1.5 Degree Increase Already Happened

The global average temperature in 2024 is projected to exceed 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, a stark rise from 1.48°C in 2023. This marks an alarming acceleration in global warming, underscoring the urgency of international climate action. Extreme climate events such as record-breaking wildfires across South America and devastating floods in Kenya and Brazil have tested the resilience of affected communities. Despite the challenges, innovative strategies and grassroots efforts have emerged, offering hope in the face of adversity.

Seven of Nine Planetary Boundaries Have Been Reached

Seven of nine planetary boundaries have been breached, according to a first-of-its-kind report by scientists issuing a red alert for the planet’s health. These boundaries represent key systems and processes that contribute to stable, healthy life on Earth for all organisms. Currently, six of these systems are deemed incapable of functioning properly.

Trio of COPs

2024 also saw three climate change conferences (COPs) focusing on the interconnected issues of climate change, biodiversity, and land. COP29, branded the first-ever “Finance COP,” took center stage, with participating nations pledging $300 billion in climate finance — falling short of the trillion-dollar demand from developing countries. Key outcomes included the establishment of a global carbon market architecture and ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs), though the conference failed to include an explicit reference to “transitioning away from fossil fuels” as agreed upon at COP28.

Political Transformations and Challenges

Syria

In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown following a series of coordinated offensives by the opposition forces, culminating in the capture of Damascus. The fall of Assad’s regime has ushered in a new era of uncertainty, with the Syrian Civil War entering a phase of heightened insecurity. The nation faces daunting challenges as it navigates the road to recovery and stability.

Global Elections

2024 was a landmark year for democratic participation, with over 60 countries holding elections. Rising inflation, cultural divisions, and dissatisfaction with the political status quo drove significant shifts in voter behavior. Incumbent leaders and traditional political parties faced unprecedented challenges, as citizens voiced their frustration through the ballot box. These elections have reshaped political landscapes globally, ushering in a wave of change.

Energy and Infrastructure Crises

Blackouts in Iran and Cuba

The year witnessed major disruptions in energy infrastructure, particularly in Iran and Cuba. In Cuba, nationwide power outages occurred intermittently in February, March, October, and December, affecting nearly half the population at their peak. Meanwhile, Iran grappled with severe energy shortages amidst a worsening currency crisis and historic regional tensions. These crises highlighted the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure and the far-reaching impacts of geopolitical instability.

The widespread blackouts in Iran and Cuba have sparked discussions on global energy resilience and the potential consequences of a large-scale, worldwide power outage. The crises underscored the importance of investing in sustainable energy systems and fostering international cooperation to mitigate such risks in the future.

Reflections and Resilience

Despite the turmoil, 2024 has been a year of resilience and innovation. From climate adaptation strategies to grassroots political movements, people across the globe have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges. As we look ahead, these stories of hope and determination serve as a reminder of humanity’s capacity for progress and renewal.

While it may not be the most democratic computing device, it undeniably holds prominence in my social circle of creatives and innovators. My journey with the iPad began in 2012, envisioning it as the device suited for the post-PC era, where mobile devices took center stage with web apps and mobile applications.

Attempting to consolidate my digital life around a single computing device, the iPad emerged as the ideal candidate due to its versatility and high mobility, coupled with exceptional build quality that makes it a joy to use. However, on a deeper level, daily use revealed my inherent reliance on a desktop-first environment.

Can the File System Experience on iPad be Better?

The File System, though present, begs improvement. The absence of a desktop space to anchor documents and the cluttered Files app, especially with ever-expanding downloads, creates a potential disaster. Simple tasks like attaching documents to an email become unnecessarily time-consuming compared to the simplicity of drag-and-drop in MacOS. Additionally, a progress bar for large file transfers in a multitasking environment would be a welcome enhancement, currently missing in the iPad’s functionality.

Excellent Camera in a Less-Than-Ideal Position

While the iPad boasts a great camera, its placement presents challenges during calls. Despite feeling confident and professional, the unconventional eye contact and positioning of the face and chin often undermine the experience. Though the iPad 10th generation has addressed the camera placement, software-related challenges persist.

In terms of applications, the iPad falls short of the versatility of traditional programs. While it excels as a browsing device, occasional painful experiences arise. Losing tabs when opening a second instance of Safari is a recurring issue, requiring multiple steps to retrieve lost information. A refined Stage Manager would undoubtedly enhance user experience.

Apps Fall Short in Comparison to Traditional Programs

As of my January 2024 monthly use case, primarily revolving around browsing, mailing, and video calls, the iPad proves both impressive and frustrating. The journey with this device, while transformative, highlights areas for improvement, particularly in the seamless integration of features that users have come to expect from traditional computing environments.

