1. AI Is Revolutionising Medical Diagnosis
Artificial intelligence has moved from sci-fi to real life. In 2024, AI systems began detecting diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions earlier and more accurately than conventional methods. For example, Google’s AI now identifies diabetic retinopathy from smartphone photos, making eye health screening possible in remote areas without specialist equipment.
2. Ocean Cleanup Projects Are Making Waves
Efforts to reverse plastic pollution are gaining ground. The Ocean Cleanup Foundation alone has removed over 200,000 kg of plastic from the Pacific since 2021, and new “bubble barrier” systems are now diverting waste in rivers, installed in cities like Amsterdam and Jakarta, preventing thousands of tonnes of debris from reaching the oceans.
3. Mental Health Support Is Going Mainstream
Conversations about mental health are becoming more open and less stigmatised. Major companies, including Microsoft and Google, now offer therapy sessions, wellbeing apps, and mental health days. Universities across the UK welcome “therapy dogs” during exam periods, and in Belgium, mental health first-aid is now mandatory in schools. Encouragingly, youth suicide rates are beginning to fall.
4. Renewable Energy Is Breaking Records
Clean energy is now a major player. In 2024, renewables generated more electricity than fossil fuels in multiple countries. The UK frequently experiences coal-free days, and places like Denmark and Costa Rica are nearing full reliance on renewable sources. At the same time, solar panel costs have dropped by 85% over the past decade, making them affordable for households globally, especially as battery storage becomes cheaper.
5. International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
In 2025, the UN declared it the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, spotlighting the importance of glaciers for global water security. Led by UNESCO and the WMO, key outcomes include the Dushanbe Glacier Declaration, which calls for global glacier inventories, climate resilience strategies, and stronger research cooperation.
6. International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Also in 2025, the United Nations proclaimed it the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, commemorating 100 years of quantum mechanics. This initiative promotes public awareness of quantum science and its real-world applications through events and outreach worldwide.
7. Expo 2025 in Osaka: Designing Future Society
Running from 13 April to 13 October 2025, Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, explores themes like “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives” and “Connecting Lives.” It aims to showcase innovations aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Japan’s vision of Society 5.0. Attendance has been strong, with over 10 million visitors by late June, highlighted by spectacular air shows and record-breaking wooden architecture.
8. A Young Chough Takes Flight in Kent
In a heartwarming sign of conservation success, a red-billed chough chick fledged from a nest at Dover Castle, marking the first time this species has done so in the wild there in over two centuries.
9. Cultural Optimism for 2025
Cultural commentators are predicting a more grounded and authentic year ahead. A transcript from the Financial Times podcast reflects growing hope: listeners foresee a renaissance of Syrian art post-regime change, a shift away from meme culture and a desire for genuine cultural expression even amid chaos.
10. Youth Driving Global Positive Change
At the 2025 Global Youth Summit in Mangaluru, India, speakers emphasised the transformative potential of youth. Delegates from nearly 10 countries addressed pressing issues from environmental rights to democracy and highlighted the importance of prioritising both mental and physical health in a digital world.
