2020 Review of the Year (part 1)

As 2020 began, we had no idea what was to come. In Bengaluru, India, police were trying to trick drivers into believing dummies were the real thing. However, some doubted their effectiveness.

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

The environment was high on the agenda, with reports about wildfires in Australia, locusts destroying crops in Africa, and water shortages in the wettest place on Earth.

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

The usual preparations for Lunar New Year continued, with expectations for a happy holiday.

Quiet revolutions were also taking place in many areas of life. News came that housewives were using apps to generate their own income as kitchen entrepreneurs.

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

Businesses cooperated across borders to show how the humble olive could unite divided communities.

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

In London, an international exhibition showcased sustainability in the fashion industry. It demonstrated the innovation that was reducing clothing's environmental impact.

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

And Hollywood recognised global culture as the Korean film "Parasite" made history as the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for best picture. Unaware that global catastrophe would soon close down the film industry, the film's producer sounded hope for the future.

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

When the pandemic hit, lockdowns emptied the streets worldwide. As countries battled to contain the pandemic, we witnessed the results of collective action on saving lives and the environment.

The famously polluted smog in Delhi cleared to reveal blue skies, hidden views and fresh air, while honey production rose as bee populations thrived without pollution.

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

We also learned that we were not the only species suffering from the loss of social interaction, as zoo animals around the world also missed human contact.

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

And we saw the power in people coming together globally to declare that Black Lives Matter, taking the knee in protests around the world to demand an end to inequality.

By July, we were adjusting to the new normal, businesses pushed on despite many challenges.

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

We took to new outdoor ways of socialising, and Liverpool finally claimed victory in the Premier League and manager Jurgen Klopp recognised the importance of community spirit.

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

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