Short News – Global
End of polio within reach
In 2017, so far only 12 cases of the paralysing disease polio have been reported worldwide. The disease is close to being eradicated.
Friendship across religious borders
Two out of every three young people have close friends from another religious background than their own, according to a big survey of youth in 20 countries.
World population boom slowing down
In the sixties, the total world population increased by 2% every year, but the growth has now slowed to a little more than 1%.
Success for fast growing fish
A non-profit organisation has spent 30 years breeding an improved version of the fish species tilapia. The new fish grows 85% faster, helping feed more people.
Pineapple leather invented
A leather substitute can now be produced from pineapple leaves. The new material could replace leather for more environmentally friendly shoes and handbags.
New milestone against AIDS
For the first time, more than half the world’s HIV patients now have access to vital medicine. The number of AIDS deaths have been nearly halved since 2005.
Vote to ban nuclear weapons
122 nations of the UN have voted to ban nuclear weapons. The nuclear armed nations did not participate, but the idea is to put pressure on them to disarm.
Cheaper batteries boost cars
The cost of batteries for electric cars has dropped by 77 percent since 2010. This is important because the battery is a big factor in the price of these cars.
Fewer suicides worldwide
The global suicide rate has been slowly decreasing. In the year 2000, around 12.2 out of every 100.000 people committed suicide annually; it’s now down to 10.7.
More countries ban cluster bombs
Opposition against cluster bombs is growing. 102 countries now ban the weapons, but they are heavily used in Syria and Yemen. 98% of casualties are civilians.
Better protection of mountains
As of 2017, 49 percent of key biodiversity hotspots in mountainous areas are under protection. In 2000, it was only 39 percent.
More people can avoid tobacco
More than half of the world’s population is now better protected thanks to one or more laws against smoking, despite opposition from the tobacco industry.