2024 was marked by significant environmental challenges, including wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis, and excessive rainfall leading to flooding. A 7.0 earthquake off the coast of Northern California triggered a tsunami warning affecting hundreds of miles of coastline. These events underscored the ongoing impact of climate change and global warming, which continue to threaten the planet's habitability for future generations.
Climate change is considered the foremost issue of 2024 due to its profound and widespread impact on the planet. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis, and flooding have become more frequent and severe, highlighting the urgent need for global action. The destruction caused by these events, coupled with the long-term threat to the planet's habitability, makes climate change a critical issue that demands immediate attention.
In 2024, human rights struggles were prevalent across the globe. Key issues included the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the fight for the release of hostages held by the Israeli government, and the continued violence against Black people in the United States, particularly by police and corrections officers. Additionally, women in France protested against government policies, and indigenous populations worldwide fought against violence and oppression.
2024 saw significant political changes, including the election of Claudia Scheinbaum as Mexico's first female president and the Labour Party's landslide victory in the UK, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. In the US, Donald Trump was re-elected, marking his second victory in three elections. Additionally, France and Germany experienced shifts in their political landscapes, with the far-right gaining traction in some areas.
Leadership challenges in 2024 included the rise of right-wing and authoritarian governments in various countries, such as Sweden and Germany. In the US, the Republican Party's internal divisions and shift towards fascism were notable. Additionally, leaders like Justin Trudeau in Canada and Emmanuel Macron in France faced significant political pressures and declining influence. The year also saw the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria after decades of control.
The 2024 US presidential election was marked by the re-election of Donald Trump, despite his criminal convictions and controversial past. Key issues included voter suppression, misinformation, and the impact of the Electoral College. The election also highlighted the significant number of eligible voters who chose not to participate, which played a crucial role in the outcome. The Democratic Party faced internal divisions, particularly around the forced exit of President Joe Biden from the race.
In 2024, major institutional challenges included the US Supreme Court's controversial decisions, such as granting unlimited immunity to Donald Trump for crimes committed while in office. The court's corruption, exemplified by Justice Clarence Thomas accepting millions from a Republican billionaire, further eroded public trust. Additionally, the media's role in spreading misinformation and disinformation significantly impacted public discourse and the election outcome.
Misinformation had a significant impact in 2024, particularly in the US presidential election, where it played a key role in Donald Trump's re-election. Social media platforms, owned by billionaires like Elon Musk, became hubs for spreading lies and distortions. The corporate news media also contributed to the misinformation age by prioritizing entertainment and bias over accurate journalism, leading to a decline in public trust and a rise in disinformation.
In 2024, major health and human rights issues included the impact of abortion bans in the US, which led to the deaths of at least two women, including Amber Nicole Thurman in Georgia. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold these bans resulted in preventable tragedies. Additionally, the fight for police accountability and the ongoing violence against Black people in the US highlighted the need for systemic change and justice.
On this new episode of THE POLITICRAT daily podcast Omar Moore reviews the year that was 2024. Recorded on December 31, 2024.
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