So, here we are. Coming to the end of 2016 and for me, the last time this year that I’m going to sit down and write.

Glad it’s over?

Yeah, the prevailing view seems to be that 2016 has been a bit of a sucky year. But I’m not so sure. Beyond the hype and the hyperbole, the media column inches, I see some good things out there, things that warrant a mention.

The first round the world solar-powered flight – This is serious game changing technology. We might be having arguments about who runs this and who runs that. But that all seems pretty pointless if the actual planet that we’re on is going to hell in a handcart. Step forward Bertrand Piccard and Solar Impulse 2. Now imagine if we replaced all of the flights taking place across the world with solar-powered planes and the impact that would have on our ecosystem. I’m not saying that is going to happen over night (no pun intended) but it sure took a major step closer in 2016.

The tiger population is growing for the first time in 100 years – See my previous point about going to hell in a handcart. Are we slowly getting to grips with endangered species? Maybe, certainly not quickly enough, but it’s a positive step. And we did that, human beings. By our actions and changed behaviour. Though consistently coming together to try to make amends. Another small step? Sure. But one that shows what we can do, against the odds, if we really want to. And I know the tigers are grateful.

The fight against HIV moves on – When I was growing up, the fear of AIDS and HIV was everywhere, on the television, in the papers, on the radio. There was a genuine sense that we were sitting on a ticking time bomb. And whilst there is much to be done, the year has also seen a number of major advances in the fight to eliminate HIV, at least in the West. Whether it is the advances in cell therapy in Israel, or the provision of “prep” drugs in the UK, 2016 has been another big step forward.

The ice bucket challenge came good – I’l admit I was a hater at the time. I didn’t get it (still don’t), but you can’t be right all the time. Seems like those of you who tipped water over yourselves for fun and charity were on to a thing. The money received as a result of your collectivity stupidity actually did something good and 2016 has been the year where scientists have identified a new gene associated with ALS and therefore the chance to better figure our how to develop new treatments.

We created a new generation of heroes – 130 million of them to be honest. That’s the approximate annual birth rate I’m told, I haven’t counted. And in a world where we are bemoaning the loss of so many of our existing idols, isn’t it exciting to think that we are also creating the future? The people who will change our world, make us laugh, entertain, build, design, create and lead. A new generation of people to make the most of the planet that we’re trying to preserve.

So the thing is; some things might not have gone your way this year. You might not have got the result that you wanted in some way or another, but I’m sure that other people did. Put that aside and look at the amazing power that we have as humans to change our circumstances and make things better. To innovate, to protect and preserve, to cure and solve and to recreate.

We can dwell on the things that don’t go our way, we can talk about our moans and our groans. But as 2016 comes to an end, try to find a little bit of space in your head and your heart, to think about the future, the opportunities, the positives and the successes. When we come together as a species, we can do bad things, but we can also create the most incredibly beauty.

Have a good break. Peace out.