Every year has its share of challenges, but 2020 seemed determined to make life difficult for everyone. A global pandemic, devastating wildfires, a fraught election, and numerous other crises combined to make it a year many would prefer to erase from memory. Let’s take a look at ten of the worst aspects of 2020, a year that truly tested the world’s resilience.
1. Coronavirus
COVID-19 emerged in 2019, but it was in 2020 that it swept across the globe, infecting millions. The novel coronavirus, originating in Wuhan, China, quickly proved to be much more dangerous than the seasonal flu, escalating into a full-blown pandemic.
Unlike many regional outbreaks, COVID-19 achieved a global reach unseen since the 1918 Spanish Flu. While not as deadly, by December 2020, it had infected over 67 million people and caused more than 1.5 million deaths.
Beyond the immediate health crisis, COVID-19 fundamentally altered daily life. Businesses shifted to remote work, many shut down permanently, and widespread job losses occurred. Although COVID-19 didn’t vanish on January 1st, 2021, the hope was that it wouldn’t dominate the world as it did in 2020.
2. The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election
As a global superpower, the United States’ presidential elections always attract worldwide attention. The 2020 election was particularly contentious, marked by disputes and chaos long before election day.
President Trump and his supporters repeatedly criticized mail-in ballots, claiming they would lead to election fraud. When Trump lost to Joe Biden, he declared victory prematurely and launched numerous lawsuits challenging the results, creating prolonged uncertainty.
The drawn-out election process exhausted the nation, with the outcome remaining in dispute well into December, and the aftershocks continuing until the inauguration on January 20th, 2021.
3. Unexpected Celebrity Deaths
Celebrity deaths are always sad, but 2020 saw an unusual number of high-profile figures pass away unexpectedly. While COVID-19 claimed many lives, other sudden deaths of beloved personalities compounded the year’s misery.
The year began tragically with the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others in a helicopter crash. Later, Chadwick Boseman’s death from colon cancer at just 43 shocked the world.
Other notable losses included Alex Trebek, Eddie Van Halen, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Little Richard, Sean Connery, and many more, leaving a void in the entertainment and cultural landscape.
4. China’s Crackdown On Hong Kong
In 1997, Hong Kong was transferred from British control to China under a “one country, two systems” policy, which promised Hong Kong its own economic and administrative systems for 50 years. However, China’s influence over Hong Kong’s governance began almost immediately.
By 2020, it became clear that this policy was eroding. In April 2019, Hong Kong proposed an extradition bill, pushed by pro-China loyalists, which sparked widespread protests and further diminished Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Throughout 2020, China continued to undermine Hong Kong’s limited government, legislating actions that tightened its control. The international community watched as Hong Kong’s democracy steadily crumbled.
5. Renewed Fighting In Nagorno-Karabakh
Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but governed by the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh, became a conflict hotspot in 2020. Clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia reignited over the disputed territory on September 27th.
The conflict escalated as Armenia and Artsakh declared martial law, and Turkey provided military support to Azerbaijan. The outbreak of war threatened regional stability, drawing in a NATO member and raising international concerns.
A Moscow-brokered ceasefire brought a temporary halt to the fighting after six weeks, but the underlying issues remained unresolved, hinting at future conflicts in the region.
6. Thai Prime Minister Refused To Step Down
Thailand’s government faced significant turmoil following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016. His successor, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, resides in Germany, sparking unprecedented criticism from the Thai people.
Despite strict laws against defaming the monarchy, protesters took to the streets, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who came to power via a coup. Calls for his removal intensified after the controversial 2019 election.
The situation escalated in October when the Queen’s motorcade was allegedly harassed, leading to a state of emergency and bans on gatherings. Protests continued, fueled by demands for governmental and constitutional reforms.
7. Belarus’ Election Sparked Massive Protests
The presidential election in Belarus on August 9th saw Alexander Lukashenko retain his position for a sixth term, with a reported 80% of the vote. However, the results were immediately contested, igniting widespread protests.
Opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya claimed victory, challenging the election’s legitimacy and calling for a peaceful transition of power. Her efforts were thwarted as key members of her campaign were arrested or forced into exile.
Accusations of widespread election fraud led to international condemnation, with the European Union imposing sanctions on Belarusian officials. Protests continued, met with violent crackdowns by the police, and the political situation remained volatile.
8. Increased Tensions Between Iran And The United States
Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated after President Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal and imposed sanctions. By 2020, the situation approached a boiling point, fueled by rumors of potential U.S. military action.
Hostilities peaked when Trump authorized the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, leading to retaliatory missile strikes by Iran on American bases in Iraq. The accidental downing of a Ukrainian jetliner further heightened tensions.
Although a full-scale war was averted through diplomatic measures and additional sanctions, the underlying conflict continued to pose a significant threat to global stability, particularly given Iran’s strategic location along the Strait of Hormuz.
9. The Australian Brushfires
The 2019-2020 Australian brushfire season, which began in June 2019 and lasted until May 2020, marked one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. The fires devastated tens of millions of acres, forcing mass evacuations and causing widespread destruction.
Thirty-four people lost their lives, and ecosystems suffered severe damage, with some areas potentially unable to recover. An estimated three billion animals were killed or displaced, pushing several species closer to extinction.
The koala population was particularly affected, with up to one-third of the species killed. The long-term ecological and economic impacts of the fires continued to be assessed long after the flames were extinguished.
10. George Floyd’s Death
The death of George Floyd, an African-American man killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, an act captured on video that ignited outrage across the globe.
Floyd’s murder became a tipping point for the Black Lives Matter movement, prompting hundreds of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds to take to the streets. Protesters demanded an end to police violence and systemic racism.
The protests, while raising awareness of the issue, were often met with further violence from law enforcement. The BLM movement gained international momentum, highlighting the urgent need for widespread reform, though lasting change remains elusive.
2020 was undoubtedly a year of unprecedented challenges. From a global pandemic to political unrest and devastating natural disasters, it tested the resilience of communities worldwide. While the events of 2020 left an indelible mark, they also highlighted the importance of unity, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of a better future.
What are your thoughts on the events of 2020? Share your reflections in the comments below.
