Perturbing Love: 3 Datasets That Changed the World

As we reach the grand finale of Love Data Week 2025, we want to pay tribute to some of the datasets that have truly changed history. They might not all be widely recognized, but their impact is undeniable, as they are helping us to understand our world and to shape our future.

Just like people, datasets have personalities. They speak to us in different ways and, when embraced, can transform the way we live, work, and connect. Open source data alone have the potential to unlock $3 trillion annually in economic value, McKinsey Global Institute estimates.

So how can we truly appreciate their value? Just like a life partner, structured data can challenge us, support us, and guide us toward better decisions - whether for personal growth, stronger communities, or smarter business strategies.

Let’s dive into three datasets that have, in their own way, shaped the world as we know it today.

1. Tough Love: Temperature Anomalies & climate change data

Sometimes, love means telling hard truths. Climate Change Data has been doing just that for over a century, pushing us to acknowledge inconvenient realities. Their relationship with humanity, however, is not as young as one could believe.

As early as 1896, scientist Svante Arrhenius identified the link between CO2 emissions and rising global temperatures. But by the 1950s and 60s, despite growing climate debates, limited access to reliable data allowed skepticism and misinformation to flourish. Environmental protection quickly became a battleground rather than a shared responsibility.

Then came a turning point: in 1967, the world’s first accurate computer model of Earth’s climate (source: UK Research and Innovation) laid the foundation for more precise climate tracking. Today, open-source datasets cut through the noise, giving individuals and businesses direct access to facts, so we can form opinions based on data, and overcome a tribe-like approach to the matter.

A staggering example comes from a simple visualization of the globally recorded temperature anomalies from 1880 to 2015. The graph does not leave space for interpretation about the steer fact of climate change but allows us to address it from innovative and beneficial angles.

The lesson? Facts, not gut instincts, should shape our understanding. And with accessible climate data, we can act, not just react.

❤️‍🔥Want to start exploring? Start by checking out our temperature anomalies dataset

2. A Love Letter to Humanity: DNA Sequencing data

Some datasets don’t just inform us—they revolutionize entire fields and touch lives directly. DNA sequencing techniques are some of the greatest love letters data has ever written to humanity.

The early days of DNA sequencing were marked by high costs and limited accessibility. Back in 2001, the sequencing of a single human genome required USD 95 million, making this technology an exclusive prerogative of large-scale projects.

In 2022, the National Human Genome Research Institute published the "first truly complete human genome sequence", disclosing new unforeseen frontiers for medical advancement. Although individualized treatment is a very antique practice, DNA sequencing’s love letter showed physicians new paths into personalized medicine. Revolutionizing cancer treatments, current genomic-based techniques would allow targeted therapies for 13% of patients with breast cancer (sources: National Library of Medicine, ASCO Publications).

Not only so, but DNA modeling has also propelled advancements in GMO technology and agriculture, increasing food security and sustainability. Think of that: genetically modified crops have lowered the use of pesticides by 37% (source: National Library of Medicine), allowing agricultural businesses to drop costs and advance environment-friendly cultivation.

DNA sequencing’s love letter to humanity ends on a sweet note: costs have dropped 99.9%, making a full human genome cheaper than a smartphone. This dramatic decline echoes the ongoing democratization of data, empowering more individuals and organizations to fuel groundbreaking innovation.

Genomic-based techniques are revolutionizing healthcare, agriculture, and even the way we understand ourselves. But now is your turn: how could genetic data impact your future?

🔬We have crafted a more detailed article about nowadays usages of DNA sequencing. Explore them now → read the full article!

3. I Would Go Anywhere with You: Geodata

Some datasets are constant and sound companions, seamlessly guiding us through life. Think this type of partner could be your fix? Geospatial data is the one for you.

Mapping technology dates back centuries, but accuracy was historically limited. “Imago Mundi”, the first known world map, was created by the Babylonians over 2,500 years ago - and was far from precise. Since then, human knowledge of the globe has evolved both in precision and granularity, making geodata the absolute protagonists of our everyday lives.

As technology evolved, so did our need for more than just static maps. The global geospatial analytics market is projected to reach USD 85.77 billion by 2030 (source: Grand View Research), driven by applications ranging from real-time traffic management to precision agriculture, where satellite data helps optimize crop yields.

In today’s fast-paced world, where instant responses to geolocation issues are crucial, many companies still struggle with data quality. PR Newswire reports that 77% of practitioners face data quality challenges, with 90% saying it significantly impacts efficiency. McKinsey adds that employees waste 1.8 hours daily searching for information, draining valuable business resources.

Having access to reliable and always-updated Global Data is nowadays crucial to maximize profits and efficiency. Geospatial data doesn’t just help us move, it keeps the world going.

📍 Need precise location insights? Discover how DataHub.io’s solutions can help you navigate your next big move with data-driven precision.

Love Data and It Will Love You Back

These datasets - and countless others - remind us that data isn’t just numbers. It’s insight, innovation, and, sometimes, even tough love. It is not a coincidence that we also wanted to introduce you to 5 data collections you could fall in love with.

As DataHub.io wanted to introduce you to three datasets that have changed human history, we also want to encourage you to find the data that will make your world spin around.

🔎 Our open-source collections might be cherishing exactly what you are looking for. Start exploring, analyzing, and making informed decisions that shape the future. Because in the right hands, data is not just information - it’s transformation.