There is a single word that serves as a fitting representation of 2020 – ‘Resilience’.

A year in review might suggest that the moments are behind us. What 2020 has shown is the events that defined this year. Here is a snapshot.

‌January

The year kicks off with some of the worst wildfires in Australia’s history, destroying over 12 million acres of land. The World Health Organization announces the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, and the first COVID-19 case is confirmed in the U.S. COVID-19 will go on to kill over 1.6 million people worldwide by year’s end. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins. A Ukraine-bound plane crashes shortly after taking off from Tehran airport; Iran’s government later admits it mistakenly shot the plane down. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their intention to step down from the royal family.

‌February

The United Kingdom finally exits the European Union in it’s “Brexit” of the EU. . Parasite becomes the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. President Trump is acquitted at his impeachment trial. Harvey Weinstein is convicted on multiple charges in a high-profile court case. Joe Biden wins the South Carolina primary to gain becoming a Presidential nomination‌. The legendary actor Kirk Douglas dies. 

March

The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic and lockdown begins in countries around the world, triggering a global economic reaction that causes the worst single-day point drop for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The  Tokyo Summer Olympics are cancelled.   U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19. “Tiger King” hits Netflix becoming a quarantine smash. Yahoo celebrates 25 years.

‌April

Nova Scotia suffers one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada’s history. Much of the U.S. is in lockdown mode, with New York hit the hardest by cases of COVID-19. The pandemic has a disproportionate effect on diverse communities, with Black people, Asians and Latinos affected the most. It continues to hit all economic sectors, with unemployment numbers up in the UK, Europe and US.

‌May

George Floyd is killed after a police officer kneels on his neck for an extended period, setting off worldwide protests and a racial justice reckoning. Political protests calling for democratic leadership and economic reform begin in Belarus, and separate protests erupt in Hong Kong after China votes to impose strict national security legislation. Costa Rica is the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage. Cyclone Amphan hits India, causing significant damage and becoming one of the costliest cyclones recorded in the North Indian Ocean.

‌June

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declares the country “COVID-free.” China’s economy bounces back into growth following a record Q1 slump. Global protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing escalate as citizens call for police reform and justice.  The US Supreme Court rules against the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.  India wins a two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council.

‌July

The US Government  considers banning the social media app TikTok, setting off a debate on whether the app poses a security threat to the U.S.  The Ellen DeGeneres Show suffers allegations of a toxic workplace environment. Formula 1 announces it will resume racing.. The first four weeks of the Indian Premier League experience a sizable surge in viewership, even surpass the viewer total of the English Premier League.

‌August

Joe Biden announces Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his Vice Preident, the first woman of colour to  become a holder this office. Californian wildfires rage, fueled by dry heat and extreme temperatures, showcasing the volatility of climate change. A huge explosion of ammonium nitrate stored at a dock in Beirut kills over 200 people. ‌

September

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at the age of 87 from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer, setting off a major political battle over her replacement. Tributes to her pour in from around the world to honour the feminist icon.

‌October

President Trump and the first lady test positive for COVID-19, in addition to over a dozen others associated with the administration. Two legends in film and music pass away: Legendary actor and “Bond” star Sean Connery dies,

‌November

The US Election Day sees more Americans vote — including by mail — than in any other election in U.S. history. Joe Biden is declared president-elect, winning both the electoral and popular vote. The U.S. formally exits the Paris Agreement. India resumes international cricket in Australia for the first time since March.

‌December

The first COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the U.K., followed by the U.S. The rollout of the vaccine creates a sense of optimism across the globe.  The Electoral College casts its votes and officially affirms Joe Biden’s victory.

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It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year like no other. ‌Here’s to a healthy and happy 2021.

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Cicero.