Let’s start with the obvious: 2020 was a massively disappointing year. In January, we learned that 162 billionaires have the same wealth as half of humanity and that we would only experience the hottest decade on record. Then, February came and the coronavirus pandemic started affecting us all.
Losses increased massively: the deaths of more than 1.7 million people worldwide from COVID-19, record unemployment and the continued closure of businesses, as well as protests and incidents with police across the country.
But in the midst of all this, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of good news. (We know, it’s hard to believe.) Below, are the positive events that happened in 2020.
Northern Ireland celebrates its first same-sex marriage ceremony
Northern Ireland legalized same-sex marriage in January this year. The couple Robyn Edwards-People and Sharni Edwards-People became the first couple to be legally married in a civil ceremony on February 11th.
Bong Joon Ho and "Parasites" made history at the Oscars
In February, the South Korean director made history at the Oscars, becoming the first Korean to win the "Best Director" award. "Parasite" was the first foreign language film to win the most important award of the evening, "Best Picture".
Finland approved maternity leave for fathers
In February, Finland's new government announced plans to give all parents the same parental leave as an effort to "promote welfare and gender equality". According to the BBC, the compensation paid will increase to 14 combined months, which runs at 164 days per parent.
Congo cured last patient with Ebola
The last Ebola patient left the hospital in early March, according to the World Health Organization. It was a major step in the country's fight against the second deadliest outbreak of the disease in history.
People all over the world stood up to protest against police violence and racial injustice
Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, protests began in almost all major US states. The protests began globally, spreading to more than 60 countries where the Black Lives Matter movement was supported for racial injustice and police violence. BLM brought to attention police violence in countries (such as the case of Albania with the death of Klodjan Rasha) where racism does not dominate.
Polio has officially disappeared from the African continent
In August, the WHO announced that Africa was ending polio.
Scotland became the first country to provide free hygiene products
In November, Scotland passed a bill to provide hygienic-sanitary products, such as tampons and free lines to all those in need.
The Covid pandemic brought about a record drop in global carbon emissions
Global greenhouse gas emissions fell by approximately 2.4 billion tonnes this year, a 7% drop from 2019 and the biggest drop recorded.
It was a really great year for space exploration
Life on Earth left much to be desired, but things were going well up in space. In 2020, NASA launched its most advanced rover to date on Mars and landed a spacecraft on an asteroid. A SpaceX rocket sent American astronauts to the International Space Station.
Covid vaccines were developed and the largest vaccination campaign in history was launched
The year 2020 marked the most extraordinary development of vaccines in history. In November, Pfizer announced that an over 90% effective vaccine had been developed. Days later, Moderna announced that its vaccine was 94% effective. The United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, etc., have launched vaccination campaigns.
Abortion is legalized in Argentina
On December 30, Argentina passed a law legalizing abortion, a historic victory for women. Abortion will be legalized until the 14th week of pregnancy and will be legal in cases of rape or when the mother's life is in danger.
