Our World in Data is a new addition to my highly-curated resources list. I occasionally write a 60-second data tip describing a particular resource, including why I think it’s cool. And I link each of these tips to a resources list on my website.
What is it?
Our World in Data is a collection of charts and articles on “the world’s largest problems”. They believe making knowledge, which “is often stored in inaccessible databases, locked away behind paywalls and buried under jargon in academic papers” more accessible to foster progress.
Who’s it for?
Anyone trying to better understand the world and how it’s changing including individuals, journalists, researchers, and policymakers. Our World in Data’s charts and data can be freely downloaded and embedded in others’ work.
Who’s behind it?
Our World in Data is a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Oxford, who are the scientific editors of the website content, and the non-profit organization Global Change Data Lab (GCDL) which publishes and maintains the website. Max Roser is the founder and director of Our World in Data. He began the project in 2011 and for several years was the sole author until receiving funding for the formation of a team.
Why I think it’s cool
Their charts and articles help to correct our misperceptions that all global living conditions are getting worse. In their words, “historical data and research shows that it is possible to change the world. Historical research shows that until a few generations ago around half of all newborns died as children. Since then the health of children has rapidly improved around the world and life expectancy has doubled in all regions. . . . Progress is possible, but it is not a given. If we want to know how to reduce suffering and tackle the world’s problems we should learn from what was successful in the past.”
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