However, the problem with daily use of apps are more prominent with other cases. For instance, zooming in and out while working on multiple docs open side by side can be a problematic. It is not as snappy as I expect and in some instances I cannot even scroll as I intended. I understand that maybe I am using third-party hardware and not pricey Apple products but that is not a customer experience to begin with.

However, the most significant issue I encounter is not attributable to Apple but rather stems from a limited user base. I fail to understand why I cannot download the chat or the recording to my local drive after a Zoom call. Additionally, it perplexes me why I cannot view others’ faces while sharing my screen. Else, I don’t see a reason why loom cannot record both my screen and my face as it support in the Desktop version. Certainly there is a software limitation, whether from demand side or supply side that creates an issue here.

While the iPad seamlessly integrates into my daily digital life, challenges persist. Issues such as file system limitations, suboptimal camera placement, and software restrictions dampen the otherwise impressive user experience.

The most significant hurdles, however, stem from broader software limitations, impacting my life as a user. Maybe there are workarounds but not everyone has ability and time to discover such hacks and tricks. Let’s see what the next month will bring to the table?

As we embark on this Almanac journey through the events that shaped the year 2023, we find ourselves in the challenging landscape of a world grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilience of our societies is being tested as organizations navigate through increasing instability, and the very foundations of peace seem to hang in the balance. Fragility has become a common thread, weaving through the fabric of our global existence.

In this post-COVID era, our Almanac unfolds a tapestry of events that reflect the delicate balance between progress and peril. The ecosystems that sustain life on our planet face unprecedented challenges, with warnings of catastrophic collapses ringing loud. As we turn the pages, the urgency of addressing the climate crisis becomes more evident, with each passing day bringing forth new environmental concerns. Scroll down for an initial list of 10 most impactful event of 2023.

1. India Overtakes China as the World’s Most Populous Country

In April 2023, India’s population surpassed China’s, making it the world’s most populous country. This demographic change intensifies environmental pressures, necessitating sustainable resource management and infrastructure development to support healthcare and education. It also poses governance challenges, requiring effective policies to address urbanization and social disparities.

2. Forests in the UK Face “Catastrophic Ecosystem Collapse”

A joint study from Forestry England and the University of Cambridge warns that unless urgent action is taken to enhance resilience, UK forests could experience a catastrophic ecosystem collapse within the next 50 years.

3. Drought in Panama Canal Restricts Vessel Transits

The Panama Canal Authority limits vessel transits due to a severe drought affecting water supplies needed to operate the lock system. Only 22 daily transits are allowed, down from around 35 in normal conditions.

4. 2022 Income Inequality Decreased for First Time Since 2007 in the USA

Income inequality in the USA declined in 2022, primarily due to decreases in real median household income at middle and top income brackets. However, the supplemental poverty measure rate for children increased to 12.4%.

5. Six of nine planetary boundaries are being crossed

For the first time, scientists outline planetary resilience by mapping all nine boundary processes defining a safe operating space for humanity. The study, led by Johan Rockström, warns of increasing pressures and breaches in vital boundaries.

6. African Coup Epidemic

A surge in coups raises questions about the success of democracy in Africa. In the last 3 years there was a significant increase in coups , with military figures carrying out takeovers in Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Chad and Mali. Gabon and Niger were two countries that witnessed the coup in 2023.

7. Europe Swings Right and Reshapes the EU

Governments across Europe shift right, with far-right leaders gaining power and traditional center-right parties forming alliances with once-considered untouchable right-wing fringes.

8. Record-Breaking Global Warming and Extreme Weather Events

The June–July–August 2023 season was the warmest on record globally, with El Niño conditions persisting. September 2023 became the warmest September on record. The impact is not limited to heatwaves. A typhoon in Hong Kong marked the start of extreme weather events affecting ten countries in just 12 days, with catastrophic floods in Libya claiming over 11.000 lives. Check here the list of extreme weather events of summer 2023.

9. Hamas Militants Surge Over Gaza Border, Destabilizing the Mideast

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants crossed the Gaza border into Israel, attacking a music concert, military bases, and civilian homes. The event further destabilized the Mideast.

10. COP28 Agreement Signals “Beginning of the End” of the Fossil Fuel Era

Nations sign an agreement at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels, rejecting the idea of a complete phase-out. The agreement marks a significant step toward ending the fossil fuel era

For any news that I’ve might have missed, please share them with me on twitter.