The year 2022 was marked by many unprecedented events, not all of which occurred on our planet, ranging from a “multiplying record” to a trip deep into our past. Here are some of the landmarks that piqued our interest the most.
Apple is the first company in history to have a stock market value of $3 trillion.
In January, Apple’s market capitalization briefly surpassed $3 trillion, making it the first publicly traded company to do so. Its value has since fallen as it and other companies contend with a jittery economy still reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and record inflation. Furthermore, Apple was the first company to be valued at $1 trillion in 2018 and $2 trillion in 2020.
Women referee at men’s World Cup.
Stéphanie Frappart of France became the first woman lead referee at a men’s World Cup match in December, officiating a game between Costa Rica and Germany in Qatar. This was also the first men’s World Cup game with an all-woman referee team, with Neuza Back of Brazil and Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico serving as her assistants.
Women are appointed to positions of power in the Vatican and Al Azhar.
Three women were appointed for the first time to a Vatican committee that advises Pope Francis on candidates for bishops in the Catholic Church. In Egypt, the Al Azhar Mosque appointed a woman as an adviser to the grand imam, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, a first in the 1,000-year history of the Islamic institution.
The remains of a Neanderthal clan have been discovered in a Russian cave.
According to a study published in the journal Nature in October, scientists discovered the first known remains of a Neanderthal clan in a cave in Russia. The findings have resulted in one of the most extensive genetic studies of a Neanderthal clan to date, including a father and daughter. Scientists believe this group of about 11 Neanderthals died around 54,000 years ago possibly as a result of starvation.
France supplies gas to Germany.
France is pumping natural gas directly to Germany in exchange for electricity for the first time. Both countries are pivoting after Russia cut off its gas supply to Europe in retaliation for Western sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
