2016: A Year in Review

2016 has, without a doubt been a massive year. It’s a year that many have claimed to be one of the worst years in recent times, and there’s definitely some truth to that. We have seen tragedies around the globe, watched nations join in solidarity as terror struck major cities. We saw hate fuelled disasters all over the world, homophobic Orlando shootings, a tragic civil war in Syria, and racial conflicts between the police and the black community of America.

Conservatives won out this year, with the UK voting to leave the European Union, Trump elected for president in the United States and, in our own country, a seat in the senate for xenophobic preaching politician, Pauline Hanson.

And then the celebrity deaths. The entertainment world said farewell to a number of influential actors, musicians and entertainers throughout the year. David Bowie, Prince, Alan Rickman, Gene Wilder, George Michael, Carrie Fisher, only a few of the massive names that left a hole in many people’s hearts in 2016.

But among the tragedy and unexpected changes, there still includes plenty to smile about. 2016 saw a decline in major diseases including colon cancer, dementia and heart disease, as well as a decline in global malaria deaths. Numerous countries pledged billions of dollars for ocean conservation, and environmental conservation and sustainable practices increased in popularity around the globe. We saw a return of beloved franchises including Pokemon with Pokemon Go, Star Wars with Rogue One, and Harry Potter with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Leonardo Dicaprio won his first Oscar for his role in The Revenant, we caught up with our favourite cartoon fish in Finding Dory, and finally got that Frank Ocean album we were all waiting for. If 2016 has taught us one thing, it’s to truly appreciate all the little things that life gives you.

So what did you think of 2016? What were some of the biggest moments of the year for you? While it’s difficult to even begin to touch the surface of this huge year, it’s safe to say that 2017 has a lot to live up to, and a whole lot to prepare for.