TED Talks Daily How humanity doubled life expectancy in a century | Steven Johnson
Oct 8, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Steven Johnson, an author focused on science, technology, and culture, reveals how humanity has doubled life expectancy over the past century. He highlights fascinating historical anecdotes and innovations that contributed to this achievement. Johnson stresses the importance of addressing health equity to ensure all people benefit from advancements. He also examines the intersection of science and society, emphasizing how vaccines and public health practices have transformed our lives. Can we sustain this progress for future generations?
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Life Expectancy Revolution
- Doubling global life expectancy from mid-30s to over 70 in a century is a major achievement.
- This wasn't just about reducing infant mortality; people stopped dying, and generations stacked up.
Unintended Consequences of Longevity
- Issues like climate change arise from increased longevity and industrialization.
- If mortality rates remained at 1920 levels, the climate crisis wouldn't be as severe due to a smaller population.
19th Century Milk Threat
- In the 19th century, milk was a health threat, especially to children, due to lack of refrigeration and contamination.
- More than half of child deaths in 1850s New York City were linked to contaminated milk.