Our World in Data

Life expectancy in 1800, 1950, and 2015

Our World in Data (OWID) is a scientific online publication that focuses on large global problems such as poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality. Its goal is to provide research and data to make progress against the world’s largest problems. OWID is published by the Global Change Data Lab, a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom.

Overview

Our World in Data combines scientific research, data analysis, and data visualization to present information on major global issues in an accessible manner. The platform covers a wide range of topics including but not limited to health, food production, energy, environment, and education. It aims to provide a comprehensive and empirical view of the state of the world, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

History

Our World in Data was founded by Max Roser, a economist and philosopher at the University of Oxford. It started as a personal project of Roser's but quickly grew into a larger endeavor with a team of researchers and contributors. The project's mission is to make data and research on the world's largest problems available and understandable to a wide audience.

Content and Features

The content on Our World in Data is structured around research articles that are supported by interactive data visualizations, charts, and maps. Each article on the platform is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the data sources and methodology used, ensuring transparency and reliability of the information presented.

Interactive Data Visualizations

One of the key features of Our World in Data is its interactive data visualizations. These tools allow users to explore historical trends, compare different countries or regions, and understand complex data in a more intuitive way.

Global Development

Our World in Data provides extensive data on global development indicators, helping to track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes data on health outcomes, educational attainment, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Impact

Our World in Data has become a valuable resource for students, educators, researchers, policymakers, and the general public interested in understanding and solving global problems. Its data and research have been cited in academic publications, policy reports, and media outlets around the world.

Criticism and Challenges

While Our World in Data is widely respected for its comprehensive data and accessible presentation, it has faced criticism related to data interpretation and the potential for oversimplification of complex issues. The project's reliance on available data also means that some regions or issues may be underrepresented due to gaps in data collection and reporting.

See Also

• Data visualization
• Global Change Data Lab
• Max Roser
• Sustainable Development Goals

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