World 2024
1. The Olympic Games in Paris
The Summer Olympics in Paris brought not only impressive athletic achievements but also a fresh vision for the Games. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony was held outdoors. Athletes arrived by boat along the Seine, and the Olympic flame was lit from a balloon above the city. It was a Games that merged sports and culture in an unprecedented way.
2. Climate Disasters and Global Warming
2024 witnessed catastrophic natural events, with widespread wildfires ravaging large areas in Southern Europe and Australia. In early September, the Czech Republic was hit by the worst floods since 1997, followed by devastating downpours and floods in southeastern Spain between October and November, claiming at least 217 lives and causing extensive damage.
3. Loss of Major Figures
This year marked a somber chapter as the world bid farewell to notable icons such as Phil Lesh, Maggie Smith, Toby Keith, and John Amos. Former One Direction member Liam Payne tragically passed after a fall from a hotel window in Buenos Aires, shocking fans and the public alike. Actor Carl Weathers, famous for roles in Predator and Rocky, also passed on February 1 at the age of 76.
4. Political Revolution in the USA
In a year of political shifts, Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate in the U.S. presidential race, sparking both domestic and international interest. However, Democrats faced a major defeat in the November elections, with Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency as the 47th U.S. President. Republicans retained control of the House of Representatives and gained a majority in the Senate.
5. Political Changes in the Czech Republic
After the 2023 presidential election, the Czech Republic saw its political landscape stabilize, with President Petr Pavel focusing on strengthening the country's international position, especially within the EU. 2024 also saw an increased emphasis on climate policy and healthcare reform.
6. Success for Czech Cinema and Art
Czech cinema and art achieved global acclaim in 2024. The film Jan Žižka, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, received praise for its artistic quality and historical authenticity. In August, Jiří Mádl’s film Waves made a positive splash, positioning itself as an Oscar contender.
7. The Ongoing War in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, continued into 2024, affecting global politics. Sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine remained focal points in European policy. The war had significant geopolitical and economic impacts, especially in energy resources.
8. Advances in Space Exploration
2024 was a milestone year in space exploration. NASA and ESA continued missions to Mars and around the Moon, with the first human expeditions to Mars anticipated for the next decade. Ambitious projects aimed at renewing satellite systems were also underway, expanding our understanding of the cosmos.
9. Advances in Soccer and Tennis
The UEFA European Football Championship 2024, held in Germany, brought unexpected results and historic moments. Tennis also saw young athletes stepping up, marking a new era as legends like Nadal and Federer began passing the torch.
10. The Influence of Social Media on Politics
2024 showcased the powerful role of social media in shaping political campaigns and public opinion. Many countries, including the Czech Republic, implemented stricter regulations to protect privacy and combat misinformation on online platforms.
Fast Facts
- Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time in July, surpassing Frozen 2.
- British artist Banksy launched a new series of animal-focused graffiti in London, drawing significant media attention.
- Pavel Durov, founder of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France in August for alleged involvement in organized crime, with Telegram under scrutiny for its use in criminal activities.