Review of 2021 (part 1)

As 2021 began, the world was adjusting to a new normal. In Brazil, the global vaccine rollout moved forwards, protecting more lives from the pandemic. A Covid-safe art exhibition brought culture back to London, turning the river Thames into an outdoor gallery using augmented reality.

Daniel Birbaum: "One of the, you know, ideas has been to democratise art - to, to, to, in a way, make art visible in places where normally it's not visible."

However, events turned violent when right-wing protestors tried to take over the US Capitol. As the national guard moved in, their attempt to overturn democracy failed. President Biden took his oath of office at the traditional ceremony, which gave us all a moment to reflect on our own part in building a better future.

Amanda Gorman: "For there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."

This role was seen in protest for rights around the world. Farmers challenged the Indian government, supporters of a poisoned Russian politician protested, and Myanmar's citizens demonstrated against the country's military coup.

However, progress did come in other places. There was a historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sistani. Singapore's waterways became solar farms, and Dubai brought fairgrounds to new heights with a record-breaking swing ride.

Milton D'Souza: "Standing at 460 feet tall, Bollywood Skyflyer is the tallest swing ride. So right now, this is as tall as the Pyramid of Giza."

Loss continued to be a theme in 2021. Covid-19's effects were seen in empty cities and offices and in new public memorials, and as the situation in Lebanon deteriorated, even the most dedicated doctors were pushed to breaking point.

Nour al-Jalbout: "I mean, we're known for our resilience, it's kind of, of a double-edged sword. Like, the Lebanese resilience, I'm like fed up of being resilient. I don't want to live this life anymore, you know."

Silence fell over Japan as it remembered the losses of the 2011 tsunami at its 10th anniversary. Across the world, Zulu people gathered to grieve at the passing of their king.

Gugulethu Chonco: "It is important to me 'cause that is where I found my, my identity as a Zulu woman. This is where I've learned about my culture."

Environmental sustainability was a global cause for concern. Excessive water extraction led to sinkholes devastating farmers' land in Turkey. Meanwhile, people protested avocado plantations taking breeding grounds from elephants in Kenya, and a community project in Malaysia rescued bee colonies from city locations.

Marginalised groups took action too. Wheelchair users in China campaigned for equality, and women from Pakistan's minority Hazara community learned self-defence. Meanwhile, President Biden addressed the public commemoration marking 100 years since the Tulsa massacre of Black Americans.

President Biden: "This was not a riot. This was a massacre."

Our capacity to find solutions continued undimmed. Salt therapy treatments brought relief from long-Covid, and Djibouti's financial needs gave new employment opportunities. Women working as street money changers supported trade by reducing friction in the economy.

Medina: "When you sit here, you have a cash flow. You don't need to beg from anyone working on your own."

Ocean research used driverless technology and solar power to sail the Atlantic. Beneath the waves, conservationists brought technology to rescue reefs and environmental education to support their future.

Louis Hadjioannou: "Our aim is to primarily educate children, they are the future. They are the ones who are going to become the future conservationists."

View Less