2020 surely started off with too many events that startled the entire world. Some things are unexpected, inevitable and it's just sad that these things happened at the beginning of a whole new year. So let's recap what happened so far.

1. Australian Bushfire

Australia has a "fire season". Lightning strikes are usually the cause of fires, but some fires did start deliberately. However, this year, Indian Ocean Dipole (a hot and dry season) is happening across Australia. Scientists have warned that fires will become more frequent and more intense (spread faster and wider) if this hot and dry climate continues. 

As a result, the latest bushfire had caused over 18 million hectares burned, destroying over 5,900 buildings including over 2,800 homes. Many animals are reported to have been killed. It is also estimated that more animals will die as a result of a loss of habitat and food sources. This also indicates that biodiversity is interrupted. 

Besides, wildfires produced harmful smoke and air pollution which can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, asthma, and premature death. In addition, smoke from wildfires can travel long distances and cause hazardous air quality in other cities and countries. 

Other than air pollution, bushfires could cause water pollution in which it would affect the water quality and the marine system because the smoke, ash, and other debris catch on the wind and landed over the ocean, streams, and rivers. Besides, when the burned soils fall into the water sources,  it would fertilize water plants and algae. As a result, it would cause excessive algal growth. Algae absorb oxygen in the water to grow and deplete dissolved oxygen when they die and decompose, which can asphyxiate fish and other marine life.

Moreover, many people experienced mental trauma from the experience of emergency evacuation and losing their sources of livelihoods like homes, pets, belongings, livestock, and others. On the other hand, industries such as farming and tourism are severely affected due to the damage to the infrastructure. Some businesses and institutions also have been forced to close their doors during periods of excessive levels of air pollution.

In short, this bushfire season has given Australians, and the world, an insight into the humanitarian, ecological and economic catastrophes of a changing and warming climate. 

2. Wuhan Coronavirus 

As of Jan 26, the new coronavirus has reportedly infected at least 2,463 people and caused at least 80 deaths. This new coronavirus is developed from the trans-species mutation of pathogens and is said to begin from a wet market of Wuhan.

Coronavirus spreads through both direct (close contact with oral secretions) and indirect (an infected person spreads coronavirus droplets on nearby surfaces such as smartphones) contact. The incubation period is currently estimated as between 1 to 14 days. Initial symptoms are fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and fatigue. Productive cough (a cough that produces phlegm) and headache, hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and diarrhea occasional.

The disease proceeds quickly during the second week. This new coronavirus causes pneumonia—the infection of the lung(s). Progressing lung damage drives to breathing difficulty and the need for oxygen therapy. Lung injury also increases the chances of secondary bacterial pneumonia. Other conditions included septic shock, acute kidney injury, and virus-induced cardiac injury. 

Up till today, Malaysia has 8 confirmed cases for Wuhan coronavirus. All 8 cases involve tourists from Wuhan. The Malaysian government has temporarily banned Chinese nationals arriving from the city of Wuhan and surrounding Hubei province. It is still unclear how dangerous the virus is and how easily it spreads between people. Hand hygiene and personal protective barriers such as gloves, masks, and goggles can reduce droplet transmission. 

3. Kobe Bryant's Death

Kobe Bryant was a globally recognizable NBA superstar who had played for the Los Angeles Lakers for two decades and won the NBA Finals five times. He also won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018 for Dear Basketball, which he wrote and narrated.

Unfortunately, he died in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people aboard. Gianna was the second among Bryant’s four daughters. When a fan asked him to have a boy with his wife, Bryant said he won't need a boy as he got Gianna.

Athletes, artists, and others too expressed their shock to the news of Bryant’s death on social media. Former President Barack Obama also made a statement on Bryant’s loss. 

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio and television host Ellen DeGeneres also posted a tribute on their respective Twitter. 

Many fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Accidents, sickness, and natural disasters are all unpredictable. So cherish and be thankful to people who loved you!