Nyheder – Global

Record year for renewables: 2018 saw the largest annual increase in global renewable energy ever. New solar capacity outstripped additions in coal, natural gas and nuclear power combined.

Global democracy record: Despite many problems, more people now live in democratic societies than ever before. This is especially due to consolidation of democracy in Asia and Africa.

World spends more wealth on health: Global public health investments are rising, and poorer nations are in the lead, according to the World Health Organisation.

Good news for endangered whale: Whale observers have spotted three new north atlantic right whales. Every new whale calf counts for the survival of this endangered species.

More countries now less corrupt: Since 2012, 20 countries have made significant progress against corruption, while 16 countries have become significantly more corrupt.

Food giant to stop using straws: Food and beverage giant Nestlé has declared that it will stop using plastic straws from February. By 2025, all packaging is to be reuseable or recycleable.

More people now online than offline: For the first time, more than half the world’s population now has internet access. In Africa, only two percent were online in 2005. That’s now up to 24 percent.

Fewer tax havens: Following political pressure, the number of countries on the EU’s ‘black list’ of tax havens outside of the Union has dropped from 17 to now only five.

Growth with less climate impact: While still not enough, 19 countries - including the UK, France, and the US - have all cut emissions over the last decade, despite growing their economies.

The ozone layer is recovering: A UN report shows that the ozone layer is healing the holes caused by using harmful chemicals. The holes in the ozone layer are expected to fully heal by 2060.

Bulk discounts on HIV-medicine: A new procurement deal under The Global Fund is to provide four million HIV patients with lifesaving medicine, at a discount of 324 million dollars.

Stronger laws against violence: Since 2014, a total of 52 countries have strengthened their legislation to better protect women and girls against violence.

Tiny submarine had a big impact: Four areas of the Antarctic sea have been protected after Greenpeace sent a small red submarine to document how the ocean floor is teeming with life.

A safer start in life: Today, skilled health workers are present at nearly 80% of live births worldwide, up from 62% in 2005. This means more women survive giving birth.

Slums smaller part of world cities: Since 2000, the share of urban residents living in slums dropped from nearly 30% to 23%. However, the absolute number of people living in slums increased.

New roads to opportunities: The World Food Programme built and repaired 17.000 km. of roads and mountain trails in 2017. This helps bring nutritious food to remote communities.

Measles on the way out: After 20 years of fighting the measles with vaccinations worldwide, there are now fewer than 100,000 yearly cases of this dangerous children’s disease.

World focus on toxic fat: The WHO now recommends that all countries in the world follow Denmark’s example and ban trans-fatty acids in food. This could save half a million lives a year.