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Australian Wildfires
On January 4, it was announced that veteran California firefighters will go to Australia to help fight the wildfire on the ground. The fires in Australia have killed 23 people so far, and destroyed thousands of homes. (CNN) -
First American Dies of Coronavirus
On February 8, the first American citizen died of the coronavirus in Wuhan. The death was announced hours after two flights evacuated US citizens from Wuhan. This is the first American to die from the virus that has killed hundreds in China. (CNN) -
Explosion in Los Angeles
On March 1, a business in downtown Los Angeles caught on fire after an explosion. Three men were injured in the fire, two critically. It took 1 hour and 140 firefighters to extinguish the flames. The explosion is still under investigation. (CNN) -
Ecuador Waterfall disappears
On April 2, a sinkhole swallowed the water supply of Ecuador’s largest waterfall, seemingly causing it to disappear. San Rafael Waterfall used to fall 150 feet, but it is now only three streams according to NASA. (CNN) -
Earthquake strikes Nevada
On May 15, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Nevada, making it the worst earthquake the state has seen in 66 years. While many people felt the quake, no injuries have been reported. (CNN) -
BLM Protests
By June 6, as US protests entered their 12th consecutive day, various European countries and Australia participated in Black Lives Matter protests themselves. On June 5, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a knee during BLM protests in Canada. On June 6, after a court overturned the ruling that protests are illegal due to coronavirus, over 10,000 people protested for justice in Sydney, Australia. (CNN) -
Earthquake strikes Alaska
On July 22, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska, conjuring tsunami concerns. Though a tsunami went out, it is not clear how much damage was done by the earthquake. (CNN) -
Strong Winds Wreck Iowa
On August 14, hurricane-level winds wreaked havoc on Iowa, leaving at least 160,000 people without power. Millions of acres of farmland have also been destroyed. Governor Kim Reynolds has reached out to President Trump regarding federal funding and relief to help the state. (CNN) -
Trump and Biden Have the First Debate
On September 29, President Trump and presidential candidate Joe Biden had the first debate, which many think could be the last. According to CNN, the debate was filled with shouting and interruptions. The questions discussed included the pandemic, voting fraud, and climate change. (CNN) -
Typhoons Make Landfall
On October 28, Typhoon Molave made landfall in Vietnam after weeks of deadly floods destroyed parts of the country. The typhoon brought strong winds and heavy rain, adding to the already flooded areas. The typhoon is expected to cause more flash flooding and landslides. On October 31, officials in the Philippines ordered thousands to evacuate as weather channels reported Typhoon Goni. Strong winds and heavy rains are already impacting the area. (CNN) -
Wetlands on Fire
On November 13, CNN reported on the months-long wildfires occurring in South America’s Pantanal region. These fires have burned 28% of of the floodplain that stretches across Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Many homes and habitats have been destroyed by these fires; however, the most damaging effect is on the carbon sinks that exist in the area. These are essential to the ecosystem. (CNN) -
Trump pardons 15
On December 22, President Trump pardoned 15 people in what many expect to be a strew of pardons before he leaves office. Among those pardoned were two figures convicted of lying to the FBI during the inquiry into the President’s 2016 campaign. Other pardoned were security guards involved in the 2007 massacre in Iraq and some ex-congressmen. (BBC)