2024

2024: A Year of Turmoil, Progress, and Transformation

Imagine a year where the world is on edge, yet also witnessing significant advancements. 2024 (MMXXIV) was such a year—a time marked by major armed conflicts, global protests, and groundbreaking achievements in technology and politics.

The Year of Conflict

Major conflicts continued to rage across the globe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Myanmar civil war, the Sudanese civil war, and the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel were just a few of the ongoing battles that defined 2024. These conflicts not only tested the resilience of nations but also sparked global protests against the war.

Global Elections

Approximately 80 countries held national elections, including eight out of ten most populous countries and France. The United States saw Donald Trump elected for a second non-consecutive term, while in France, Michel Barnier became the first prime minister to lose a motion of no-confidence since Georges Pompidou in 1962.

Artificial Intelligence

The year also marked significant progress in artificial intelligence. The European Union passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, the world’s first comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for AI. This act aimed to ensure that AI systems are developed and used responsibly, safeguarding human rights and ethical standards.

Space Exploration

In space exploration, 2024 was a year of firsts. The Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander became the first commercial vehicle to land on the Moon, while the Israel Defense Forces launched preemptive strikes against targets in southern Lebanon, expanding its conflict with Hezbollah.

Disasters and Natural Phenomena

Nature also had a say. A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, killing at least 462 people. Meanwhile, the world witnessed the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, Hurricane Beryl, which devastated Carriacou, Grenada.

Political and Social Changes

Politically, 2024 saw significant shifts. The Israel-Hamas war led to the killing of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during a late-night address, accusing his main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea.

Environmental and Health Concerns

The year also brought environmental challenges. The Syrian civil war resumed with heavy fighting, leading to the first Russian airstrikes on Aleppo since 2016. Meanwhile, extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca claimed over a thousand lives.

Technology and Innovation

In technology, the year saw groundbreaking achievements. Jared Isaacman conducted the first commercial spacewalk as part of the Polaris Dawn mission, while the Very Large Telescope captured the first-ever ‘close-up’ image of a star outside our galaxy.

Conclusion

2024 was a year filled with both challenges and triumphs. From global conflicts to technological advancements, this year underscored the resilience and adaptability of humanity in the face of adversity. As we move forward, these events serve as reminders of the importance of peace, progress, and ethical innovation.

The year 2024 was a complex tapestry woven with threads of conflict, cooperation, and change. It serves as a reminder that while challenges may loom large, so too do opportunities for growth and understanding. As we reflect on this year, let us strive to build a future where peace prevails and progress is made for all.