TED Talks Daily – Episode Summary: "Break the Bad News Bubble (Part 2)" | Angus Hervey

Release Date: December 27, 2024

Host: Elise Hu
Speaker: Angus Hervey, Journalist and Founder of Fix the News

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu introduces Angus Hervey, a dedicated journalist and the founder of Fix the News. Angus presents a compelling narrative titled "Break the Bad News Bubble (Part 2)," where he sheds light on significant but often overlooked stories of human progress from the last three months of 2020. His focus spans the eradication of ancient diseases, groundbreaking ocean conservation efforts, and transformative strides in children's rights.

1. Eradication of Ancient Diseases

Angus Hervey begins by highlighting monumental achievements in public health, where several countries have successfully eradicated diseases that have plagued humanity for millennia.

• Egypt Eliminates Malaria ([02:50]):

  • “Malaria in Egypt has been found as far back as 4000 BC, with genetic traces evident in Tutankhamun and other ancient mummies,” says Hervey ([04:15]).
  • The World Health Organization confirmed Egypt's malaria-free status, making it the 44th country to achieve this milestone. This eradication marks the end of a 6,000-year battle along the Nile, overcoming historical challenges from ancient civilizations to modern times.

• Jordan Banishes Leprosy ([05:30]):

  • Hervey emphasizes Jordan's unprecedented success in eliminating leprosy, a disease historically associated with severe societal stigma.
  • “Jordan didn't just defeat leprosy itself. They had to overcome centuries of stigma and build a health system that could catch any new cases before they spread,” he explains ([06:10]).
  • This victory not only eradicates the disease but also addresses the deep-rooted social fractures it caused.

• Additional Successes ([07:00]):

  • “India, Vietnam, and Pakistan have conquered trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness,” Hervey notes ([07:20]).
  • “Brazil and Timor Leste have defeated elephantiasis, a devastating disease that turns limbs into painful, swollen appendages,” he adds ([07:45]).
  • These achievements collectively transform hundreds of thousands of lives, restoring families and healing communities.

2. Groundbreaking Ocean Conservation

Transitioning from health triumphs, Hervey delves into significant advancements in ocean conservation, marking the largest wave of marine protection in history.

• Azores Marine Protected Area ([08:10]):

  • “In October, they officially created the largest marine protected area in the North Atlantic, equivalent in size to the entire US State of Arizona,” Hervey announces ([08:35]).
  • This sanctuary protects critical underwater ecosystems, including coral reefs and underwater mountain ranges, serving as a vital corridor for marine species migration between the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

• Chumash-Led California Marine Sanctuary ([09:15]):

  • Highlighting indigenous stewardship, Hervey states, “The Chumash people have just won a historic victory, creating one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States and the first to be nominated by indigenous peoples,” ([09:45]).
  • This sanctuary preserves diverse marine life and extensive kelp forests, essential for carbon storage and ecological balance.

• Australia’s Expanded Marine Reserve ([10:05]):

  • “Australia will now protect 52% of its ocean territory, more than any other major nation on Earth,” Hervey highlights ([10:20]).
  • This expansion includes the herd and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, safeguarding critical habitats for penguins, seals, whales, and endangered species.

3. Transformative Progress in Children's Rights

Perhaps the most profound change, according to Hervey, is in the realm of children's rights, specifically the global movement to end violence against children.

• UN Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children ([10:40]):

  • “At the first ever UN Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, five countries pledged to end corporal punishment in all settings,” Hervey reports ([10:55]).
  • These countries—Burundi, Czechia, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, and Uganda—join an additional dozen nations committing to combat violence against children, cumulatively representing commitments from 100 countries.

• Impact of Corporal Punishment ([11:20]):

  • “A billion children, that is one out of every two kids on Earth, experience corporal punishment,” Hervey underscores ([11:35]).
  • He cites research showing that corporal punishment not only causes physical harm but also leads to increased aggression, lower educational achievement, and higher teen suicide rates.

• Hopeful Outcomes ([12:00]):

  • Referencing Germany’s success post-legislation, Hervey notes, “Two years after the government passed legislation banning corporal punishment, reported instances plummeted from 30% to 3%,” ([12:15]).
  • These new global pledges signal a crucial step toward the World Bank’s goal to end all violence against children by 2030, with 67 nations already committed.

Conclusions and Insights

Angus Hervey encapsulates the essence of these victories as emblematic of human progress often occurring quietly, away from mainstream headlines. He emphasizes that each success—whether in disease eradication, environmental conservation, or children's rights—lays the foundation for a better future.

• “Each victory shows us something crucial about human progress. It often happens quietly, away from the headlines, but its impact ripples across generations,” Hervey concludes ([10:30]).

He poses thoughtful questions about the future implications of these achievements:

• “Will Egypt's triumph over malaria create a roadmap for other nations?”
• “How will these new marine sanctuaries reshape our relationship with the oceans?”
• “As more countries reconsider how they treat their children, how will that change the face of human society?”

Hervey assures listeners that these stories represent beginnings, not endpoints, hinting at even greater advancements on the horizon.

Notable Quotes

• On Malaria Eradication in Egypt:
  “Malaria in Egypt has been found as far back as 4000 BC, with genetic traces evident in Tutankhamun and other ancient mummies.” — Angus Hervey ([04:15])

• On Jordan Eliminating Leprosy:
  “Jordan didn't just defeat leprosy itself. They had to overcome centuries of stigma and build a health system that could catch any new cases before they spread.” — Angus Hervey ([06:10])

• On Ocean Conservation:
  “Australia will now protect 52% of its ocean territory, more than any other major nation on Earth.” — Angus Hervey ([10:20])

• On Ending Corporal Punishment:
  “A billion children, that is one out of every two kids on Earth, experience corporal punishment.” — Angus Hervey ([11:20])

Final Thoughts

Angus Hervey's presentation in "Break the Bad News Bubble (Part 2)" serves as a powerful reminder of the positive strides humanity can achieve through persistent and collective effort. By spotlighting these transformative stories, Hervey encourages listeners to recognize and support the often unseen progress shaping our world for the better.

Produced and Edited by: Martha Estefanos, Oliver Friedman, Brian Greene, Autumn Thompson, and Alejandra Salazar
Mixed by: Christopher Faizy Bogan
Additional Support: Emma Tobner and Daniella Ballarazo
Host: Elise Hu

For more insights and ideas, visit TED.com and explore the full range of talks available in both audio and video formats.