So, I'm sure you've been hearing a lot of buzz lately about how critical the year 2015 is going to be in ending poverty and saving the world.

Your newsfeeds have probably been flooded (especially if we’re friends on facebook.. sorry, not sorry) with articles about how important this year is going to be in establishing the road map for development. How 2015 is THE pivotal year to get it done (not clear on that? check out #action2015), and how, if we join forces and work together, we actually have a real shot at seeing a world with zero poverty by 2030.

I’ll admit, ending extreme poverty over the next 15 years seems like a pretty lofty goal, until you hear Neil deGrasse Tyson (or NDT to his fans) break it down for you with some inspiring insight. The video above is on par with most of the genius things that NDT says.. My. Mind. Was. Blown.

Remember that time we WALKED ON THE MOON??! Yeah, that probably seemed like a pretty lofty goal back then too, but as NDT points out, incredible things can be accomplished if we are truly invested in the outcome.

"I have no problem with 15 year horizons. In 15 years we went from NO space program in the 1950's to boots on the moon. I remember the day, that because that was made possible, in our minds EVERYTHING ELSE was possible as well, on the same, or shorter time scale.

If we're going to bet what 15 years from now will look like.. Will there ever be the end of war? Perhaps. The end of hunger? Perhaps. But you have to envision it first. You have to bet on it. Then you're invested in the outcome. That's where change comes from.”

These inspiring words were included in this year’s awesome Bill & Melinda Gates Annual Letter.

I really couldn’t have said it better myself, Neil. You are my hero. And I’m 100% willing to bet on this too. If you haven’t already, sign up to become a global citizen and join the movement to end extreme poverty by 2030.

----

Natalie Prolman