2021

2021 was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar, comprising 365 days. It followed 2020 and preceded 2022, with events occurring across politics, health, science, culture, and the environment.

During much of 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic persisted as a defining global factor. Vaccination campaigns expanded worldwide, but waves driven by variants such as Delta fueled renewed restrictions in many regions and highlighted inequities in access to vaccines and medical supplies.

Political developments included the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States on January 20, the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and subsequent impeachment proceedings, and the completion of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August. In the United States, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in November.

Other notable events included the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, held in 2021 with limited or no spectators, the blockage of the Suez Canal by the Ever Given in March, and COP26 in Glasgow focusing on climate action and carbon targets. In December, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope was launched and began its mission.

Climate and environmental events were prominent, with record heat waves and wildfires in several regions, and floods and storms affecting parts of Asia and Europe. The year also featured diverse economic trends, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing shifts toward remote work and digital technologies.

Key scientific and cultural developments included progress in space science and biotechnology, significant regulatory and policy changes in various countries, and ongoing debates over public health measures and social issues worldwide.