Well I was born during the 2nd World War.If we are now 'on the turn' as you say, there's an awful long way, in my opinion, to go before we(in the UK) are anywhere near what life was like in that period, and for some years after. However, Rosling is looking, not at a particular country, or group of countries, but the entire world, and not over a short time period but a long time period. Whatever you see, at the moment, as the turn of the tide, might well appear in an entirely different light in 20 years time, say.
As far as Pinker goes, I reserve the right to make any judgements on his position only after I have finished reading 'Enlightenment Now', and, at the moment I am just starting Chapter 10(the Environment) of 23. There is a lot to take in and check, as it is replete with data.
As far as the 'caning of the natural world' is concerned, I suggest there are increasing signs of progress. Don't forget, the natural world has been caned by human beings since the year dot. My view is obviously not as pessimistic as yours. I accept that climate change is a big problem, and that, for instance, plastic refuse in the seas and oceans is of major concern, but I also remember the high incidence of oil spills, which have now been dramatically reduced, the depletion of the Amazon rainforest(which has also been dramatically reduced), the almost complete eradication of the dangers from acid rain and the continuing replenishment of the ozone layer after the threat from chlorofluorocarbons. It's not all bad news as far as nature is concerned.
Sometimes it is well worth looking as much at what humans have achieved as well as acknowledging their failures.
