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Don’t Believe the Hype: The World is Getting Better
It is easy to believe that the world is falling apart while watching the news. Climate change, political division, coups d’état, the global pandemic, Russia’s ruthless war on Ukraine, Hamas’ unjustifiable killings, and the Middle East careening toward widespread violence: all that can contribute to a rising sense of panic.
But let’s take a step back and gain some perspective. The media’s constant narrative of doom and gloom is demoralizing and hinders our ability to make positive change. While war and violence dominate the headlines, the reality is that battle deaths are historically low. The world has actually become more peaceful over recent decades and centuries, despite what the news may suggest.
Murder claims more lives than war, but even that has been on the decline. Climate change reporting also tends to focus on the negative, ignoring the bigger picture of progress. The truth is, the world has improved dramatically over recent centuries. Life expectancy has doubled, literacy rates have soared, and extreme poverty has drastically decreased. We have made incredible strides thanks to ethical conduct, trust, innovation, and stability.
It’s Time for a Reality Check
The constant barrage of negative stories may make us believe that progress is about to end. However, the evidence shows otherwise. Despite the challenges of climate change, the average person is projected to be much richer by the end of the century. Fear-driven demands for immediate action may have unintended consequences and outweigh the benefits.
Instead, we need to foster an environment that challenges fearmongering and promotes optimistic yet critical thinking. We should focus on efficient policies that have enormous benefits, such as tuberculosis treatment, land tenure reform, and education technology. These solutions may not grab headlines, but they can save lives and improve the well-being of millions.
If we look beyond the fear and examine the data and the bigger picture, we can see that the world is better than it was and is likely to continue improving. It is our responsibility to adopt the best policies and move forward with confidence.
Bjorn Lomborg is president of the Copenhagen Consensus and visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. His latest book is “Best Things First.”
Jordan B. Peterson is professor emeritus at the University of Toronto and author of “Maps of Meaning,” “12 Rules for Life,” and “Beyond Order.”
What progress has been made in renewable energy sources and sustainability efforts?
Has been on a downward trend. According to the World Health Organization, global homicide rates have decreased by 20% in the past 25 years. This progress is often overshadowed by sensationalized stories of crime and violence, but the statistics tell a different story.
Climate change is undoubtedly a pressing issue, but there is reason for hope. The world has made significant strides in renewable energy sources and sustainability efforts. Renewable energy capacity has more than quadrupled since 2000, and countries around the world are setting ambitious targets to reduce their carbon emissions. While we still have a long way to go, the progress being made is undeniable.
Political division and social unrest may seem to be at an all-time high, but that is not the full picture. In many parts of the world, democracy has become the norm rather than the exception. Over the past century, the number of democracies has steadily increased, with more people having the opportunity to participate in the governance of their countries. This progress may be slow and imperfect, but it is a step in the right direction.
The global pandemic has undoubtedly caused immense suffering and loss. However, it has also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of humanity. The scientific community came together like never before to develop vaccines at an unprecedented pace. People around the world showed solidarity and compassion, helping one another through these challenging times. The pandemic has brought out the best in many people, reminding us of the strength of our collective spirit.
While conflicts and crises may dominate our news feeds, it is important to remember that they do not represent the entirety of human experience. There are countless stories of progress, innovation, and acts of kindness happening every day, even if they do not make the headlines. By acknowledging and celebrating these moments, we can counter the narrative of fear and despair that often pervades our society.
This is not to say that there are no challenges or problems in the world. There are certainly many areas that require urgent attention and action. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and recognize the progress that has been made. By doing so, we can find the motivation and inspiration to continue working towards a better future.
So, don’t believe the hype. Look beyond the headlines and see the bigger picture. The world is getting better, and we have the power to contribute to that positive change.
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