Bjorn Lomborg has a short, but essential, essay here . 

While COVID temporarily stopped progress, this is unbelievably good news. While there is still a ways to go, as Dr. Lomborg shows as recently as the 1980's, 40% of the world is extremely poor. Now, 8.6% of the world. 

This blog, on numerous occasions since its founding over a decade ago, has agreed that global warming is  a significant issue. But, we are interested in fixing the problem, not milking it for political power or money. That is why we are strong advocates of new generation nuclear power.  To be clear: While I include currently available Generation III+ nuclear, I want our society to focus on molten salt reactors, liquid fluoride thorium reactors, and (hopefully) fusion. Gen III+ is safe and the new technologies will be extremely safe while producing large amounts of electricity. The newer technologies, after the technology is proven, will be inexpensive. The advantage is that clean power can be implemented in parts of the world that need it so as to bring people out of poverty. That is why this comment made by Greenpeace last week caused extreme frustration (screen shot from their web site): Greenpeace opposes the use of nuclear energy because it is a dangerous and expe...

While there are unquestionably problems in our world, it is vitally important to keep things in perspective. Here are some graphics that help make the point that right now -- 2018 -- is the best time in the history of the world and that things will almost certainly get even better. click to enlarge Diseases Are Receding. Polio has been nearly wiped out thanks to Rotary International and the Gates Foundation. HIV deaths are also decreasing. Child mortality is improving. Sanitation is often overlooked but it is a vital part of the public health. India, in particular, is making rapid progress. Starvation is disappearing. click to enlarge And, not only are fewer people malnourished, the quality of our diets is improving. You can go here for the entire story of our rapidly improving world. Finally: Did you know that is you make more than $35,000/year (US) you are in the world's top 1%?  So, let's keep our issues in perspective.