In 2010, we witnessed an onslaught of disasters, from the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Yet those calamities awakened the humanitarians among us, and rekindled a passion to protect the environment and develop alternative energy. We welcomed a global economy on the mend, yet as lawmakers collectively celebrated the aversion of a crisis two years ago, a new economic reality of heavy debt load emerged. As 2011 approaches, The Epoch Times takes a look back at the defining events, decisions, and discoveries from this year that shaped society, the environment, our planet, and its people for years to come.
CLICK HERE TO START OUR JOURNEY THROUGH 2010
Innovation & Technology
Social Interaction and Communication
New gadgets and tools moved the digital world onto a new plane in 2010, setting into motion a change in the way people interact with computer systems. This year saw the mass consumption of e-readers, the new age of tablet computing, and the use of augmented reality in everything from 3-D movies to advertising campaigns.
The Android OS brought direct competition to the Apple iPhone, and opened the smartphone market to new levels of user innovation through its open system. Terms like “cloud computing” and “social media” changed from arcane, distant concepts to “must-haves” for businesses and governments alike.
Wi-Fi hotspots became readily available and affordable through 3G and 4G networks, enabling access to the Internet from nearly anywhere. The concepts of Web 2.0 were brought into the mainstream: more interaction and user collaboration. With every purchase, consumers told developers what they want from technology: simplicity, ease of use, and the ability to connect with others.
New gadgets and tools moved the digital world onto a new plane in 2010, setting into motion a change in the way people interact with computer systems. This year saw the mass consumption of e-readers, the new age of tablet computing, and the use of augmented reality in everything from 3-D movies to advertising campaigns.
The Android OS brought direct competition to the Apple iPhone, and opened the smartphone market to new levels of user innovation through its open system. Terms like “cloud computing” and “social media” changed from arcane, distant concepts to “must-haves” for businesses and governments alike.
Wi-Fi hotspots became readily available and affordable through 3G and 4G networks, enabling access to the Internet from nearly anywhere. The concepts of Web 2.0 were brought into the mainstream: more interaction and user collaboration. With every purchase, consumers told developers what they want from technology: simplicity, ease of use, and the ability to connect with others.
Revolutions in Transportation
A global push toward greener transportation had been underway for years, but 2010 marks the effort’s first major milestone as the technology finally caught up with social demand.
Two of the first mass-produced electric vehicles hit the market in late 2010. The Nissan Leaf was introduced in Japan and the Chevrolet Volt was unveiled in the United States. In May, Toyota signed a US$50 million investment and technology-sharing agreement with Tesla, a California manufacturer of electric vehicles. Many localities around the world this year began installing charging stations for electric vehicles.
The impetus to go green was further accelerated by skyrocketing petroleum costs due to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, regional political and military unrest, and currency devaluation.
Next: Global Freedom
A global push toward greener transportation had been underway for years, but 2010 marks the effort’s first major milestone as the technology finally caught up with social demand.
Two of the first mass-produced electric vehicles hit the market in late 2010. The Nissan Leaf was introduced in Japan and the Chevrolet Volt was unveiled in the United States. In May, Toyota signed a US$50 million investment and technology-sharing agreement with Tesla, a California manufacturer of electric vehicles. Many localities around the world this year began installing charging stations for electric vehicles.
The impetus to go green was further accelerated by skyrocketing petroleum costs due to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, regional political and military unrest, and currency devaluation.
Next: Global Freedom
Global Freedom
Freedoms and Restrictions in the Digital Age
The Internet—and what type of information one can view—is about to change. Google broadcasted a call for Internet freedom in January, along with news that China had hacked the site and attempted to access the Gmail accounts of customers and businesses.
Google also announced its refusal to continue censoring its China-based portal, which later led to the company redirecting traffic to its uncensored Hong Kong-based portal. Spurred by the incident, on Jan. 21, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the 21st Century Statecraft initiative to create tools to further Internet freedom. She said, “Censorship should not be in any way accepted by any company from anywhere.”
