The climate in Copenhagen: This is a crucial year for climate change, as the UN conference in Copenhagen thrashes out a deal to replace the Kyoto protocol (the first period of which runs out in 2012). Substantive outcomes are urgently required, as US and other rich nations must agree to legally enforceable emissions reduction for the second period of Kyoto, and countries like India and China also display their commitment.

Slumdog Millionaire at the Oscars: At a time when the world’s sympathies are with Mumbai, a movie all about that city’s capability to create dreams, and then make them reality, might well be a major attraction at next year’s awards shows. Unfortunately, it isn’t a completely Indian production; but it opens the door a little more for cinema about, and made in, India.

It’s in the genes: Gene therapy’s experimental promise could at last enter the realm of ilfe-saving possibility. Two products, Advexin and Cerepro will be commercially rolled out in 2009, aimed at combating head and neck cancer and brain tumours, respectively.

Oil prices: In 2008, oil prices moved between 150 dollars and 40 dollars a barrel, straining finances of oil exporters and importers alike, making fortunes for speculators and stressing the structures meant to moderate inflationary and deflationary pressure. The price of oil is the single number where tough politics and merciless economics intersect; whether its high or low will affect lives and livelihoods worldwide.

Troubled Britain: As it goes into a closely-contested election, Britain is in trouble. Its financial sector is as troubled as America’s, but it makes up a much larger proportion of the UK economy. How will Gordon Brown keep his economy — and his reputation — steady? And what will that mean for the many ways in which the cash-rich UK of the past decade has led efforts to promote development goals?

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