Human achievement over time
Earth is sometimes nicknamed the 'lucky planet'. It has a mix of gases that makes the air breathable, temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, and plenty of water. Together these allow complex life to survive here.
Humans have lived on Earth for thousands of years, and the way people live has been transformed in that time. Picture a prehistoric family finding food, shelter and warmth. Now picture your own day, with electric light, medicine, a school and food from shops. The distance between those two lives is one of the largest changes in human history. It did not happen all at once. It built up through many discoveries and breakthroughs in science and technology.
Each photo shows something no prehistoric person could have done.
- Flight lets people cross the world in hours.
- Skyscrapers show what modern architecture and engineering can build.
- Modern surgery uses advanced tools to save lives.
- Container ports move goods between countries on a huge scale.
- Space stations take humans beyond Earth itself.
The world has also become far more interconnected. Global trade links countries together, so many everyday objects in your home have travelled a long way to reach you. Large cities show this progress too, because they are full of artistic, architectural and scientific achievements.
Achievement does not mean every problem has been solved. The world still faces major issues today, and individuals can take action to bring about positive change.
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