As concerns over cybersecurity and Internet piracy grow, however, so has the push for a more restricted Internet. Websites that encourage piracy are being pulled from the Web, and the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA), approved by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Nov. 18, will give the U.S. attorney general the power to remove websites that violate copyright laws. The once-open frontier of the online world was given its first glimpse of the coming changes when Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed a set of rules for the Internet on Dec. 1, including the right for Americans to freely view “lawful content” online.
Meanwhile, calls for greater cybersecurity are growing louder among governments worldwide. The formation of international cyber-coalitions was a subject of discussion at the NATO Lisbon Summit.
The matter has been accelerated by information-leaking organization WikiLeaks and its release of 250,000 secret U.S. diplomatic reports, starting on Nov. 28. Supporters of the organization began launching cyberattacks against businesses, including MasterCard and Visa, in response to funding being cut to WikiLeaks and the arrest of the organization’s founder Julian Assange in London on Dec. 7 on charges of rape and molestation.
Next: Governance
The Internet—and what type of information one can view—is about to change. Google broadcasted a call for Internet freedom in January, along with news that China had hacked the site and attempted to access the Gmail accounts of customers and businesses.
Google also announced its refusal to continue censoring its China-based portal, which later led to the company redirecting traffic to its uncensored Hong Kong-based portal. Spurred by the incident, on Jan. 21, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the 21st Century Statecraft initiative to create tools to further Internet freedom. She said, “Censorship should not be in any way accepted by any company from anywhere.”
As concerns over cybersecurity and Internet piracy grow, however, so has the push for a more restricted Internet. Websites that encourage piracy are being pulled from the Web, and the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA), approved by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Nov. 18, will give the U.S. attorney general the power to remove websites that violate copyright laws. The once-open frontier of the online world was given its first glimpse of the coming changes when Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed a set of rules for the Internet on Dec. 1, including the right for Americans to freely view “lawful content” online.
Meanwhile, calls for greater cybersecurity are growing louder among governments worldwide. The formation of international cyber-coalitions was a subject of discussion at the NATO Lisbon Summit.
The matter has been accelerated by information-leaking organization WikiLeaks and its release of 250,000 secret U.S. diplomatic reports, starting on Nov. 28. Supporters of the organization began launching cyberattacks against businesses, including MasterCard and Visa, in response to funding being cut to WikiLeaks and the arrest of the organization’s founder Julian Assange in London on Dec. 7 on charges of rape and molestation.
Next: Governance
Governance
European Economic Concerns
The global economy recovered in 2010, largely due to the stimulus measures governments around the world enacted at the height of the financial crisis, but the massive public spending and deficits caught up with several eurozone nations in 2010. Investors were concerned about high debt levels and fiscal spending, driving down the bond prices of several eurozone nations.
The International Monetary Fund and EU members agreed on a 110 billion euro ($146.2 billion) loan for Greece in May. In the same month, European finance ministers agreed on a multi-year rescue program, the European Financial Stability Package—valued around 1 trillion euros (US$1.3 trillion)—to restore confidence in the European financial markets. Six months later, Ireland received an 85 billion euro (US$113 billion) bailout from the EU.
In an effort to stem a burgeoning debt crisis, the governments of Ireland, Spain, and Portugal introduced severe austerity measures in efforts to close budgetary gaps and restore fiscal responsibility.
The global economy recovered in 2010, largely due to the stimulus measures governments around the world enacted at the height of the financial crisis, but the massive public spending and deficits caught up with several eurozone nations in 2010. Investors were concerned about high debt levels and fiscal spending, driving down the bond prices of several eurozone nations.
The International Monetary Fund and EU members agreed on a 110 billion euro ($146.2 billion) loan for Greece in May. In the same month, European finance ministers agreed on a multi-year rescue program, the European Financial Stability Package—valued around 1 trillion euros (US$1.3 trillion)—to restore confidence in the European financial markets. Six months later, Ireland received an 85 billion euro (US$113 billion) bailout from the EU.
