Ah, 2024—what a year. It seems as though the universe has bestowed upon us an abundance of significant events, and we’re amassing them more quickly than a politician evading a scandal. Let’s delve into the chaos and brilliance of a year that future historians will likely spend a significant amount of time discussing over tea and expressing existential dread.
1. The Ongoing War Between Palestine and Israel
2024 kicked off with Palestine and Israel once again at each other’s throats—because apparently, peace treaties are just suggestions now. This latest round of conflict feels like someone took all the unresolved tension from the past few decades, put it in a pressure cooker, and forgot to set the timer. The conflict has affected thousands of lives and created a geopolitical nightmare that dwarfs Brexit. Despite countless global attempts at peace talks, the war rages on, drawing in superpowers like the U.S. and Iran. It’s a mess, and it’s one we’ll be untangling for decades.
2. Ukraine War and Its Turning Point
Ah, the Ukraine-Russia war—still ongoing, but 2024 brought a major plot twist. After two years of grueling combat, Ukraine, with a little help from its Western friends (think military aid, intelligence, the works), finally got the upper hand. Their counteroffensive was a hit, reclaiming several occupied territories and sending Russia into an existential crisis about its military strategy.
But the story doesn’t end there. The war is still shaking up global alliances, with NATO doubling down on support for Ukraine and Europe frantically trying to break up with Russian oil and gas. This isn’t just a local scuffle anymore—it’s redefining geopolitics, energy security, and how the world deals with aggressive powers. As 2024 rolls on, everyone’s holding their breath to see if this war will end with peace talks or if the fighting has more chapters left.
3. Supreme Court Rules on Presidential Immunity
Let’s talk about presidential immunity. No, I’m referring to the type of immunity that could potentially protect you from legal consequences, such as inciting a riot or hoarding classified documents as if they were mementos. The U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling in 2024 regarding the legal accountability of former presidents for their actions during their tenure. Spoiler alert: They can, but only with a plethora of loopholes. Of course, Trump is the main focus of this case, as no one else could make immunity sound so suspicious. Future presidents will debate the ruling’s ripple effects for years, considering how far they can push the “Get Out of Jail Free” card.
4. Global Climate Crisis Intensifies
Congratulations, Earth, you’ve officially won the award for the hottest year ever recorded! Yes, 2024 broke all sorts of unwanted records, with the planet warming up like a teenager who’s just discovered TikTok dance challenges. Wildfires? Check. Does walking outside feel like you’re in a microwave? Triple check. Climate change is no longer a “we should really get around to fixing that” issue; it’s now “we’re out of time; do something now.” From global protests to governmental pledges, 2024 might just be the year humanity finally decides to take climate change seriously. Alternatively, we could continue to ignore it. TBD.
5. Donald Trump Found Guilty on 34 Felonies
In 2024, Donald Trump found himself guilty of 34 felonies, a twist that would embarrass even the most skilled crime writers. This isn’t just a footnote in history; this is an entire chapter. Whether it’s fraud or obstruction, Trump’s legal history is as extensive as most people’s shopping lists. The fallout has been immense, with his supporters doubling down on their loyalty while the rest of the world collectively gasps. This trial, already dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” will be talked about, dissected, and written about until we’re all old and gray.
6. Joe Biden Abandons His Re-Election Campaign
In the wildest plot twist of the 2024 U.S. election, President Joe Biden stepped down from the re-election race due to health issues. Cue chaos. Kamala Harris, as VP, immediately announced her candidacy, but the Democratic Party is far from settled. She’s facing a tough primary race with new challengers vying for the top spot. Meanwhile, the Republicans are ready to pounce, with Trump (yes, still) looming large.
Biden’s exit leaves his policies—on healthcare, infrastructure, and climate—up in the air, making 2024 a high-stakes free-for-all.
7. Space Race Heats Up: Moon Missions
Space nerds rejoice! 2024 saw humans returning to the moon—because apparently, 50 years away was long enough. NASA’s Artemis program put boots back on the lunar surface, and this time, they’re not just there to collect rocks and take selfies. It’s all part of a bigger plan to use the moon as a jumping-off point for Mars. But NASA isn’t the only one eyeing the lunar real estate. Private companies and other nations, like China, are racing to plant their flags, and suddenly, it feels like the Cold War’s space race all over again—just with more billionaires involved.
8. 2024 Olympics in Paris
What do you get when you mix world-class athletes, Parisian charm, and a commitment to environmental sustainability? The 2024 Summer Olympics, of course. These Games were not just about the jaw-dropping athletic feats but also about setting a new gold standard for eco-friendly sporting events. With carbon-neutral venues and a focus on inclusivity, Paris 2024 was a cultural and environmental triumph. It gave us the kind of moments that make you proud to be human—right before you realize you’ve spent the last five hours binge-watching instead of going for a run.
9. Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump
Because nothing is ever simple in 2024, Donald Trump’s already chaotic campaign was marred by multiple assassination attempts. Each attempt was thwarted, but they’ve only heightened the already astronomical tensions surrounding his bid for the presidency. This year is like a political thriller on steroids, and Trump, love him or hate him, has a knack for keeping himself at the center of the storm. These attempts will be analyzed, speculated upon, and inevitably dramatized in future docuseries.
10. Charles III Announces He Has Cancer
King Charles III revealed to the world that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The revelation sent shockwaves through the Commonwealth, with people reacting with a mix of sorrow and support. As the first British monarch to publicly disclose such a diagnosis, Charles’ honesty in the face of adversity has only deepened the public’s respect for him. His battle with cancer, and the uncertainty it brings, will be a defining chapter in the monarchy’s future—and one of 2024’s most poignant moments.
So there you have it—2024, a year packed with the kind of historical moments that’ll make future generations go, “Wait, what happened?” From political upheavals to trips to the moon, it’s a year that will be studied, debated, and—if we’re lucky—learned from.
