The issue is there's not a unified "we" here and progress is localized. If my region can end a recession by increasing rain & agricultural yields we'll certainly do it. If it causes a famine in an adjacent region that was already deeply impoverished, that's net progress isn't it?

The world is complicated, and the answer to that is humility and conservative consideration of specific circumstances, not throwing up your hands and figuring it'll all work out. You can't average human life & wellbeing together like that.