Five years ago, the world faced an unprecedented challenge as COVID-19 forced countries into strict lockdowns.

On March 17, 2020, France implemented severe restrictions, halting daily life to curb the virus's spread.

Streets emptied, businesses shuttered, and schools closed, while telework became the norm.

These measures, though controversial, helped reduce infections and ease pressure on overwhelmed hospitals.

Globally, the lockdowns caused economic shocks, with France's GDP shrinking by 7.5% in 2020. Yet, they also led to a temporary drop in CO2 emissions and sparked hopes for a more sustainable future.

However, five years later, the vision of a "new world" has faded, overshadowed by global conflicts and economic challenges.