2024 in Data: Highlights of the Year

With just a few days to go before the end of the year, we take a look back at the highlights of 2024.

This year has left a profound imprint on the worlds of economics, politics, technology, and science. From the unexpected return of influential political leaders to the emergence of unprecedented environmental crises, 2024 stands out as a year of seismic shifts—one that will undoubtedly shape the narrative of our times.

What has happened in 2024? We explain through data!

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2024 in Numbers: The 16 Key Highlights of the Year

Economy: A Modest Stability

• The global economy has expanded by 3%, signaling a measured stabilization in the aftermath of the pandemic.
• Spain’s GDP has risen by 3.1%, bolstered by a resurgence in domestic consumption and a strong rebound in tourism.

1. Global Economic Growth Steadies at 3%

In 2024, the global economy has shown signs of steadying with an annual growth rate of 3%. This marks a phase of moderate stability after the turbulence experienced in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Developed Economies: Advanced economies have firmed up their recovery, albeit with slower growth rates.
• Emerging Markets: Emerging markets have injected energy into the global economic landscape. Regions like Emerging Asia, driven by China and India, continue to outperform global averages, although a slight deceleration is anticipated, from 5.7% in 2023 to 5.0% by 2025.
• Looking Ahead: While the current stabilization offers a sense of optimism, forecasts suggest global growth will hover around 3% in the near future. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global growth at 3% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025, reflecting a cautiously positive outlook.

2. Global Population Continues to Grow Unevenly

According to the UN’s World Population Prospects 2022, the global population has grown from 5.823 billion in 2000 to 7.540 billion in 2024.

This increase is particularly notable in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the population nearly doubled, rising from 665 million to 1.248 billion (87.7%). Central and Southern Asia also experienced significant growth, increasing by 38.6% to reach 2.142 billion.

In contrast, East and Southeast Asia show slower growth at 20.9%, while Europe and North America have remained stagnant, with minimal changes in their population figures. Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania recorded more moderate increases, highlighting the varied demographic transitions and challenges faced by each region of the world.

Polítics: Power Shifts and Global Tensions

• Donald Trump returns as President of the United States.
• Javier Milei, after taking office in late 2023, solidifies Argentina's political shift.
• The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime following a swift offensive.

3. Donald Trump Returns to the White House

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States has undoubtedly been one of the defining events of 2024. Backed by an agenda rooted in deglobalization and nationalism, his leadership marks a pivotal chapter in both domestic and international politics.

The new administration has introduced controversial measures that have reshaped global trade and diplomatic relations, doubling down on its "America First" doctrine. This political shift has ignited significant debate about the trajectory of American democracy and its ripple effects on the global stage.

• Donald Trump's full speech after being elected for a second term on November 6, 2024. Source: El País.

4. Javier Milei Drives Disruptive Reforms in Argentina

Source: RTVE

In Argentina, President Javier Milei has introduced a series of radical economic reforms aimed at reducing the role of the state and promoting free-market policies. These measures include the elimination of currency controls, substantial cuts in public spending, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises.

While these policies have successfully lowered inflation by 45.4 percentage points in 11 months, they have also sparked controversy and protests due to their impact on the country’s most vulnerable populations.

5. The Fall of Bashar al-Assad’s Regime in Syria

Source: BBC

In the Middle East, the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, following a swift offensive by internationally backed opposition forces, has emerged as a major geopolitical development. This event has created a power vacuum that presents significant challenges for regional stability and the country’s reconstruction.

The international community now faces the daunting task of facilitating an inclusive political transition while addressing the resulting humanitarian crisis. Sectarian tensions and the influence of external actors add further complexity to efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.

Environment: A Critical Alarm

• 2024 has gone down as the hottest year on record, with global temperatures soaring 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels.
• DANA results in 219 deaths in Valencia
• Over 22 million hectares devastated by wildfires across South America.
  Documented extinction of 28 species of flora and fauna.

6. 2024: The Hottest Year on Record

Climate change has reached a new and alarming milestone in 2024, marked as the hottest year ever recorded. Global temperatures have risen 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, a sobering reminder of the escalating urgency of the climate crisis.

This record-breaking heat underscores scientists’ warnings about the accelerating pace of global warming, with its impacts increasingly felt across ecosystems, economies, and human communities.

7. DANA Claims 219 Lives After Catastrophic Floods in Valencia

Source: ValenciaExtra

In Spain, 2024 will be etched in memory for the catastrophic floods caused by a Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), an isolated high-altitude weather system.

The floods, described as one of the most destructive in recent history, claimed 219 lives in Valencia and left a trail of devastation. Torrential rains overwhelmed rivers, inundating urban and rural areas alike, wreaking havoc on homes, infrastructure, and farmland.

Even now, rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities and residents working tirelessly to rebuild. Experts warn that urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of future climate-driven disasters, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

8. Devastating Wildfires Sweep Across South America

In 2024, Latin America has faced unprecedented wildfire activity, with over 22 million hectares scorched. These fires intensified during the latter half of the year, coinciding with a historic drought that accelerated their spread.

