Sámi, Kven, and Forest Finns seek redress
Despite the challenges of 2024, including ongoing conflicts and climate disasters, there were also countless moments of hope and progress. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to global efforts to combat climate change, this year offered a glimpse into a brighter future.
Ready to start the new year on a positive note? Click on to discover some of the most inspiring stories from 2024!
A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed a surge in charitable giving as the year draws to a close. Four in ten Americans are actively increasing their good deeds, volunteering more, or donating to causes they care about. Younger generations are leading the charge, with 59% of Gen Z and Millennials reporting to have increased their good deeds compared to 37% of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Scientists continue to make significant strides with the groundbreaking gene-editing technique CRISPR. In a promising lab experiment, CRISPR successfully disabled dormant HIV in immune cells, raising hopes for a future cure. Scientists believe CRISPR can also be used to develop treatments for various hereditary diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.
Japanese researchers developed a new biodegradable plastic that dissolves in seawater. Made using supramolecular chemistry, this material is as strong as traditional plastics but breaks down within 10 hours in seawater and 10 days in soil. This innovative solution could help reduce plastic pollution and mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
In a significant milestone, Cabo Verde was certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024. Ghana's intensified vaccination program has propelled the country into the elimination phase of the disease. Other nations, including Namibia, Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have also made substantial progress in their fight against malaria.
Scientists have identified a key factor in aggressive cancer: ecDNA, a type of extrachromosomal DNA that drives tumor growth and evades the immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments targeting cancer cells and improving patient outcomes.
The US has a new national marine sanctuary: the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This is the first sanctuary led by an Indigenous tribe, the Northern Chumash. It protects 4,543 square miles (11,766 square kilometers) of California's coastline and ocean waters, safeguarding important natural and cultural resources.
Same-sex marriage became legal in several countries, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Peru, Hong Kong, Romania, and Thailand. Transgender rights advanced, with Germany and Greece expanding protections, and Czechia safeguarding asylum seekers based on gender identity. In healthcare, conversion therapy was banned in five countries, and Iceland and Malta de-pathologized transgender healthcare access.
It was a year filled with celestial wonders, including a total solar eclipse. Thanks to innovative technology, visually impaired individuals could also experience this awe-inspiring event. A device invented by blind Harvard astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced and her colleague Allyson Bieryla allowed visually impaired individuals to experience the eclipse through sound.
The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation marks a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution. Key provisions include banning many single-use plastic formats, restricting lightweight plastic bags, promoting reusable packaging for beverages, and mandating compostable materials for tea bags, coffee filters, and fruit and vegetable labels.
The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is reopening after a devastating fire in 2019 destroyed a significant portion of the centuries-old church, including its distinctive spire. To ensure the landmark would be restored to its original glory, workers used the same methods as the original 13th-century carpenters, preserving the cathedral's medieval character.
Germany has shut down 15 coal-fired power plants as part of its plan to phase out coal power by the end of the decade. In September, the UK became the first G7 nation to fully abandon coal power.
The rise of AI initially sparked concerns, but its practical applications have led to several advancements and promise even more. For instance, a new AI model can detect cancerous brain tumors often missed during surgery in just 10 seconds. Additionally, seismologists are using AI to predict earthquakes and prevent disasters.
The 2024 Olympics was a celebration of sportsmanship and sustainability. The Seine River was cleaned up, and we witnessed a demonstration of Volocopter, the world's first fully functioning electric air taxi service. With 1,900 flights already lined up, this innovative technology aims to reduce carbon emissions from traditional flights.
The gender pay gap in the US has narrowed to its smallest difference ever, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women now earn 84 cents for every dollar men earn for similar work. While this is progress, there's still a significant gap to bridge. Similarly, the gender pay gap in the UK has shrunk to its lowest level in seven years.
Younger generations are driving this trend, with 83% expressing interest in secondhand clothing, as thrifting reduces carbon emissions by 25% compared to buying new clothing. Government support, such as the US Americas Act, is further incentivizing investment in sustainable fashion practices and accelerating the the shift towards a more sustainable fashion future.
Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and the UK have pledged support to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). This fund helps countries and communities protect biodiversity. One GBFF project in Mexico will expand protected areas, contributing to the goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. The GBFF prioritizes Indigenous-led conservation efforts.
Public transport is experiencing a global resurgence, with ridership expected to reach 5.2 billion users by 2029. Europe leads the way, with 81% of citizens utilizing it daily. Cities like Vancouver saw ridership increase 10% after promoting leisure trips, while Germany's affordable monthly pass is credited with a full ridership rebound.
In a major win for wildlife conservation, nearly 1,000 endangered tortoises and lemurs are being returned to their native Madagascar. This significant repatriation effort between Thailand and Madagascar marks a crucial step in combating wildlife trafficking.
Humanity made more significant strides toward space exploration in 2024. Intuitive Machines' lunar lander, "Odie," successfully landed on the Moon, and NASA unveiled the suits for the Artemis III mission, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface and potentially extract resources such as water that can be converted into other usable resources such as oxygen and fuel.
The UN General Assembly adopted a new global pact outlining 56 actions to address pressing global challenges, including climate change. The agreement reaffirms the global commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the adoption of the pact, calling it a "door to a better future."
Scientists have successfully reintroduced the once-extinct northern bald ibis by using a unique technique: flying alongside them in light aircraft to guide their migration. This innovative approach has brought this distinctive bird back from the brink of extinction.
Researchers at Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia have developed a revolutionary cooling fabric capable of lowering surrounding temperatures. This innovative material reflects sunlight, blocks heat, and can be used in clothing, construction materials, and urban planning.
The Earthshot Prize awarded funds to companies developing innovative and sustainable solutions. One finalist created a technology using dry fermentation to upcycle food waste into nutritious ingredients. As the UN predicts a 60% increase in food production by 2050, supporting food waste reduction is a big step in the right direction.
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed global extreme poverty rates up to 9.7% in 2020. However, recent data shows a decline in global poverty. In 2022, the number of people living in extreme poverty was 713 million, and by 2024, this number has decreased to around 615 million, representing approximately 7% of the global population. While challenges remain, these figures offer a glimmer of hope.
Thanks to the efforts of numerous conservation organizations, many mammal populations in Europe are recovering. For instance, the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) recently reintroduced pine martens to the South West of England for the first time in over a century.
Scientists are launching a major international study to unravel the secrets of long-term cancer survivors. By studying these "super survivors," researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to their exceptional outcomes and develop more effective treatments for aggressive cancers. The goal is to improve survival rates for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and provide them with more treatment options.
Four-day workweek trials continue to yield positive results globally, allowing for growing optimism about the potential for better work-life balance and increased productivity. A successful year-long trial in South Cambridgeshire has paved the way for further exploration of shorter workweeks in the UK. The trial demonstrated improved worker performance, reduced staff turnover, and significant cost savings.
Big Oil could finally face criminal charges for knowingly contributing to climate change. A legal memorandum, led by Public Citizen and filed in New York State, argues that these companies suppressed climate science and continued to extract fossil fuels, despite understanding the consequences. This could lead to significant legal action against the industry.
Sources: (Euro News) (Positive News) (Good Good Good) (Euro News) (Mashable) (Newscientist) (CNN) (The Guardian) (World Poverty Clock) (Statista)
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Despite the challenges of 2024, including ongoing conflicts and climate disasters, there were also countless moments of hope and progress. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to global efforts to combat climate change, this year offered a glimpse into a brighter future.
Ready to start the new year on a positive note? Click on to discover some of the most inspiring stories from 2024!