The start of a new year is the perfect time to look back on the past and set our sights on the future.
Often, we get caught up in negativity when reflecting on the state of the world—but I believe it is essential to focus on the positive.
Every year, Kiko Llaneras compiles a wonderful list of good news to remind us that progress and hope are very much alive. Below is my personal selection of highlights from his 45 examples of uplifting stories.
Note: You can check out the full list (in Spanish) here.
Let’s step into 2025 with optimism!
Global Economic Progress
The big picture shows that humanity is prospering more than ever before.
- Gen Z is better off than their parents: We know this because 75% of people aged 12 to 27 live in emerging economies. In Jakarta, Mumbai, or Nairobi, young people are wealthier, healthier, better educated, and more connected than the previous generation.
- Extreme poverty is at historic lows: Although it still affects 8.6% of people, that figure is just one-third of what it was in the year 2000.
- Global median income has doubled: Between 2000 and 2023, the median income rose from €3,600 to €7,200 (per adult, adjusted for inflation).
Health & Society
We are living longer, healthier, and more trusting lives—especially here in Spain.
- We live longer lives: Life expectancy in Spain has increased by four years so far this century.
- Cancer mortality continues to decline: In Spain, deaths have fallen by 30% since 1995. We see similar decreases in Colombia (23%), Mexico (27%), Ireland (35%), and Singapore (45%).
- Young people choose better habits: Since 2010, binge drinking has dropped from 30% to 19%. Daily smoking among girls, which peaked at 28%, has fallen to 8%.
- Education is booming: In Spain, we study more than we did in 2000. The percentage of young people with higher education degrees increased from 37% to 52%.
- Trust is rising: 41% of Spaniards say “most people can be trusted,” a record high since this survey began in 1984.
Innovation & Environment
From the streets of Paris to the depths of space, technology and policy are reshaping our environment.
- Renewables set another record: For the first time, the EU generated more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels. A massive triumph for wind and sun.
- Greener Cities: Paris will replace 60,000 parking spots with trees. The French capital has already banned cars and motorcycles in the city center and is now making room for nature.
- Space Exploration: An incredible video of the reusable Starship landing ignited our imagination. SpaceX managed to capture a returning spacecraft by “catching” it with the launch tower, promising to drastically reduce the cost of space exploration.
- AI in Medicine: A recent study showed that ChatGPT provided better diagnoses than doctors. The promise? Leaving the clinic with an instant second opinion.
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