2020 Review of the Year (part 1)

It seems a long time since the start of 2020. Police in Bengaluru, India, were experimenting with using dummies as traffic cops. However, locals weren't sure the plan would succeed.

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

We worried about the environment as we saw fires burning through Australian forests. African crops were eaten by locusts and the world's wettest place lacked water.

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

People were preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year and visit loved ones.

Technology expanded into more areas and brought business into the kitchen. Women started becoming their own bosses by selling meals via food delivery apps.

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

They were building friendships in Cyprus, turning olives from across the island into oil.

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

A London exhibition presented a new generation of ecological fabrics. These innovative materials reduce the damage fashion does to the environment.

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

In Hollywood, the Korean language movie "Parasite" became the first best picture Oscar winner that wasn't in English. Everyone celebrated, not knowing that a virus would soon stop all film making. Parasite's producer was optimistic about the future.

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

However, Covid-19 turned the world upside down. Lockdowns closed whole countries but together we managed to prevent further deaths. In the process, the environment benefitted from lockdowns too.

Delhi lost its famous smog and skies turned blue, views reappeared in the now clean air. This also improved life for bees and honey supplies increased.

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

Zoo animals experienced the pressures of lockdown just like humans. Their keepers noticed they were getting depressed without people coming to visit them every day.

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

We also came together across the world to protest against racism in our communities. We knelt as a message to all that Black Lives Matter.

By July, we were used to the new normal but businesses still faced many issues.

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

We found new social activities outside and Liverpool were eventually crowned champions of the Premier League. Their manager, Jurgen Klopp, spoke about football's role in the community.

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

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