The Environment
At their peak, daily global CO2 emissions decreased by 26% compared with the mean 2019 levels, according to Nature Climate Change. During the spring lock-downs, stories abounded about wildlife appearing in deserted city streets. Aside from finally moving the carbon footprint in the right direction, this also refutes, once and for all, the argument that global warming is not caused by human activity. The moment human activity is reduced, the carbon footprint decreases. One couldn't ask for a clearer indication of cause and effect than that. Perhaps more importantly, this has shown us that we can reduce carbon emissions. It's not an unattainable goal. We simply need the collective will to change our energy consumption habits. The move from gasoline-powered cars to electric cars has been accelerated in many countries, promising a much-needed reduction in fossil fuel consumption within the next decade or so. That's a definite step in the right direction.
Sharing the Wealth
Because of increased unemployment, many governments introduced some form of government income support until businesses could re-open and resume their activities. This has shown us the benefits of a universal income program, something which had already been suggested before the pandemic, but which the pandemic may have accelerated. Several countries are now looking much more seriously at this idea. It's an improvement over traditional welfare because the recipient isn't penalized for improving his or her financial situation.
In This Together
Most people followed the new health and safety protocols, from wearing masks and frequent hand washing to staying home as much as possible to keeping a safe distance from others. Many employers adopted a "work from home" policy and made it possible for employees to do so. Front line workers including health care professionals, police, fire fighters, farmers, truck drivers and even common store clerks and food servers braved and continue to brave the risk of infection on a daily basis so that essential services can be provided. Many of those with the financial means have donated to charities and food banks to help the less fortunate. In many cases, the pandemic has brought out the best in people and has reminded us that we're stronger and more effective when we work together.
Trump Dumped
Yes, Donald Trump, that narcissistic, misogynistic, racist, vacuous, soulless, arrogant, jingoistic, narrow-minded, deceitful, elitist charlatan, the worst excuse for a man ever to occupy the office of President of the United States of America, has been voted out of that office. Even so, he still refuses to accept defeat graciously, which in itself speaks volumes about his deplorable dearth of character. No matter, the American people have spoken and the word is "go", and don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out. To quote Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka, "You get nothing! You lose! Good day sir!"
COVID-19 Vaccines
Not only have several viable COVID-19 vaccines been developed, but this has been accomplished in record time. Perhaps this signals a new scientific approach that may herald similarly speedy cures for future diseases. And lets not forget the brave volunteers who helped with early testing by agreeing to receive what was then an as yet untested vaccine so that it could be proven safe and effective.
2020 came with more than its share of challenges. On that there can be no argument. Yet it also reminded us of the indomitably of the human spirit, and what we can accomplish when we work together with goodwill and cooperation. That's a message worth hearing.