2021 has been an eventful year in world news, with numerous geopolitical crises and major global events taking place. From the COVID-19 pandemic to political turmoil in several countries, here are some of the key stories that have dominated the news cycle.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to dominate headlines throughout 2021, with new waves of infections and lockdowns in several countries. The emergence of new variants of the virus, such as the Delta variant, led to renewed concern and restrictions in many parts of the world.
Vaccine rollouts also played a major role in the Canadian News Today, with some countries facing delays and shortages while others raced ahead with their immunization campaigns. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation campaigns contributed to a complex global dynamic with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Climate Change
Climate change continued to be a pressing global issue in 2021, with extreme weather events and catastrophic natural disasters making headlines around the world. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Ida in the United States and the deadly floods in Europe brought home the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate action.
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in November in Glasgow, Scotland, was a major event in the international climate change agenda, which resulted in new commitments and agreements to limit global warming.
Geopolitical Crises
Several geopolitical crises unfolded in 2021, including ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Ethiopia, as well as the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China, the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region conflict, and the ongoing insurgency in Afghanistan.
In Europe, Belarus sparked international condemnation after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight to arrest a dissident journalist, leading to EU sanctions and diplomatic fallout.
In the Middle East, the Israel-Palestine conflict once again boiled over to violence, causing a significant loss of life and leading to a ceasefire agreement in May.
In Africa, the military coup in Myanmar and the aftermath of the Ethiopian civil war displaced countless individuals, causing a humanitarian consequences.
Disruptive World Events
Disruptive world events, particularly from the sports and the entertainment industries, also made news in 2021. Major sporting tournaments, such as the Olympics, Paralympics, and the European Football Championship took place after being postponed due to the pandemic, however, strict COVID-19 protocols resulted in reduced crowds and new challenges.
The tragic death of legendary footballer Diego Maradona, as well as the return of pop music sensation Adele with musical hits grabbed the world’s attention, leading to immeasurable loss and newfound inspiration respectively.
Conclusion
Overall, 2021 has been a year of major global events and challenges, highlighting the fragility of our world order and the importance of international cooperation. As the year ends, the world continues to face numerous problems, from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical crises and natural disasters caused by climate change. The challenges of this year remind us that, more than ever, we need collective action and cooperation to build a more equitable, healthy, and peaceful world.
