The 2024 Election: On November 5th, Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election with 312 Electoral College votes, defeating Kamala Harris. He flipped key swing states that Joe Biden had previously won in 2020, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. This success helped him secure a victory in battleground regions, contributing significantly to his overall win. Trump also retained traditionally Republican strongholds, solidifying his base across rural and suburban areas.
Climate Change: Global temperatures are on track to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels temporarily in 2024, driven by El Niño. This may exacerbate extreme weather events, disrupt food security, and increase global warming’s momentum. It underscores the urgent need for accelerated climate action worldwide.
Hurricane Helene: Coastal and rural areas in Georgia are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive property and agricultural damage. The storm left thousands without power for days, and federal disaster aid has been critical. Governor Brian Kemp allocated $100 million for disaster relief to assist farmers and timber producers, emphasizing the need for enhanced disaster resilience as climate-related events increase.
Space Exploration: NASA’s Artemis II mission is advancing toward a lunar orbit with crewed spacecraft, marking a significant step in human space exploration. This mission could reignite interest in international space partnerships and foster technological innovation.
Ukraine Escalation: Recently, the Biden administration approved the use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), by Ukraine. Putin retaliated drastically with long range strikes of his own. These developments have intensified the conflict, leading to heightened international tensions and concerns about broader escalation.
EU Internal Strife: Hungary’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council has sparked concerns due to its contentious relations with the EU on issues such as rule of law, migration, and democratic principles. This development could test the EU’s unity and democratic integrity.