What's happening?

Do you think the world is getting better or worse? That question was asked to thousands of people in 17 different countries. In the UK, just 4% thought they were improving.

Some experts say we are being too negative. Here are eight facts showing that things can get better:

Surviving childhood Over the last two centuries, the chances a new-born child will survive have increased from 50% to 96%.

Food for all The risk of dying from not having enough food has fallen.

Clean cash More and more money is being spent on clean sources of energy, instead of fossil fuelsFuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming..

School for girls In total, 50 million more girls have started school since 2015.

Flourishing forests The global area of planted forest grew between 2010 and 2020.

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Electric engines More electric cars are being sold than ever before. This is good news for the planet.

Miracle cures In 2023, scientists found possible new treatments for illnesses such as sickle cell diseaseA group of inherent disorders that cause unusually shaped red blood cells in sufferers.  and Alzheimer's diseaseA progressive disease that causes brain damage over time. It is a common cause of dementia. .

Saving the seas In 2023, UNUnited Nations. An intergovernmental organisation based in New York that aims to maintain international peace and security. member countries signed a new agreement to protect the oceans.

Should we be more cheerful?

Yes! Newspaper headlines often focus on bad news. But when you look for them, you can find plenty of things to feel good about.

No! We know that the world faces some big problems, such as climate change. It is right to take them seriously.