Brazil and Bolivia have borne the brunt of this disaster, recording combined emissions of 210 megatons of carbon dioxide due to the fires.

The severity of the situation has prompted national emergencies and exposed a critical lack of preparedness to handle disasters of this scale. These events underscore the urgent need for stronger policies and international cooperation to address climate-related crises.

9. Alarming Rates of Species Extinction

Source: La República

Global biodiversity has suffered another major blow in 2024, with the documented extinction of 28 species, including mammals, birds, and plants critical to their ecosystems. These losses not only disrupt natural balance, but also threaten essential ecosystem services for humanity, such as pollination, water purification, and soil fertility.

Among the species that have disappeared are the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) and the Black-fronted Piping Guan (Pipile jacutinga). Their extinction underscores the accelerated impact of human activity. Deforestation, climate change, pollution, and the expansion of agricultural and urban activities have been identified as the primary causes.

International organizations have warned that this figure may represent only a glimpse of a much larger problem, as numerous species are disappearing without being recorded by science. The situation demands urgent measures to protect natural habitats and mitigate threats to endangered species, before the losses become even more devastating.

Technology: The GenAI Revolution

• 65% of companies now use generative AI, doubling last year’s figures.
• Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini AI have transformed the business, education, and creative environments.
• Global AI investment projections exceed $500 billion by 2027.

10. Generative AI Adoption Doubles

In 2024, generative artificial intelligence has solidified its position as a key tool for digital transformation across various industries.

Solutions such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini AI have driven significant advancements in areas like design, where they automate creative tasks; education, by personalizing learning experiences; and customer service, enhancing user interactions with more accurate and natural responses.

This rapid adoption highlights the potential of GenAI to redefine how businesses operate and create value.

11. Global AI Investment Reaches New Records

The use of artificial intelligence has grown exponentially, with 65% of companies now integrating AI into their operations—double the adoption reported in 2023, according to McKinsey.

This surge is driven by increasing demand for automation, personalization, and operational efficiency. Projections indicate that global AI investment will surpass $500 billion by 2027, underscoring the strategic role of this technology in shaping the global economy. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are leading the way in AI investment.

Despite this rapid growth, organizations acknowledge challenges associated with implementing generative AI, including concerns over inaccuracy and intellectual property infringement. However, many businesses are taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks and maximize the value derived from AI technologies.

Health: Life-Changing Advances

• First successful transplant of a 3D-printed organ.
• AI in diagnostics improves hospital efficiency.
• Breakthroughs in gene therapy and personalized treatments.
• A shift toward patient-centered healthcare.

12. First 3D-Printed Organ Transplant

Source: La Razón

Regenerative medicine achieved a groundbreaking milestone in 2024 with the first successful transplant of a fully 3D-printed organ—an ear.

This development has unlocked new possibilities for treating chronic illnesses, enabling the personalized production of organs and reducing reliance on donors. Furthermore, it sets a new benchmark in the advancement of innovative biotechnological solutions.

13. AI Revolutionizes Hospital Diagnostics

Artificial intelligence has transformed healthcare systems in 2024, significantly improving diagnostics and hospital management. Developing countries have embraced this technology to optimize resources, detect diseases at earlier stages, and reduce waiting times.

AI has also demonstrated its ability to make medical care more accessible, efficient, and accurate, marking a turning point in healthcare delivery. This technology continues to pave the way for new possibilities in the years ahead.

Entertainment: New Records and a Lot of "Espresso"

• Taylor Swift’s "The Eras Tour" becomes the highest-grossing tour of all time.
• "Inside Out 2" is crowned the highest-grossing film of the year and the top animated film in history

14. Taylor Swift Makes History with "The Eras Tour"

In 2024, Taylor Swift set a groundbreaking milestone in the music industry with "The Eras Tour," which has officially become the most successful tour of all time.

With nearly $1.9 billion in revenue and over 10 million attendees worldwide, the tour shattered records while leaving a significant cultural impact. Drawing audiences of all ages, it underscored Swift’s global reach and influence as one of the most iconic artists of our time.

15. "Inside Out 2" rompe récords en el cine

This year, "Inside Out 2" has claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated film of all time, further solidifying Pixar’s dominance in the animation industry.

With a storyline that deeply resonated with audiences and a globally strategic release, the film captured attention worldwide, demonstrating Pixar’s continued mastery of animated storytelling.

16. "Espresso" Becomes the Most-Streamed Song of the Year

According to Spotify Wrapped 2024, the most-streamed song of 2024 globally was "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter.

The hit single achieved over 268 million views on its music video and topped charts in multiple countries, reaching third place on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Additionally, "Espresso" has been nominated for Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, cementing its impact on the music industry and marking a defining moment in Sabrina Carpenter’s career.

Looking Ahead

Often, when we reflect on the past year, it can feel as though little has changed. Yet, this review of 2024 confirms that it has been a year of immense significance, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that define our era.

From technological breakthroughs to climate crises, the year has underscored the pressing need for adaptation, global collaboration, and decisive action.

In a world transforming at an extraordinary pace, learning and innovation have proven to be essential tools—not just to navigate the present, but to lay the foundation for a more resilient and prepared future.