The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging years for the world. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, rapidly spread to almost every part of the world, crippling nations and decimating economies. As 2020 ends, scientists are still struggling to develop a vaccine that can bring the world back to normalcy, even as treatment protocols are being developed.

Apart from the pandemic, several other global events dominated world Canadian News Today in 2020. Here is a brief look at some of the most significant events that shaped the world in 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 brought the world to its knees. Within a few months, the virus had spread from Wuhan, China, to almost every corner of the world. Governments responded by taking various measures, including mandating social distancing, closing down borders, and shutting down non-essential businesses.

The pandemic led to the deaths of millions globally and the infection of many more. The virus also strained the global economy as businesses were forced to close, with workers losing their jobs. Governments around the world had to roll out stimulus packages to keep economies afloat, and international organizations like the World Health Organization had to coordinate efforts to contain the pandemic.

Protests and Mass Demonstrations

The year 2020 also saw significant protests and demonstrations in various parts of the world. Some of the most significant protests included those in the United States following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody. This event led to mass protests and riots across the United States, with many calling for police reform.

Similarly, protests erupted across Europe after the death of George Floyd, with demonstrators demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality. Hong Kong also saw massive protests, with many citizens demonstrating against China's proposed National Security Law.

Natural Disasters

2020 also witnessed several significant natural disasters that brought widespread destruction to parts of the world. In January, an earthquake in Turkey led to the death of 41 people, while Cyclone Amphan caused massive damage to eastern India and Bangladesh in May.

In August, the world witnessed one of the most devastating wildfires in recent history, as the California wildfires ravaged parts of the state. The fires destroyed homes and businesses, and many people were left homeless.

Brexit

After years of negotiations, the United Kingdom finally left the European Union on January 31, 2020, with a Withdrawal Agreement. The deal signaled the end of a tumultuous period for the UK, which set the country on a new path with the rest of the world.

However, the future of the UK outside the EU remains uncertain, with many challenges expected to arise regarding trade, immigration, and other issues. Moreover, the exit of the UK from the EU has implications for the rest of Europe, with discussions ongoing as to how to manage the relationship between the EU and the UK moving forward.

Conclusion

The year 2020 has been an unprecedented year globally, with the COVID-19 pandemic upending life as we knew it. However, even as the pandemic continues to affect the world, other significant events have shaped the globe this year, including protests, natural disasters, and the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. The question now is how the world will move forward, with concerns over the pandemic's long-term effects and growing tensions among countries.