Trends
The Great Enrichment
The world is now richer than ever. In 200 years, the economy has grown more than a hundred fold.
The End of Poverty
Only 200 years ago, more than 80% of the world lived in extreme poverty. Today, it is under 9%.
Are We Running Out of Resources?
Contrary to pessimistic predictions, resources tend to become more abundant and cheaper over time.
Peak Population
As education levels increase, people tend to choose to have fewer children. As a result, population growth will peak sooner than previously expected.
The End of Famine
Improvements in productivity, yields, and availability of crops have historically increased the world’s food supply.
More Land for Nature
As people turn to urban life, woodlands are expanding and spaces being recovered for other species to rebound and thrive.
Planet City
The urbanization of the world’s population translates into more wealth, innovation and environmentally-conscious lives.
Democracy on the March
After the demise of modern autocracies in the 20th century, democracy has become the most popular form of government.
The Long Peace
Wars have become increasingly rarer as countries tend to be more democratic, wealthier and economically intertwined.
A Safer World
The probability of surviving a natural disaster has dramatically increased, as countries become wealthier and technologies more available.
Life Options Are Expanding
The HDI shows how life expectancy, education and income per capita has improved around the world in the last few decades.
Global Happiness Is Rising
Self-reported happiness, related to subjective well being, has increased as countries become freer and richer.
Global Income Is Rising
Since the Industrial Revolution, humanity made over twice as much progress in 100 years as it did in the previous 1,800, raising the global GDP per capita at an astonishing pace.
Global Income Inequality Is Falling
As non-Western countries grow their economies faster, global income inequality has started to steadily decline since the 1950s.
The Evolution of Slums
Although the number of people living in slums still increases, the ultimate process of urbanization will translate into better living standards.