Why Are We So Bad at Reporting Good News? | Angus Hervey | TED

TL;DR

In this special report, Angus Hervey presents stories of progress, hope, and breakthroughs that often go unnoticed in mainstream news, urging us to change the stories we tell ourselves and embrace a more positive narrative.

Transcript

Hello and welcome to this special report where we take a look at the big events that have shaped our world in the last 12 months. I'm Angus Hervey, and this is the news. We begin our broadcast with a story that has dominated headlines this past year, Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The war has inflicted a terrible human toll, plunging millions into a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused a devastating human toll and turmoil in energy markets globally. It has also accelerated the fight against climate change in Europe, with wind and solar becoming the continent's largest source of electricity.
• 🌞 The United States has committed billions of dollars to renewable energy and electric vehicles, aiming to reach 80% carbon-free electricity by the end of the decade. However, China is leading the clean energy revolution, installing enough solar panels every day to cover New York's Central Park.
• 💊 Eight countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, with Togo leading the way in eliminating four diseases, including trachoma. A vaccine for malaria, developed by the University of Oxford, has been shown to be safe and effective, with Ghana and Nigeria licensing it for distribution.
• 🌿 Efforts to protect the environment have gained momentum, with a global pact to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 and a legal framework for the high seas being agreed upon. Protected waters, marine sanctuaries, and marine protected areas have been established, signaling a positive shift in conservation.
• 🌈 Globally, progress has been made in human rights, with countries abolishing the death penalty, banning child marriage and conversion therapy, legalizing homosexuality, and strengthening reproductive rights. India lifting 415 million people out of poverty over 15 years is a significant achievement.
• 🔬 Technological breakthroughs have been made, including the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and advancements in space exploration, nuclear fusion, and medical treatments like CRISPR-based therapies. These advancements show humanity's capacity to innovate, adapt, and solve complex challenges.
• 💪 The power of hope and the importance of changing the narrative are emphasized. By highlighting stories of progress, resilience, and kindness, we can reshape the story of the human race and inspire positive action to tackle the challenges we face. Let's make hope a verb and actively work towards a better world.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is one major event that has dominated headlines in the past year?

One major event that has dominated headlines in the past year is Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This war has had devastating consequences and has dramatically affected international politics and energy markets around the world.

Q: What has been the impact of the war in Ukraine on the global fight against climate change?

The war in Ukraine has actually accelerated the global fight against climate change. In response to Putin's use of gas and oil as weapons, Europe has increased its investment in green energy. Wind and solar power have now overtaken gas, nuclear, and coal as the largest source of electricity in Europe. This war has accelerated Europe's timeline for moving away from fossil fuels by up to a decade.

Q: What progress has been made in the United States regarding renewable energy?

In the United States, a new law has committed hundreds of billions of dollars of investment into renewables and electric vehicles. This puts the country on track to obtain 80 percent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by the end of the decade. This shows significant progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Q: Which country is leading in the race to build more clean energy?

China is currently leading in the race to build more clean energy. The country is installing enough solar panels every day to cover an area the size of New York's Central Park. At its current rate, China is projected to achieve its climate targets years ahead of schedule.

Q: What positive developments have occurred in the healthcare sector?

Last year, eight countries successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Togo, in particular, became the first country to eliminate four of those diseases. Additionally, a new malaria vaccine designed by the University of Oxford has been proven safe and effective, with Ghana and Nigeria already licensing and distributing it to children under the age of three.

Q: How has the international community responded to environmental issues?

In the last year, the United Nations reached a global pact to protect 30 percent of the planet by 2030. This represents a significant commitment to preserving Earth's ecosystems. Furthermore, several countries have established new marine protected areas, created national parks, and initiated river restoration projects, indicating a growing awareness and action towards environmental conservation.

Q: What progress has been made in terms of human rights and social issues?

Despite setbacks in some countries, progress has been made globally in terms of human rights and social issues. Many countries have banned conversion therapy, legalized homosexuality, and strengthened reproductive rights. Spain became the first country in Europe to provide paid menstrual leave, while India passed a law guaranteeing access to safe abortion for every woman. These advancements demonstrate an ongoing fight for equality.

Q: What technological breakthroughs have occurred in the past year?

Several significant technological breakthroughs have occurred in the past year. The James Webb Telescope provided new insights into the cosmos, while scientists successfully altered an asteroid's orbit, showcasing the potential for planetary defense systems. Nuclear fusion achieved a milestone in energy production, and a revolutionary form of CRISPR called base-editing showed promise in treating incurable diseases such as leukemia. These breakthroughs highlight humanity's capacity for innovation and progress.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The global fight against climate change has accelerated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to Europe doubling down on green energy and wind and solar becoming the largest source of electricity in Europe for the first time.

• China is ahead in the race to build clean energy, installing enough solar panels every day to cover an area the size of New York's Central Park, and is predicted to reach its climate targets ahead of schedule.

• Progress has been made in global health, with eight countries eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease, a new vaccine for malaria showing safety and effectiveness, and several countries advancing reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights.