A few weeks back, I attended a series of talks in New Zealand.
Among the hoo-rah about disruptive technology and career journeys, a presentation stood out with obtuse stats.
- The UK government is asking its citizens to stock up on rations. [1]
- Sperm concentration fell by 51% from 1973 to 2018. If the decline rate continues, we would be deemed infertile 2029 (16 million sperm per ml). [2]
- None of the 2030 UN sustainability goals are on track. None. [3]
From my observations, it seems like teenage deaths and loneliness are also at record highs. And on the whole, governments are getting worse with a loss of trust from their people.
Smart people are working on these problems. Psychedelic breakthroughs, social media bans, recycling innovation and carbon tax.
Despite that, why aren’t any of the 17 UN goals on track?
- Is it because people are feel-good bicycle pedalling at sustainability events?
- Is this a problem of strategy? Should we focus on leveraging ideas instead of scattered shot?
- Are people being petrified into paralysis?
- Are we distracted by the news on war and AI?
- Are we creating siloed solutions that make progress on one metric but create unintended consequences?
Maybe all of the above is true.
If humanity is going to end when our kids become adults, maybe we should do something about it.
Block a time to study. Pick the media to consume. Share what we learn. Find a group (NZ, SG) who cares (or organise one). Make things better, for your surroundings, your room, your family, your neighbour. Know what you are good at. Learn a skill. Find a job that helps. Earn financial security. Weekend projects. Write to people who are helping, help them.
Good options are abundant.
What’s not a good idea is for smart comfortable people to insulate ourselves by dismissing the facts. Or kind hearted youth getting into depression.
Our lives are supported by trees that give oxygen, brick walls in the hospital, delivery trucks that brings food.
What are you going to do?
(Thank you Khai Seng and Rach for bringing attention to this.)