In an effort to stem a burgeoning debt crisis, the governments of Ireland, Spain, and Portugal introduced severe austerity measures in efforts to close budgetary gaps and restore fiscal responsibility.
Tensions With China
The U.S. and EU governments have accused the Chinese regime of artificially devaluing its currency to boost exports—subsequently hurting the exporters of other nations as well as making Chinese goods appear cheaper in the global marketplace.
Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, Chinese exports have soared, resulting in global tensions over currency valuation, trade deficits, and protectionism. In September, China announced new tariffs on U.S. poultry imports, after the United States attached a 35 percent tariff on Chinese tires. In early December, the EU levied anti-dumping tariffs on imported Chinese screws.
Tensions have risen further over China’s territorial claims to the South China Sea with the United States, and claims to the East China Sea with Japan. Both countries have ignored the warnings from China.
The United States is continuing naval exercises with South Korea in the South China Sea, and Japan announced in early November that it would deploy 100 troops to Yonaguni in the East China Sea, in response to Chinese naval activity. In 2011, all eyes will be fixed on the East Asian region.
Next: Country Features
Events local and global, auspicious and unfortunate, help shape the lives of people in every nation, each year. Here, we bring you a snapshot of the most significant stories of the year from our local editions, all of which will have an immense impact in 2011 and beyond.
The U.S. and EU governments have accused the Chinese regime of artificially devaluing its currency to boost exports—subsequently hurting the exporters of other nations as well as making Chinese goods appear cheaper in the global marketplace.
Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, Chinese exports have soared, resulting in global tensions over currency valuation, trade deficits, and protectionism. In September, China announced new tariffs on U.S. poultry imports, after the United States attached a 35 percent tariff on Chinese tires. In early December, the EU levied anti-dumping tariffs on imported Chinese screws.
Tensions have risen further over China’s territorial claims to the South China Sea with the United States, and claims to the East China Sea with Japan. Both countries have ignored the warnings from China.
The United States is continuing naval exercises with South Korea in the South China Sea, and Japan announced in early November that it would deploy 100 troops to Yonaguni in the East China Sea, in response to Chinese naval activity. In 2011, all eyes will be fixed on the East Asian region.
Next: Country Features
Events local and global, auspicious and unfortunate, help shape the lives of people in every nation, each year. Here, we bring you a snapshot of the most significant stories of the year from our local editions, all of which will have an immense impact in 2011 and beyond.
Ireland Bailout Shakes Economic Status Quo
Ireland became the “Celtic Tiger” during its economic boom from the mid-1990s and up until 2007. The boom made big spending and spiraling property prices the topics of daily conversation in Dublin and beyond.
In 2008, lender Northern Rock was nationalized in the United Kingdom and investment bank Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy in the United States. Many in Ireland were shocked at this news but thought Ireland would be unaffected.
The excess of credit in the economy and the reliance on the property market was soon to spell the demise of the Tiger.
In January 2009, Anglo Irish Bank was nationalized. Shortly afterwards, the government brought in a bank guarantee scheme, which it felt would stop the collapse of the financial sector.
Almost two years after its nationalization, it has become clear that many of the other financial institutions in Ireland were also caught up in reckless lending.
After Ireland joined the then-European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, the country enjoyed many benefits from its membership. Unfortunately, the availability of extra credit in the 1990s for financial institutions, coupled with the property boom, generated extra unsustainable revenue for the government. This in turn caused an upward spiral of house prices, salaries, and living costs.
In November, the government had to call upon the IMF and EU for a massive 85 billion euro (US$113 billion) bailout—the effects of which will possibly have a far longer effect on Ireland than the highs of the “Celtic Tiger” days.
Contributed by Martin Murphy, a reporter for the Epoch Times Ireland edition, based in Dublin.
