This Abecedarium is about the how the world is getting better. It is hard to see the good when we are bombarded with bad news. So here are a few statistics to make you smile and see the progress we are making toward Peace on Earth!
A is for Accelerating
Click on the link for more information on this topic. Just think that the printing press was developed in the 1400’s, the telescope in the 17th Century, the steam engine in the 18th Century, man on the moon in the 20th Century what will the 21st Century bring?
B is for Battle
“Violence has been in decline over long stretches of time, and we may be living in the most peaceful time in our species’ existence.”
Cognitive Researcher Steven Pinker
This interactive graph shows how battle deaths are declining. You can see how devastating WWII, Korea and Vietnam were.
C is for Child
In 1900, 18% of all American workers were under the age of 16. Laws and education changed the practice of child labor in America. Here is a brief history from the History Chanel.
D is for Donations
Donations hit an all time high. When you have enough and share you are truly wealthy. Giving is god for you and the recipient. Being generous and thankful actually makes us happier. Check out The Paradox of Generosity.
E is for Education
200 years ago most people had less than 2 years of education. We really do live in extraordinary times, where we get to spend so many years learning.
“We are rapidly continuing the demonetization, dematerialization and democratization of education. Today, I’m very proud of the $15 million Global Learning XPRIZE as a major step in that direction.”
F is for Farmers
We go to the City Market in Kansas City that has been in continuous operation since 1857. This is a way to make a difference in all our lives.
G is for Global
Five hundred years ago you would be in the top 10 % if you could read. Now we are approaching 100% literacy. Education promotes freedom and peace.
H is for Housing
Energy efficiency in homes is improving as are size, environmental quality and cost. The market is seeing the value of green building.
I is for Infant
Infant mortality has declined dramatically in the last 50 years.
K is for Kilo
The cost of a Kilo Watt hour is declining with the increase in Solar generated energy.
L is for Land
Land use has changed dramatically over the last 300 years. Watch this animation of the spread of cropland.
M is for Memory
Historical cost of digital memory.
N is for Natural
Deaths from natural disasters are on the decline.
O is for Optimism
Ocean Optimism is a non-profit that was tired of hearing all the bad news about the Oceans and decided to start talking about the positive and make positive change.
P is for Poverty
Absolute Poverty is considered to be living on less than $1.90 a day. In 200 years we have reduced the amount of the population living in poverty from over 90% to almost 10%.
Q is for Quality
Quality of life is based on reported self satisfaction. Are you happy? When we have enough to sustain ourselves and the time to learn, grow and dream our sense of happiness increases.
R is for Renewable
In 2015 64% of all new electrical generation capacity constructed in the US is renewable: great for our environment; great for the economy.
S is for Sustainable
The UN set 17 Sustainable Goals to create a better world by 2030. In 14 years may we be able to say we have achieved them? Pick at least one and contribute.
T is for Technology
Technology is exploding exponentially. Who can disagree? We have amazing tools what good can we do with them?
W is for Wind
Wind generated power is growing. Reducing our energy costs and creating jobs. We think they are beautiful.
X is for XPRIZE
The XPRIZE is taking on some of our most challenging issues: education, eliminating fossil fuel and creating a real Tricorder. Check out this article about developing an open source education tool to put in the hands of children.
Y is for Years
Years of Life Expectancy have expanded. How long will the next generation live?
Z is for Z Chart
A Z chart is a way to show three data sets simultaneously. Can you think of any scenario where we need less information?
Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2017!