Five Reasons 2020 Was Not Just About the Bad
Despite being a challenging year for many, 2020 has also seen a series of positive developments and advancements that have brought hope and optimism to people worldwide. Here are some of the most significant good things that happened in 2020, each of which serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges, progress can still be made.
1. Environmental Successes
Carbon Emissions and Pollution Levels: According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere grew by 2.5 parts per million in 2020, the largest year-to-year increase since 1984. However, this year also saw a dramatic drop in atmospheric CO2 levels, with emissions falling by the largest amount on record due to lockdown measures and reduced industrial activity. This decrease is a crucial step towards mitigating climate change. [source]
Increased Forestation: From April 25 to 26, 2020, volunteers in Uttar Pradesh, India planted 250 million trees in one weekend. This remarkable feat demonstrates how communities can come together to make a significant positive impact on the environment. [source]
2. Global Health and Equality Gains
Vaccines and Research: The development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine marked a historic moment. The vaccine became the fastest to be developed in history, turning around an unprecedented situation. Moreover, research breakthroughs in blood cancer vaccines have brought hope to those suffering from this disease. [source]
Legalizations and Social Movements: In Northern Ireland, same-sex marriage became legal, marking a significant achievement for the LGBTQ community. The American Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, paved the way for a more equitable and just society. [source]
3. Conservation Successes
Animal Welfare: Bali opened the world's first rehabilitation center for dolphins rescued from public performances, signaling a shift towards ethical treatment of animals. Additionally, the number of elephants in Kenya has more than doubled since 1989, a testament to successful conservation efforts. [source]
Beached and Endangered Species: Beavers, thought to be extinct for 400 years, are making a comeback in the UK. Furthermore, blue whales have been spotted in unprecedented numbers in Antarctica, indicating a potential recovery for this critically endangered species. [source]
4. Technological and Social Progress
Renewable Energy and Access: Electricity projects in India and some African nations led to nearly 90 million people gaining access to electricity between 2018 and the pre-pandemic period, highlighting the significant strides made in improving energy access. [source]
Education and Health Initiatives: Throughout the pandemic, educational initiatives such as remote learning and health awareness campaigns have helped bridge gaps in access to education and healthcare. [source]
5. Climate Change Initiatives
Renewable Energy Growth: From January to June 2020, fossil fuel use fell by 18%, while renewable energy increased by 11%. This shift towards cleaner energy sources is crucial for combating climate change. [source]
Corporate Sustainability: Major companies like 3M and Apple shifted production to make millions of masks, demonstrating the power of corporate responsibility and collaboration during crises. [source]
Conclusion
The challenges of 2020 cannot be overstated, but it is in these challenging times that we often see the best of human nature and achievement. A large number of good things happened in 2020 that offer us hope and inspiration for the future. By celebrating these successes, we can maintain a sense of optimism and motivation to work towards a better world.
References:
WMO Report (2020) Uttar Pradesh State Forest Department (2020) Northern Ireland Assembly (2020) NBC News (2020) NPR (2020) Nature Communications (2020) UN Women (2020) ESA (2020) Nikon (2020) NPR (2020) WWF (2020) NASA (2020) UNESCO (2020) Science Advances (2020) WWF (2020) French Association of Public Health (2020) TreeHugger (2020) Science Advances (2020) UN Women (2020) ESA (2020)