The truth of the matter is there was a ton of positive news in 2020. Please enjoy a few of our favorite stories and trends from the past year.
Don’t forget to check out parts 1 and 2 for even more positive news in 2020.
Society and Community
A record-breaking 6 Native candidates were elected to Congress this year. A total of 13 Native American candidates were competing for House seats this year; the six winners set a record.
American prisons are the emptiest they’ve been since 1995. America’s prisons hold fewer people, particularly black people, and a larger share of violent offenders now than they did a decade ago.
Global life expectancy is increasing across all ages, especially among infants and children. The data, published earlier this year, shows the average person can expect to live longer regardless of their current age.
A study found the functional ability of older humans is improving. The study compared the physical and cognitive performance of people between the ages of 75 and 80 with that of the same-aged people in the 1990s.
The ‘Fauci Effect’ is driving record numbers of medical school applications. Inspired by the example of medical workers and public health figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, students are applying to medical school in record numbers.
An Arkansas school installed solar panels and increased its teacher’s salaries with the savings. In three years, the project generated enough savings to transform the district’s $250,000 budget deficit into a $1.8 million surplus.
Environmental Positive News 2020
Scientists discovered the first coral reef found in over 120 years. This unexpected discovery shows that we continue to find unknown structures and new species in our Ocean.
A record number of endangered sea turtles hatched in Mexico. The 2000+ baby turtles were more than double the amounts of previous years.
Mega corporations like Google and Facebook announced plans to become carbon neutral. Joining the ranks of other companies like Apple and Microsoft in the fight against climate change.
Demand for oil appeared to peak in 2019 and is now declining permanently. The report released by BP paints a picture of a future filled with renewable energy.
A new project aims to map the entire ocean floor by 2030. A coalition of engineers, researchers, and explorers believe the goal is achievable with newly rendered technologies.
Science, Technology, and Health Positive News 2020
This nonprofit is using music to mend the minds of seniors with
dementia. Mounting scientific evidence shows that listening and playing music is beneficial for people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Africa was declared free of Polio. The WHO confirmed that the continent has defeated the virus, following a vaccination program first launched by Nelson Mandela.
A newly discovered cell could reverse nerve damage from stroke and spinal injury. The newly discovered immune cell could help those suffering from strokes, spine injuries, and neurological diseases such as ALS.
We are one step closer to a cure for MS after drug results show successful nerve repair. Doctors say they are closer to a treatment for multiple sclerosis after the discovery.
In a first, a person’s immune system fought HIV — and won. Doctors are now analyzing the patient’s DNA for evidence of a potential cure.