Amid climate crisis and conflict, calls grow for finding remedy to global maladies
A man walks on a dry area that shows a drop in the level of Lake Titicaca, Latin America's largest freshwater basin, as it edges toward record low levels, on Cojata Island, Bolivia, on Oct 26. CLAUDIA MORALES/REUTERS
2023 has been a year marked by significant global events that have captured the attention of people around the world. From natural disasters to environmental concerns and regional tensions, here's a roundup of major incidents witnessed across the globe.
Survivors pray at a church in Wailuku, central Maui, Hawaii on Aug 13, after a wildfire. The deadliest US wildfire in more than a century killed over 110, fueling criticism that government inaction contributed to the heavy loss of life. YUKI IWAMURA/AFP
Extreme weather events took center stage. From hurricanes to unprecedented heat waves and wildfires, the world witnessed alarming effects of climate change. These events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to address climate crisis and protect vulnerable communities.
People take part in a rally outside the Tokyo Electric Power Company headquarters in Tokyo on Aug 24 against the Japanese government's plan to release nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima power plant into the ocean. KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP
Adding to the sufferings, Japan began on Aug 24 to release nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, sparking widespread protests from neighboring countries as well as local fishermen.
A man hugs his granddaughter Arina, 6, while saying goodbye before her evacuation from the city of Bakhmut on Jan 31 amid Russia's special military operation. OLEKSANDR RATUSHNIAK/REUTERS
As the turmoil in Ukraine continued, another conflict erupted in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has led to the loss of more than 21,110 lives, plunging the region into chaos and prompting urgent appeals from the international community for peace.
A Palestinian woman cries out as others rush to look for victims in the rubble of a building following an Israeli strike in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Oct 17. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP
Migrants climb over a wire fence after crossing the Rio Grande into the US from Mexico, in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Aug 25. More than 2.8 million migrants have had encounters with authorities as of Sept 30, according to USA Today. SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP
Partly caused by conflicts, more than 114 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes by the end of September, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Oct 25.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla set off from Westminster Abbey en route to Buckingham Palace during the coronation ceremony on May 6 in London. DAN MULLAN/GETTY IMAGES
In the United Kingdom, a significant change took place with the ascension of a new king. King Charles III was crowned on May 6, marking the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy.
As we reflect on the events of 2023, it becomes evident the world continues to face numerous challenges, emphasizing an urgent requirement for worldwide collaboration and united efforts to forge a better 2024.
In the face of these daunting challenges, it is important to bear in mind the words of Victor Hugo in the book Les Miserables — "Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise" — that a new dawn is waiting for us.
