1. Four-day week trials baffle critics

The world’s largest trial of the four-day week, carried out in the UK, seems to be a win-win for employers and employees.

In trials conducted in the US and South African, workers worked for fewer hours earning the same wages, and results showed that a shorter working week would bring huge benefits.

2. Progress against the pay gap

Today in the US, the pay gap between full-time working women and their male counterparts has never been narrower, according to figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some worried that the pandemic would set back the pay gap gains, but it looks like the opposite!

3. Medicine’s golden age dawns

Breakthroughs in mRNA technology, pioneered by Covid-19 vaccines, signify a ‘golden age’ of medicine. The potential to eradicate certain cancers and advancements in AI and genomics will unlock the genetic bases of many diseases, leading to new and more targeted treatments.

4. The rise of railways

Some key rail routes were launched in Europe this year, as eco-minded travellers took trains in ever greater numbers.

Meanwhile, a new sleeper between Brussels and Berlin set off into the night for the first time in October (it will go all the way to Prague from 2024).

In the final month of 2023, another sleeper train was launched, this time zooming from Paris to Berlin. The EU has liberalised its rail network to foster competition, drive down fares, and tempt more travellers away from the skies.

5. Countries eliminate deadly diseases

Bangladesh eradicates visceral leishmaniasis; Iraq defeats trachoma, and Belize is declared free of malaria. The victory over life-threatening disease is also a testament to the triumph of human resilience and global cooperation.

6. Class finally enters climate debate

A 2019 report by Oxfam determined that in 2019 the richest 1% of humanity caused more emissions than the poorest 66%. While this is not generally considered the best news, the data opens up the possibility for targeted climate solutions.

Limiting private jet use is another high-impact climate policy that would not affect ordinary citizens. However, according to a study commissioned by the UK government, 75% of aviation’s emissions come from private jets.

7. Breakthroughs in cancer treatment

There was a breakthrough in cervical cancer treatment using existing drugs, as well as advancements in prostate cancer treatment. England approved a preventive drug for breast cancer, and innovative diagnostic methods are now being used, including a 10-minute MRI scan to improve early detection.

8. Cop28 witnesses historic climate agreement

Cop28 witnesses a historic agreement as almost 200 nations commit to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The launch of the Loss and Damage fund offers support to countries worst-hit by climate change, marking a global step towards climate justice. 

The agreement signals a collective acknowledgment of the urgent need for climate action and the importance of supporting vulnerable communities.

Do you think 2023 was a good year?