Author name: Peter Schulte

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.

After decades of slow but meaningful progress, the world finally hits “peak cancer” where total deaths begin to decline due to a wave of medical advancements, stronger and more equitable healthcare systems, and healthier lifestyles. As a result, millions of humans are afforded longer lives and more time with their loved ones.