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Five trends to watch in the coming year

The number 21 is connected with luck, risk, taking chances and rolling the dice, all of which seem strangely appropriate for a year of unusual uncertainty. As 2021 approaches, here are some trends to watch in the year ahead.

1. Fights over vaccines

As the first vaccines become available in quantity, the focus will shift from the heroic effort of developing them to the equally difficult task of distributing them. Vaccine negotiations will accompany fights within and between countries over who should get them and when.

2. A mixed economic recovery

As economies bounce back from the pandemic, the recovery will be inconsistent, as local outbreaks and restrictions come and go — and governments turn from keeping companies on life-support to helping workers who have lost their jobs.

3. A less footloose world

Tourism will shrink and change shape, with more emphasis on domestic travel. Airlines, hotel chains and aircraft producers will struggle, as will universities that rely heavily on foreign students.

4. An opportunity on climate change

One positive side to the crisis is the chance to take action on climate change, as governments invest in green recovery plans to create jobs and cut emissions. How ambitious will countries, reduction promises be at the UN climate conference, delayed from 2020?

5. The year of deja vu

That is just one example of how the coming year may feel, in many respects, like a second take on 2020, as events including the Olympics, the Dubai Expo and many other political, sporting and commercial gatherings do their best to open a year later than planned.

21. Which of the following is not a reason why 2021 is a year of uncertainty?

A. Countries worldwide will fight over vaccines.    B. Tourism will continue to suffer.

C. 21 is connected with luck, risk and chance.  D. Green recovery plans might be underway.

22. What will the year of 2021 probably witness?

A. Rapid developing economies. B. Growing numbers of foreign students in universities.

C. Easy access to COVED-19 vaccines. D. International events delayed from 2020.

23. What is the correct understanding of "the year of deja vu"?

A. 2021 will be like another 2020.          B. 2021 will be an exact copy of 2020.

C. 2021 will be a year of uncertainty.      D. 2021 will be better than 2020.