions about progress in global hunger. The discussion dives into sustainable meat consumption and the impact of livestock on emissions. Ritchie also emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and data visualization in creating a sustainable future. Her insights challenge the negativity often found in mainstream narratives.
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Negativity Bias and Data Visibility
- People struggle to accept positive global trends due to a negativity bias and lack of exposure to long-term data.
- News focuses on recent negative events, while positive changes occur gradually and are often overlooked.
Decreased Global Hunger
- Global hunger has significantly decreased over the past century, particularly in the last 50 years.
- While still a major issue, the percentage of hungry people is far lower than in the past.
Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution
- Norman Borlaug's Green Revolution drastically increased crop yields through genetic breeding.
- This averted a predicted global food crisis, proving the potential for increased food production.
