Why?

Some huge war, plague, or famine is your most likely bet for getting the death rate up. I don't think anyone's pining for that though.

Despite having more people than it's ever had, there is less poverty and disease in the world than at any other time since we started keeping track.

http://annualletter.gatesfoundation.org/ does a good job debunking the myth that things are always getting worse all the time.

There has never been a better time to be alive.