Worldbank.org

How to sum up 2017? The global economy improved but there were plenty of unsettling and upsetting events and trends. Catastrophic storms and flooding wrecked homes and livelihoods from South Asia to the Caribbean. Education quality in many countries fell short even as much of the world raced into the digital age. Yet extreme poverty continues to decline. Innovation and technology are enhancing the quality of life. And human capital is now the biggest driver of wealth in the world today. Here’s what 2017 looked like in 12 charts.

1. Millions faced famine and required emergency aid

2. The world emitted historic amounts of carbon

3. Natural disasters dominated the news

4. Two-thirds of global wealth is human capital

5. There’s a crisis in learning

6. Nutrition affects learning, and millions of children remain stunted

7. Child marriage carried high personal and economic costs

8. The world’s population is young. And jobless.

9. Natural capital and biodiversity are undervalued

10. Globally, about half of elections are considered free and fair

11. Starting a business is getting easier

12. The power of renewables

A Tribute to Hans Rosling