2024: A Year of Big Changes and Lessons
As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear this year was full of breakthroughs and challenges. Some industries and people thrived, others struggled, and the year was a mix of highs and lows. Let’s take a closer look at the top three things that stood out this year.
Top 3 Highlights of 2024
1. AI Became a Big Deal
This year, artificial intelligence became a central part of everyday life. It wasn’t just for tech companies anymore—it started showing up everywhere. Doctors used it to diagnose diseases, businesses used it to save time, and people used it to create art and write. AI tools like ChatGPT-5 became household names, with millions relying on them for help in work and personal projects.
But with this rapid growth came concerns. Many worried about privacy, job losses, and the ethical risks of AI. Governments had to step in to figure out rules and regulations to manage this new wave of technology.
Source: Time - A Roadmap to AI Utopia
2. Clean Energy Boomed
The world took major steps this year to tackle climate change. Governments invested billions in wind, solar, and hydrogen energy projects. Thanks to innovations in technology, green energy became more affordable and accessible than ever before.
The numbers don’t lie—global renewable energy capacity grew by 40% in 2024. This created millions of jobs and helped cut down on pollution. It’s a huge step forward in proving that sustainable solutions can also drive economic growth.
Source: Le Monde - IMF Warns of Growth Risks, Highlights Renewable Potential
3. The Economy Had Its Ups and Downs
While some industries saw success, others faced tough times. Real estate, especially office buildings, had a rough year as remote and hybrid work became the norm. Supply chain problems also lingered, causing delays in critical materials like semiconductors.
Despite these challenges, the global economy grew by 2.8%. It wasn’t a record-breaking year, but it wasn’t a recession either. Careful planning by governments and businesses helped keep things steady.
Source: Financial Times - Supply Chains and Economic Challenges
How Does 2024 Compare to the Past 24 Years?
Looking back, 2024 feels like a mix of some of the best and hardest years in recent history:
The Good: The advancements in AI and clean energy were huge wins. These breakthroughs will shape the future in ways that are hard to overstate. It’s a year that stands alongside big recovery years like 2010, when the world started bouncing back after the financial crisis, or 2020, when the pandemic accelerated digital transformation.
The Challenges: Some areas, like the real estate market and supply chains, reminded people of more difficult times, such as the 2008 financial crash. While the struggles weren’t as severe, they were a reminder of how fragile certain systems can be.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was a year filled with major breakthroughs that outweigh the struggles.
I will remember 2024 as a year of challenges, learning, and understanding that it’s time to create something of my own..