20152020

2015-2020 refers to a five-year span commonly treated as a single period in contemporary history. It encompassed major developments in climate policy, international politics, economic integration, technology, and global health.

Climate and development policy were prominent during this time. In 2015, the Paris Agreement established a framework for national climate action, and the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals for 2015-2030. These instruments guided national policies and international cooperation over the period. The decade also saw increasing attention to climate resilience, adaptation, and the environmental impacts of growth.

Political and economic shifts included significant elections and referenda that influenced policy directions in various countries. The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, reshaping European politics and trade debates. International markets faced evolving discussions around globalization and supply chains, with policy and tariff tensions emerging in the later part of the decade, notably between major economies, affecting investment and manufacturing decisions worldwide.

Technology and business continued to transform daily life and economic activity. The era witnessed rapid expansion of mobile internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, alongside the growth of digital platforms and services that reshaped work, communication, and consumer markets. Data, privacy, cybersecurity, and automation became central topics for governments and firms.

Public health and the environment defined the closing year. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered widespread health measures, disrupted economies, and accelerated collaboration on vaccines and public health infrastructure. The pandemic underscored the interconnected nature of health, economy, and governance and set priorities for policy in the ensuing years.