Think this year was horrible? This might cheer you up...
20 December 2016
| Last updated on 2 January 2018
Social media has been buzzing throughout the year about how 2016 is the worst year ever. From plane crashes and bombings to the death of much-loved icons, the year was filled with tragedy.
However, as the year comes to an end, it’s important to also acknowledge the good things that happened. Here are some instances that will show you there’s still hope amongst all the misfortune.
Animals
The tiger population increased for the first time in 100 years
According to the Word Wildlife Fund (WWF), the numbers of tigers are on the rise after a century of decline. It’s estimated that there are at least 3,890 tigers in the wild.
Giant pandas aren’t endangered anymore
The International Union for Conservation of Nature announced that the giant panda has been downgraded from being an “Endangered” species to a “Vulnerable” one. This change demonstrates how an integrated approach can help save wildlife and improve our planet’s biodiversity.
Scientific Developments
The Ice Bucket Challenge brought us closer to curing ALS
The 2015 Ice Bucket Challenge social media campaign helped fund a breakthrough in ALS research this year. The campaign was criticised by many but it wasn’t all internet fun in the end. It helped fund a study that discovered a new identified gene, NEK1, which is now known as the most common gene that contributes to the disease. Scientists can now use it as a potential target to help them develop treatments.
New immunotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer
New breakthroughs in treatments for pancreatic cancer have been achieved. In the testing phase, the treatment has helped some patients live years longer than expected. It is particularly notable because pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms and life expectancy after diagnosis is usually very short.
The Planet
The Paris Climate Change Agreement was implemented
On November 4, the agreement to reduce the world’s greenhouse gas emissions between 196 countries officially came into effect. It’s a big step towards solving climate change problems.
India plants 50 million trees in one day
About 800,000 volunteers in India spent 24 hours planting almost 50 million trees. This marks a world record, beating Pakistan’s record in 2013 of 847,275 trees. The effort was part of India’s commitment made at the Paris Climate Change Conference.
Humanity
Kindness still surrounds us every day.
From kind children…
my nephew grew his hair out for two years to donate to kids with cancer pic.twitter.com/YuamNNcMEI
— amber lynne (@storkpatrol) 11 September 2016
And kind strangers…
To being happy for others…
And wonderful neighbours…
To tolerance…
Sign held in front of a mosque in Irving, Texas.
And helping those in need.
Despite all the bad, there's always some good if you look hard enough.
