The Year That Was

The text I received today said simply “The year 2050 is as far away as the year 2000.” Mind blown. Sometimes we find ourselves surprised by how quickly time passes, so let’s dedicate a moment to reflect on the year we just completed and set our goals for the year ahead. Let’s explore by category:

Technology. A routine Crowdstrike software update caused millions of Windows-based systems to crash, underscoring how reliant we are on these internet connections. Surgeries, airline flights, and 911 services were all off-line for a while, negatively impacting thousands of lives. Also, this past year’s threat of shuttering Tik-Tok reminded us of the delicate balance between accessibility and privacy in the global digital community.   

Legal. Formal decisions regarding Presidential immunity, the conviction of alleged sex trafficker Sean “Diddy” Combs, public support for Luigi Mangione, book banning, and abortion laws topped the year’s list of most impactful cases. 

Health. Ozempic and its fellow weight-loss medications continued to storm the market. Also, about 65 human cases of Bird Flu were diagnosed in 2024. Additionally, statistics showed rising numbers of children, teens, and young adults negatively impacted by mental health conditions. 

Sports: The summer Olympics in Paris captured our attention. Simone Biles returned to gymnastics and the US won the most gold medals across all competitions. Also, Juan Soto signed a $762 million contract with the NY Mets, making him the highest paid athlete in history.

Economy: According to NPR, employers added about 2 million jobs this past year and unemployment rates remain low. Also inflation continues to be a very real challenge for anyone trying to pay bills, shop at the grocery store, or buy gas.

Politics: The U.S. again chose Donald Trump to lead the country. He is perhaps the most polarizing figure to inhabit the Oval Office, but his messaging resonates with millions of Americans. In the UK, the Labour party won the office of Prime Minister, ending 14 consecutive years of conservative rule. Mexico elected its first female president. Opposition fighters in Syria forced the collapse of the Assad regime after decades of brutality. Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia continue to promote an alliance of dictatorships.

Environment: A solar storm triggered visibility of the Northern Lights as far south as Florida. Also, severe storms, tropical cyclones, wildfires, draught, and hurricanes continue to increase in frequency and severity. Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Alaska saw flooding that caused deadly landslides. And 2024 was Earth’s hottest year on record.

International: Conflicts in Ukraine and Israel continued to spill over onto American soil, as seen in the “tent-campments” on college campuses, riots in the streets, and spikes in violent and hateful behavior toward Muslims and Jews.

Entertainment: Taylor Swift made record-setting history attracting throngs of fans to her concerts and movie. Sadly, we bid a final farewell to Shannen Doherty, Liam Payne, Quincy Jones, and even Darth Vader himself, James Earl Jones.

Like any other year, 2024 had highs and lows. Reflecting on what made us feel fear or disgust can teach us to avoid these pitfalls and steer us toward more positive experiences in the future. Identifying what engendered feelings of love and joy can help us shape the coming year to promote optimism, collaboration, and compassion. Hey, if Glinda and Elphaba can get along, there is hope for the rest of us.

Written by Dr. Carly Wilbur, UH Pediatrician and PSI Medical Director.