The year 2024 was marked by major global events that impacted the world in different ways, from socio-political conflicts to climate issues and technological advancements. This essay will explore how these significant events have come to shape the world.
The first major event of 2024 was the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tensions between Israel and Hamas grew into a full-scale war, causing immense loss of life and drawing international concern. In March, Israeli forces launched a military operation in Gaza, targeting Hamas leadership, which resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and sparked global protests. Both parties were accused of committing war crimes, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. This tragic conflict underscored the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution and humanitarian aid during times of crisis.
In South Korea, an unprecedented political crisis shook the nation when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. This decision led to widespread chaos, protests, and eventually his impeachment, which raised significant concerns about the stability of South Korea’s governance and the balance of power within the government. + Meanwhile, the country faced another challenge in its healthcare system. On February 18, 715 medical residents from 23 hospitals submitted their resignations, leading to a severe medical crisis. The shortage of doctors and structural issues in the medical field were highlighted, showing the need for reforms in the healthcare sector in the country.
The United States also experienced a significant shift in the political landscape. Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th President of the United States in 2024, which ignited global debates about the future of U.S. foreign relations and economic policies. His administration’s policies on immigration and international diplomacy drew mixed reactions globally. Additionally, the U.S. experienced a financial shock on August 5, when a major stock market crash, dubbed “Black Monday,” caused widespread panic among investors. This market collapse affected global financial stability, including the South Korean stock market, which experienced a significant downturn.
2024 also witnessed a historic climate crisis, with the earth being the hottest year on record. Global temperatures rose by 1.62°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the critical 1.5°C limit set by international climate agreements. This alarming milestone underscored the urgent need for stronger climate action. Subsequently, the G7 nations took a bold step by agreeing to phase out coal power, marking a significant effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Additionally, the European oil industry began making strides toward sustainable practices, with several companies promising to reduce their fossil fuel production.
Amidst these crises, the world also saw positive advancements in technology. AI-driven medical innovations transformed the healthcare field by e significantly improving cancer diagnosis, rare disease detection, and personalized treatment plans, making healthcare more effective and accessible. The use of AI in drug discovery also accelerated the development of new treatments, offering hope for patients worldwide. AI-based diagnostic tools were deployed in several hospitals, reducing diagnostic times and improving patient outcomes. For example, researchers at Harvard Medical School developed an AI model called “CHIEF” capable of identifying 19 types of cancer. This model was trained on 15 million biological image fragments and 60,000 tissue slide images, enabling it to diagnose various cancers with high accuracy.
Another technological breakthrough was the widespread adoption of generative AI tools in creative industries. These tools enabled artists, musicians, and designers to explore new creative possibilities while boosting productivity. Small creators, especially, benefited from AI-assisted platforms, making it easier to produce professional content with limited resources and add accessibility for the public. AI tools have also been used in the film industry to generate visual effects and scripts, revolutionizing how content is produced and consumed.
In the world of sports, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics stood out as a unifying event in a year filled with conflict and crises. The Olympics showcased incredible athletic performances and brought countries together, offering a brief yet powerful reminder of global unity and peace. The event was celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and inclusiveness despite the global tensions of the year. It started with the slogan “Games Wide Open,” promoting a diverse and inclusive atmosphere by not only having Olympic athletes compete but also allowing the general public to participate in certain games. New sustainability measures were introduced, including the use of eco-friendly facilities and carbon-neutral transportation options for athletes and attendees.
In summary, 2024 was a year filled with both challenges and achievements. This year’s geopolitical crises, such as conflicts in Israel and South Korea, highlighted the importance of peace and stable governance, while political changes in the U.S. and financial instability created global uncertainty. However, amidst these challenges, progress in climate action, medical technology, and creative tools offered hope for a more sustainable and innovative future. Events like the Paris Olympics served as a powerful reminder that, even in difficult times, the world can come together in celebration and unity. Ultimately, the year 2024 demonstrated that despite these geopolitical challenges and instability, progress and resilience continue to shape our global landscape.
By: Jongmin Choi
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