How 2020 began - 28th December 2020

January 2020 feels like a lifetime ago. The city of Bengaluru, India was using fake police to control the traffic. Local people didn't think that the idea would work.

Man 2: "We do not, do not follow rules even if they are real."

Environmental problems were getting worse. Australian forest fires burned out of control. Locusts ate food growing in Africa. Even the wettest locations required more water.

Diengdoh: "We don't have that proper system of harnessing the rain."

Everyone prepared for Lunar New Year and hoped for good times.

Technology brought more changes to everyday life. Food delivery apps have helped women to start businesses. They have turned their kitchens into takeaways.

Rashmi: "This kind of platform gives them a chance to work at home, look after the family, look after her dreams."

One oil business was using olives from across Cyprus. This improved local relationships.

Philippides: "Coliveoil is trying to promote the peace process in Cyprus through a common goal."

New materials were displayed to fashion designers in London. These environmentally friendly fabrics are better for the planet.

Rodrigo: "The skins were just going to waste then we turned into this beautiful leather."

Hollywood's famous Oscar for best picture was won by "Parasite". This Korean language film had made history. It was the first film not in English to receive this award. The virus wasn't a pandemic yet. Parasite's producer had a positive message.

Kwak Sin-ae: "I feel like a very opportune moment in history is happening right now."

Then Covid-19 stopped the world. Governments organised lockdowns. We stayed indoors to protect ourselves. This kept more people safe and was also good for the environment.

The pollution in Delhi disappeared. There was a blue sky and fresh air. Lower pollution levels also helped bees, which produced more honey.

Singh: "when human activity stops naturally air quality improves."

Zoos had to close because of the pandemic and the animals got lonely. They were used to seeing people every day and missed their visitors.

Jennifer: "I feel like they are really missing the visitors as well as all the staff."

In this difficult time, people showed they cared about each other. People worldwide got on their knees at Black Lives Matter demonstrations against racism.

Our summer holidays were very different to normal. Companies opened again but they experienced many difficulties.

Nikki: "the climate is changing so they have to adapt to warmer temperatures."

We learned to socialise outdoors. After a long delay, Liverpool became Premier League champions. Manager Jurgen Klopp knew their win was more important this year.

Klopp: "When you have a successful football club in your city, it always gives the city a lift."