Next: BP Oil Spill Changes Gulf Landscape
BP Oil Spill Changes Gulf Landscape
In 2008, lender Northern Rock was nationalized in the United Kingdom and investment bank Lehman Brothers filed bankruptcy in the United States. Many in Ireland were shocked at this news but thought Ireland would be unaffected.
The excess of credit in the economy and the reliance on the property market was soon to spell the demise of the Tiger.
In January 2009, Anglo Irish Bank was nationalized. Shortly afterwards, the government brought in a bank guarantee scheme, which it felt would stop the collapse of the financial sector.
Almost two years after its nationalization, it has become clear that many of the other financial institutions in Ireland were also caught up in reckless lending.
After Ireland joined the then-European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, the country enjoyed many benefits from its membership. Unfortunately, the availability of extra credit in the 1990s for financial institutions, coupled with the property boom, generated extra unsustainable revenue for the government. This in turn caused an upward spiral of house prices, salaries, and living costs.
In November, the government had to call upon the IMF and EU for a massive 85 billion euro (US$113 billion) bailout—the effects of which will possibly have a far longer effect on Ireland than the highs of the “Celtic Tiger” days.
Contributed by Martin Murphy, a reporter for the Epoch Times Ireland edition, based in Dublin.
Next: BP Oil Spill Changes Gulf Landscape
BP Oil Spill Changes Gulf Landscape
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico began after an April 20 explosion on one of BP’s oil rigs started a sea-floor spill of crude oil.
By the time it was stopped, it had poured an estimated 185 million gallons of crude oil into the surrounding waters. The spill officially ended on Sept. 19, when President Barack Obama announced the “final termination of the damaged well that sat deep under the Gulf of Mexico.”
The impact of the spill is still being felt, however, as impacted communities must cope with the damages for years. For the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe in southern Louisiana, close to 75 percent of their economy relies on fishing from the Gulf, and a market fearful of consuming Gulf fish has sustained the oil spill’s impact.
The disaster has also affected the perception of oil versus alternative fuels. Offshore drilling bans and the environmental impact of the spill had a ripple effect in raising awareness for the need to move away from oil as a fuel source.
Contributed by Joshua Philipp, a reporter for the Epoch Times U.S. edition, based in New York.
Next: A Political Game-Changer in the UK
By the time it was stopped, it had poured an estimated 185 million gallons of crude oil into the surrounding waters. The spill officially ended on Sept. 19, when President Barack Obama announced the “final termination of the damaged well that sat deep under the Gulf of Mexico.”
The impact of the spill is still being felt, however, as impacted communities must cope with the damages for years. For the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe in southern Louisiana, close to 75 percent of their economy relies on fishing from the Gulf, and a market fearful of consuming Gulf fish has sustained the oil spill’s impact.
The disaster has also affected the perception of oil versus alternative fuels. Offshore drilling bans and the environmental impact of the spill had a ripple effect in raising awareness for the need to move away from oil as a fuel source.
Contributed by Joshua Philipp, a reporter for the Epoch Times U.S. edition, based in New York.
Next: A Political Game-Changer in the UK
A Political Game-Changer in the UK
For 60 years, they dug their trenches. The British political parties took turns storming into power, wresting the power-wielding majority back and forth in one of the most adversarial electoral systems in the world.
The media too knew the same routine, reveling in the excitement of battle, digging in to familiar positions, supplying ammunition through well-trodden paths.
But this year’s election in May was the biggest game-changer for a generation.
Power-sharing politics might be the norm in many nations, but here in the U.K., the agreement between the Conservative Party (which just missed a majority in the election) and the Liberal Democratic Party completely overturned the status quo.
The days following the election, when no one knew who would form the government, were the most frenzied in British politics in decades. For the 24-hour-media, it was the perfect storm. Britain’s massive sovereign debt loomed, in desperate need of a strong government, and markets rose and fell on rumors of power-sharing deals. The saga of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s difficult years in office appeared to be in its final throes. The country had not been held in such political limbo since World War II, and the enraptured public watched every twist and turn unfold hourly before its eyes.
