1. People Are Living Longer Worldwide
Our World in Data research shows that global life expectancy has risen to 73 years. This is a 7-year increase since 2000, and a 41-year increase since 1900. Mortality rates for children under 15 have also halved in just two decades, which might be even more impressive.
2. We Might Be Living Even Longer Soon Thanks to Scientific Discoveries
Scientists mapping the DNA of Brazilians living past 110 have discovered rare genetic variants that protect against common age-related diseases. This diverse dataset is now being used to develop new “anti-aging” therapeutics for the global population.
3. Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal as Our Biggest Source of Electricity Generation
As of 2025, global electricity uses more renewable energy than it does coal. Hopefully the need for coal becomes even less over time as technological advances improve the effectiveness and reduce the costs of renewables.
4. “Eroom’s Law” is No Longer for Medicine
Unlike computing power, drug development used to be the opposite of Moore’s Law. It became more expensive and slower for each additional breakthrough, not cheaper. Thanks to AI and bio-informatics, this trend is no longer. Drug-development is now accelerating again, specifically in “personalised” medicine and mRNA platforms.
5. We Are Getting Closer to Limitless, Clean Energy
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) or “artificial sun” shattered previous nuclear fusion records this month. It maintained “high-mode” plasma for a duration not seen before. Imagine if the world could have limitless and clean energy?
6. The End of the Opioid Crisis?
A new class of non-opioid pain medication, Suzetrigine, has been approved and is being administered as of early 2025. It can be given to help alleviate post-operative pain, and doesn’t cause respiratory depression or addiction in the same way that opioids do. Currently, it is expensive. It also has other side effects, including dizziness, muscle spasms, and temporary female infertility. Other new pain medications have also been promoted as less addictive in the past. I will be curious to see how it develops over time.
7. The “High Seas Treaty” is Now Active
On January 17, 2026, after years of negotiation, a historic treaty to protect international waters will become legally active. It means that there are now massive marine reserves in 99% of the ocean that were previously not legally protected.
For more of the amazing stories of progress over the last year, feel free to explore here. You can also scan through the 1,084 reasons that the world isn’t falling apart.
Dr Damon Ashworth
Clinical Psychology
Damon Ashworth Psychology 