2024: A Year of Challenges, Hope, and Resolve

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the year’s events and how they have shaped our work. For those of us in geography and environmental science, this year has been both challenging and inspiring.

We know the urgency of addressing climate change, and the data is clear: carbon emissions are still rising, and this year may be the warmest on record. Extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, which devastated Florida’s Big Bend region, and Super Typhoon Pepito, which hit the Philippines in November, remind us of the scale of the challenges we face. Additionally, the 2024 Living Planet Report from WWF highlights a troubling decline in biodiversity, with 73% fewer vertebrate species since 1970. And socially, we continue to see polarization and the spread of misinformation, which threatens democratic values.

Yet, even amid these difficulties, there is much to be hopeful about. Globally, we are making progress: renewable energy generation reached new heights in 2024, with renewables now accounting for 30% of global electricity. Sales of electric vehicles are up by 30%, and cancer death rates continue to fall. The European Union passed the Nature Restoration Law, a bold step toward ecosystem restoration, and the ozone layer is recovering faster than expected. These achievements, though incremental, offer hope that we are moving in the right direction.

Closer to home, I’m incredibly proud of the work our community at Hunter College is doing. Over 150 students, faculty, staff, and affiliates in the Geography and Environmental Studies department are dedicated to advancing knowledge, advocating for change, and working toward a more sustainable and equitable future. From research and teaching to community outreach and policy engagement, our collective efforts are contributing to a broader movement for positive change.

As we look to the future, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Challenges persist—climate change denial, political divisions, and setbacks in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. But these obstacles don’t define us. In fact, they fuel our resolve. As geographers and environmental scientists, we know the power of knowledge, action, and collaboration. Every step forward, no matter how small, matters.

So, as we approach the winter break, I encourage you to take a moment to rest and recharge. When we return in 2025, let’s bring renewed energy to the work ahead. There’s much to be done, and I’m confident that together, we can continue making a difference for future generations and the planet we all share.

Happy holidays, and best wishes for a fulfilling and impactful 2025!

Warmly,
Peter J. Marcotullio
Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Science
Directory, CUNY Center for Sustainable Cities
Hunter College