Updated 8 June 2025
Life expectancy, 1770-2023; source: Our World in Data
First the bad news
Today there is no shortage of discouraging news headlines, among them (as of 8 Jun 2025):
A war in Ukraine that has dragged on for three years. A war in Gaza that raises questions about the long-term stability of the Middle East. Simmering conflicts in Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Niger, Afghanistan, Colombia and Somalia. Wildfires in the Los Angeles area that were among the costliest natural disasters in history. A never-ending stream of floods, hurricanes and other destructive weather events. Worries that the
Continue reading Behind the scary headlines: Sustained scientific and social progress