20102012

2010–2012 refers to a three-year span that encompassed a variety of significant global events, spanning natural disasters, political upheavals, economic developments, and scientific breakthroughs. The period is often viewed as a bridge between the late-2000s financial crisis and later shifts in geopolitics and technology.

In 2010, the world experienced major disasters and notable political moments. The Haiti earthquake in January caused widespread devastation, followed by a powerful Chilean earthquake in February. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April raised concerns about energy policy and environmental regulation. Volcanic activity from Eyjafjallajökull disrupted international travel, while the Winter Olympics brought attention to Vancouver. The year also saw the emergence of widespread protests associated with the Arab Spring, which began in late 2010 and continued into 2011.

2011 was marked by upheaval and tragedy. The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. In the Middle East and North Africa, protests and revolutions culminated in the overthrow of governments in several countries. The year also saw the killing of Osama bin Laden in May and ongoing civil conflicts in Libya and Syria, highlighting shifts in regional power dynamics and international responses.

2012 featured notable achievements and ongoing challenges. The London Olympics showcased global sport and culture, while CERN announced the observation of a particle consistent with the Higgs boson. Space exploration milestones continued with the Curiosity rover landing on Mars. In politics, many countries faced economic decisions amid the Eurozone crisis, and the United States held a presidential election. The year thus closed a period of rapid change across multiple domains.