[lapcat]

> From a quantified perspective, the world is improving over time. There is less suffering now than in the past.

How are you quantifying that exactly?

> This progress is driven by optimists

Citation needed.

> What are you talking about? The world has done a lot to combat global warming. Just a few things:

> - Paris Agreement

> - Kyoto Protocol

Mostly fluff for politicians to preen.

> - Significant investments in wind, solar, and hydro-electric.

"Significant" is questionable.

> - Increased focus on large-scale reforestation and conservation.

"focus" is not action.

> - Public awareness programs and grassroots movements.

"awareness" is not action. We've already been aware.

You've listed mostly minor steps.

If the world has done a lot, then why have we failed to stop global warming? Why are we continuing to blow through the temperature thresholds that scientists warned about?

Putting band aids on problems may be optimistic, but such optimisim is not a solution to problems.

> PS: I assume you are "lapcatsoftware" Jeff? Because your pessimism is so signature? I encourage you to try and look at the bright side of things, if only for your own benefit.

This kind of personal comment is totally out of line here. You've never met me and know absolutely nothing about me. Moreover, I have zero interest in or use for unsolicited, oversimplistic advice from random anonymous internet commenters.

[runjake]

I'd answer your questions and cite stuff like World Bank, WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO reports and findings, but I do "know" you from formerly following your writings to the extent that I know it would do no good.

FWIW, I do have no ill will towards you, I still pay (and will continue to, on its merit) for your excellent software, and wish you the best, whether you choose to believe it or not.

[lapcat]

> I'd answer your questions and cite stuff like World Bank, WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO reports and findings

Are you referring to suffering? I wasn't so much disputing your claim as suggesting that it was far too vague to make an intelligent comment either way. Surely, though, you must admit that some things sometimes get worse? That our earthly existence is not a magical uniform stairway to heaven but rather, to use a different analogy, like a series of peaks and valleys, punctuated by the occasional pieces of rock falling from the sky?

> FWIW, I do have no ill will towards you, I still pay (and will continue to, on its merit) for your excellent software, and wish you the best, whether you choose to believe it or not.

I believe that you wish me the best. I have no objection to that. However, I don't believe that you know what's best for me, and in general I strongly object to unsolicited advice, especially from strangers. It should also be noted that my online writing is just one small portion of myself.