PM David Cameron and Nick Clegg’s political marriage has yet to stand the test of time. But for now at least, it is still seen as a novelty by a nation more used to baying at gladiatorial politics than applauding compromise.
Contributed by Simon Veazey, a reporter for the Epoch Times U.K., based in London.
Next: Canada on the World’s Stage
The media too knew the same routine, reveling in the excitement of battle, digging in to familiar positions, supplying ammunition through well-trodden paths.
But this year’s election in May was the biggest game-changer for a generation.
Power-sharing politics might be the norm in many nations, but here in the U.K., the agreement between the Conservative Party (which just missed a majority in the election) and the Liberal Democratic Party completely overturned the status quo.
The days following the election, when no one knew who would form the government, were the most frenzied in British politics in decades. For the 24-hour-media, it was the perfect storm. Britain’s massive sovereign debt loomed, in desperate need of a strong government, and markets rose and fell on rumors of power-sharing deals. The saga of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s difficult years in office appeared to be in its final throes. The country had not been held in such political limbo since World War II, and the enraptured public watched every twist and turn unfold hourly before its eyes.
PM David Cameron and Nick Clegg’s political marriage has yet to stand the test of time. But for now at least, it is still seen as a novelty by a nation more used to baying at gladiatorial politics than applauding compromise.
Contributed by Simon Veazey, a reporter for the Epoch Times U.K., based in London.
Next: Canada on the World’s Stage
Canada on the World’s Stage
Canadians are known for their subdued patriotism. But during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics earlier this year, every Canuck and their dog started sporting the red maple leaf that flies on the national flag.
Streets were awash with Team Canada mittens and outerwear and the sound of “O Canada” would spontaneously erupt on subways and street corners. The country watched with glee as their athletes claimed more gold medals than any nation ever before in a Winter Olympics, some 14 in total. There were difficulties, including the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili on the day of the opening ceremonies, and there were some critical remarks at first, but positive reviews followed.
The festivities climaxed when Sidney Crosby delivered Canada a gold medal in hockey, with an overtime tie-breaking goal against the United States that thrilled the nation.
The Games were so well-received by Canadians that many hoped Vancouver Olympics head organizer John Furlong would run for premier of British Columbia, though he declined, citing the nastiness of political discourse.
But the Olympics weren’t the only time Canada invited the world for a visit this year. The country also hosted the G-8 and G-20 summits. Those have proven less popular, with derision over the US$1 billion cost of hosting the events and allegations of police misconduct in handling protesters.
Lesson learned? Do invite the athletes, but politicians come with too much baggage.
Contributed by Matthew Little, a reporter for Epoch Times Canada, based in Ottawa.
Next: Final Word
Streets were awash with Team Canada mittens and outerwear and the sound of “O Canada” would spontaneously erupt on subways and street corners. The country watched with glee as their athletes claimed more gold medals than any nation ever before in a Winter Olympics, some 14 in total. There were difficulties, including the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili on the day of the opening ceremonies, and there were some critical remarks at first, but positive reviews followed.
The festivities climaxed when Sidney Crosby delivered Canada a gold medal in hockey, with an overtime tie-breaking goal against the United States that thrilled the nation.
The Games were so well-received by Canadians that many hoped Vancouver Olympics head organizer John Furlong would run for premier of British Columbia, though he declined, citing the nastiness of political discourse.
But the Olympics weren’t the only time Canada invited the world for a visit this year. The country also hosted the G-8 and G-20 summits. Those have proven less popular, with derision over the US$1 billion cost of hosting the events and allegations of police misconduct in handling protesters.
Lesson learned? Do invite the athletes, but politicians come with too much baggage.
Contributed by Matthew Little, a reporter for Epoch Times Canada, based in Ottawa.
Next: Final Word
Friends Read Free