25 Amazing Things That Have Happened in the Last Five Years That No One is Talking About
While the news cycle is often filled with doom and gloom, the last five years have witnessed several significant achievements and positive developments around the world that often go unnoticed. From advancements in human rights and environmental conservation to breakthroughs in science and technology, these stories deserve more attention. Here are 25 great things that have happened recently, backed by statistics, facts, and sources that provide more context.
1. Decline in Deforestation in the Amazon
In 2023, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil decreased by 66% compared to the same period in 2022. This is due to stricter environmental regulations and policies against illegal logging under the new administration. According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), this dramatic decline is the largest reduction in deforestation in the past six years, helping preserve one of the world's most critical ecosystems.
2. Renewable Energy Becomes Dominant Power Source in the EU
For the first time, in 2020, renewables overtook fossil fuels as the main source of electricity in the European Union, providing 38% of the power compared to fossil fuels' 37%. This milestone was reached due to increasing investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sources.
3. High Seas Treaty to Protect Oceans
In March 2023, nearly 200 countries signed the United Nations High Seas Treaty, aiming to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. This historic agreement marks the first time that nations have committed to conserving marine biodiversity on such a large scale. The treaty will also introduce protected areas and regulate activities like deep-sea mining to reduce environmental impacts.
4. Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Achieved
In December 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California achieved a significant milestone in nuclear fusion. For the first time, they produced more energy from fusion than was put into the reaction. This groundbreaking advancement could pave the way for a future with near-limitless clean energy, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
5. New Alzheimer's Treatment Approved
In June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aducanumab, the first drug to target and remove amyloid plaques from the brain, believed to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. This approval marks the first new Alzheimer's treatment in almost two decades, offering hope to millions affected by the disease.
6. Endangered Species Make a Comeback
The population of mountain gorillas has increased to over 1,000 individuals, up from about 680 in 2008, thanks to intensive conservation efforts in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These efforts include anti-poaching patrols, veterinary interventions, and community involvement programs, helping to sustain the population.
7. China's Green Energy Boom
China has rapidly expanded its renewable energy capacity, adding 152 gigawatts of wind and solar power in 2022 alone, a record high. This growth is part of China's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, reducing its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels and supporting the global fight against climate change.
8. Indigenous Land Rights Recognized Globally
Over 100 million hectares of land have been restored to Indigenous communities across 39 countries in recent years, recognizing their role in environmental conservation. Research shows that Indigenous-managed lands are often better conserved and show less deforestation, promoting sustainable development goals.
9. Ocean Cleanup Initiatives Gain Ground
The Ocean Cleanup project, founded by Boyan Slat, has removed over 200,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch since 2018. Their innovative system uses passive ocean currents to capture floating debris, significantly contributing to cleaner oceans.
10. Synthetic Biology Advances Offer Medical Breakthroughs
Research in synthetic biology has made strides with the development of synthetic embryo models and minimal cells that replicate essential biological functions. These advancements have potential applications in regenerative medicine and could lead to breakthroughs in treating genetic disorders.
11. Global Poverty Decline Continues
Global poverty rates have continued to decline, with the World Bank reporting a drop from 10.1% in 2015 to 8.6% in 2022. This progress is attributed to economic growth, better access to education, and targeted social programs that have lifted millions out of extreme poverty.
12. Coral Reefs See New Growth
Reef restoration projects using coral gardening techniques in the Caribbean and Australia have shown up to a 50% success rate in regrowing corals. These efforts are critical for preserving marine biodiversity and protecting coastal communities from natural disasters.
13. AI Advances Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis
Artificial intelligence has shown remarkable progress in early disease detection, particularly in cancers. A study found that AI models could detect breast cancer in mammograms with greater accuracy than radiologists, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatments.
14. Single-Use Plastic Bans Expand Globally
As of 2023, over 90 countries have enacted bans or severe restrictions on single-use plastics to combat pollution. These efforts are crucial for protecting marine life and reducing plastic waste that harms ecosystems.
15. Electric Vehicle Sales Surge
Global electric vehicle sales reached a record high of 10 million units in 2022, nearly doubling from 2021. This surge is driven by technological advancements, lower costs, and government incentives that encourage the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles.
16. Massive Reforestation Efforts in India
India's Cauvery Calling Project aims to plant 2.4 billion trees along the Cauvery River, revitalizing the ecosystem and supporting local communities. Over 125 million trees have been planted since the project began in 2019, promoting biodiversity and improving water retention.
17. Cancer Survival Rates Improve Dramatically
Advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapies have significantly increased cancer survival rates. For example, the five-year survival rate for metastatic melanoma has increased from 10% in 2010 to over 50% in 2022.
18. Urban Green Spaces Flourish Worldwide
Cities such as Paris, Singapore, and New York have invested heavily in green urban infrastructure, creating parks, green roofs, and vertical gardens that improve air quality, reduce heat islands, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
19. Protected Pollinator Programs Expand
Countries like France, Germany, and Mexico have banned harmful neonicotinoid pesticides and implemented programs to protect bees and other pollinators. These actions help ensure biodiversity and food security by protecting these essential species.
20. Groundbreaking Microbiome Research
Research has provided new insights into the human microbiome, revealing its significant impact on health and disease prevention. Studies suggest that the microbiome may influence everything from digestion to mental health, opening new avenues for personalized medicine.
21. Innovative Approaches to Reducing Food Waste
Countries like France and South Korea have implemented strict regulations and innovative technology to reduce food waste, resulting in a reduction of waste by over 40% in some areas. These strategies have become models for other nations looking to improve sustainability.
22. Exoplanet Discoveries Reach New Heights
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered over 5,000 potential exoplanets since its launch in 2018. Several of these planets are located in habitable zones, increasing the potential for finding life beyond Earth.
23. CRISPR Breakthroughs for Rare Disease Treatment
Researchers have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to successfully treat rare genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy, offering hope for effective cures for previously untreatable conditions.
24. Rise in Female Political Representation
Over the last five years, countries like Rwanda, New Zealand, and Finland have increased women’s representation in politics. Rwanda leads with over 61% of its parliament being female, setting a global example for gender equality in governance.
25. Ozone Layer Recovery Continues
Thanks to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels by 2060, significantly reducing harmful UV radiation exposure and benefiting ecosystems worldwide.
