How To Solve Every Global Crisis
MinuteEarth
4 min, 4 sec
David from MinuteEarth explains how the world addressed the ozone layer crisis and smallpox eradication using a four-step formula, and discusses the challenges in tackling current global issues.
Summary
- In 1985, a significant thinning of the ozone layer was discovered, threatening global health and food supply.
- A four-step formula helped prevent the predicted ozone catastrophe: understanding the problem, creating a plan, political agreement, and a bit of luck.
- The successful eradication of smallpox followed a similar strategy, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and scientific solutions.
- Current crises such as climate change and pandemics present greater challenges due to more complex science and divisive politics.
Chapter 1
The discovery of the ozone crisis in 1985 revealed a rapidly thinning ozone layer, which spurred a global response.
- The ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV rays, was found to have lost 40% of its thickness in spots.
- The thinning ozone layer posed a threat to the world's food supply and increased risks of blindness and skin cancer.
Chapter 2
A four-step formula was developed to address the ozone crisis, leading to the reduction of harmful CFCs and the recovery of the ozone layer.
- Step 1: Understand the problem - CFCs were destroying the ozone layer.
- Step 2: Develop a plan - Scientists created replacement molecules for CFCs.
- Step 3: Political agreement - The Montreal Protocol was signed to stop CFC production.
- Step 4: Capitalize on luck - President Reagan's support was pivotal for the treaty.
Chapter 3
The ozone layer is recovering, and the smallpox virus was eradicated using similar steps, underlining the power of the four-step formula.
- Ozone layer recovery is on track with CFC concentration reduced by 98%.
- Smallpox eradication strategy included understanding its spread and implementing a vaccination plan.
- Smallpox was eradicated by 1979, saving an estimated 200 million lives.
Chapter 4
Current global crises present more complex challenges, but past successes provide a blueprint for future solutions.
- Climate change, pandemics, and other crises are harder to solve due to advanced science and divisive politics.
- Global cooperation and adherence to the proven formula are crucial for overcoming these challenges.
Chapter 5
The Future of Life Institute awards individuals who have made significant but underrecognized contributions to preventing global disasters.
- The Future of Life Award celebrates those who have steered history away from disaster.
- Recipients include Viktor Zhdanov, Bill Foege, Joe Farman, Susan Solomon, and Stephen Andersen for their role in eradicating smallpox and saving the ozone layer.
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