Vision 2020: Out of the flames of climate change comes hope

Trade tensions are set to linger but there are glimmers of hope. Trust within societies is fraying and identity politics surging, but not without a challenge. Technology is making a difference to many, and climate change is getting closer attention. Insight explores these issues and how they might play out this year.

Activist Greta Thunberg calling for urgent action on the climate crisis last month. Globally, climate protest movements came of age last year, driven by youth worried about the future. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Activist Greta Thunberg calling for urgent action on the climate crisis last month. Globally, climate protest movements came of age last year, driven by youth worried about the future. HOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Welcome to 2020. This is the start of a decade that will determine how severe climate change will become. And 2020 will be the year that will make or break climate diplomacy.

It is likely to be a bumpy ride. Weather disasters are becoming more extreme and the world lacks unity in taking the urgent steps needed to tackle an escalating emergency. The house is on fire but there's an argument over how to put out the flames and who's most responsible.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 05, 2020, with the headline Vision 2020: Out of the flames of climate change comes hope. Subscribe