What Can We Appreciate About 2020 As the New Year Approaches? Saanvi Kunisetty

 What Can We Appreciate About 2020 As the New Year Approaches?

Saanvi Kunisetty

It’s no secret that 2020 hasn’t been the greatest year in a while. The pandemic hit hard for all of us, leaving us with unusual routines, a lack of socializing, and devastating losses. But, amidst this chaos, it sometimes becomes seemingly impossible to find the great occurrences of this year. So take a minute, and think through what amazing things we have opened our eyes to in 2020.

1. Black Lives Matter: Since the shooting of George Floyd, people all across the nation started realizing the mistreatment that blacks were facing in their day to day life. People’s fury was ignited, and Black Lives Matter became the largest mass movement in history.

2. Monumental Achievements in Space: SpaceX’s reusable launch system was a huge success; it sent two crewed missions to the ISS (International Space Station). Both China and the United States sent robot missions to Mars, which were also a success. Aside from Japanese scientists receiving a rock from an asteroid to study, NASA launched its own asteroid sample return mission. Missions such as these can help us study our solar system, and consider futuristic plans to drive our economy. Finally, NASA named its headquarters building in Washington DC after its first female black engineer- Mary Jackson.

3. A Huge Step for LGBTQ: The Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 decision that no one could be fired simply for being gay or transgender. Before this, many local laws protected gay and transgender people from being fired, but there was no federal law that prohibited it, making this a historic Supreme Court decision.

4. Lowering Carbon Emissions: This year (2020) had the largest drop in carbon emissions ever recorded. The deadly pandemic actually proved to be a great way to lower carbon emissions (due to the lowering of transportation usage and things as such). A lot of unusual blue skies were seen when the pandemic first striked.

5. A Win for Women Leaders: Vice President Elect Kamala Harris won alongside Joe Biden during the presidential elections this year. This was a shining and victorious moment for women, blacks, Asians, and minority groups worldwide. 

6. The Economy Survived: With the pandemic, the economy was perhaps hit the

hardest out of many things. Though it was devastated and battered, it managed

to survive due to the toiling efforts of the Federal Reserve. Thankful we didn’t

have to face a Great Depression Part 2.