In a major milestone for climate action, all of the world’s coal plants are closed in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. The achievement not only helps repair damaged ecosystems and stabilize planetary climate systems, but also saves millions of human lives due to improved air and water quality.
In 2040, the global community celebrates the total restoration of the ozone layer to its pre-industrial state. By eliminating 99% of harmful chemicals through the Montreal Protocol, nations successfully repaired the Earth’s protective shield against ultraviolet radiation. This milestone proves that science-led international cooperation can resolve existential environmental threats and secure a healthier future for all life on Earth.
In 1995, just 11% of parliamentarians in single or lower houses worldwide were women. By 2023, this had risen to over 26%. By 2040, humanity hits a transformative milestone as women occupy 40% of global parliamentary seats leading to improved governance in countries around the world.
In the 2020s, the European Union set a target of at least 50% of electricity supplied by wind by 2050. However, due to the accelerating economic viability of renewables and heightened political urgency, it accomplishes this major climate milestone years ahead of schedule in a major win for climate action.
In 2022, 149 million children under 5 worldwide were estimated to be too short, while 45 million were estimated to be too thin. Undernutrition alone is the underlying cause in almost half of all deaths in children under 5. However, through international aid, national policy commitments, and local community work, humanity achieves the milestone of offering virtually every child on Earth the food they need to fully develop their bodies and minds.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 diseases that are preventable and treatable, yet still affect more than 1.7 billion people every year as of 2022. Through concerted efforts over decades, the global community managed to all but eliminate these debilitating, often deadly diseases.
In 2024, over 80% of European habitats were deemed to be in “poor” condition. After a major political commitment to restore habitats in that same year, E.U. member states make huge strides and ultimately meet their 2050 goal eight years early in a major win for endangered species, climate action, ecosystem services, and human recreation.
In 2042, every nation formally signs the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, committing to a total phase-out of coal, oil, and gas. This historic accord provides the market certainty needed to redirect trillions into renewable energy, combating the climate crisis, drastically reducing air pollution, and creating tens of millions of green jobs around the world. It marks the definitive end of the fossil fuel era.
After decades of pressure from citizens and civil society groups, the Ecuadorian government formally bans all oil and gas production and transitions to renewable energy sources and climate-friendly industries.
The majority of cars on the roads around the world are now powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels, drastically reducing the carbon emissions produced by transportation and preventing millions of deaths caused by air pollution. This historic milestone was achieved through aggressive government incentives, improved and less expensive EV technology, and consumer awareness.
