I wrote this for Lokmat and it appeared in December 2023, but got a bit late in posting.

As the year 2023 comes to an end, while there are many dismal and unfortunate things happening, however, like every other cusp of the New Year there is also hope. And hope is what gives courage and strength to individuals and communities.

All around us, technology and innovation are blooming and growing exponentially. AI, machine learning, start-ups, and breakthroughs – the buzz is loud and unmistakable. The pace and all-encompassing nature of change taking place around is at times over-whelming but is also a harbinger of hope. We are moving into another way of life, and it brings with it a whole horde of opportunities and challenges.

On the climate front hope subsists. Green energy is going to transform the way we live. The world is moving towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 30% of the world’s electricity generation. The just concluded COP28 in Dubai has reached a deal for “transitioning away from fossil fuels…in a just, orderly and equitable manner” to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. And the first pledges from wealthy nations were made in COP28 to support the Loss and Damage fund, bringing the current total to over $650 million.

As per the Gender Gap Report of 2023 published by the World Economic Forum, globally, the status of women is something to worry about. It says, ‘At the current rate of progress over the 2006-2023 span, it will take 162 years to close the Political Empowerment gender gap, 169 years for the Economic Participation and Opportunity gender gap, and 16 years for the Educational Attainment gender gap. The time to close the Health and Survival gender gap remains undefined.’ However, there is a glimmer of hope when we see that nearly thirty women head governments the world over. Women have also emerged as leaders in new fields. Taylor Swift, the singer and entertainer has redefined industry norms. Her economic impact this year is staggering. Her Eras tour alone is reported to have brought in a record-breaking $850 million and is estimated to have boosted the U.S. economy by over $5 billion. And in the Mexican election due in 2024, two women are competing for the top post!

In space exploration there are many milestones awaiting us in 2024.  NASA’s Artemis program aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. ISRO is all set to launch Gaganyaan1, Mangalyaan2 and Shukrayaan1 in 2024. We are targeting Mars, Venus and manned space missions in the coming year, bringing cheer and excitement.

And 2024 holds hope for the animal kingdom. It has been declared as the International Year of the Camelids by the UN. Camelids encompass the family of camels, IIamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos. The year will highlight how camelids are key to the livelihoods of millions of households across over 90 countries. They contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth as well as holding a strong cultural significance for communities across the world. The observance will bring focus on this majestic class of animals, and consequently remind us that we share this planet with other species.

Let us hope that the coming year is about better choices, and many new opportunities for humanity.