2020 might be the year of clear vision, but all puns aside, we really do have a lot of things to look forward to in this milestone year. The dawn of a new decade brings so much promise, and there’s so much to get excited about in 2020. Read on for the things you should look forward to this year!
1, A leap year
February 29 is a date that appears on the calendar only once every four years, and 2020’s one such lucky year. That means you’ve got one extra day to make your dreams come true. You can’t say that for most years!
2. The U.S. Presidential Elections
In November, the United States will be having its 59th quadrennial presidential election, wherein voters will decide whether to reelect Donald Trump or go with a new candidate from the Democratic Party. With the highest position in the world up for grabs, it’s inarguably the most anticipated political event of the year.
3. The Brexit
The U.S. Presidential Elections might be considered by political pundits as 2020’s main event, but the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union is a close second. The UK is set to leave the EU on January 31, and will then go into a transition period to sort out trade deals, law enforcement issues, and other crucial matters.
4. The Summer Olympics
On to brighter global news: The 2020 summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, will begin on July 24. A handful of new sports, such as Karate and skateboarding, will be added to the program, and baseball will be back after a two-year hiatus. Tokyo 2020 will also have an eco-friendly theme, with the torch and the medals to be made using recyclable materials.
5. A New Mars Probe
In July, NASA will send a new probe to Mars to hunt for signs of ancient life on the planet’s Jezero Crater, collecting samples and testing cutting-edge space technology. If all goes well, the still-unnamed rover is set to join its sister, Curiosity, on the red planet by February 2021.
6. New Gadgets, New Tech
New year, new gadgets! There’s the PlayStation 5, and its rival, the Xbox Series X, for the gamers out there. New streaming services, like Peacock and HBO Max, will also launch this year. Automobile manufacturers are also planning to churn out electric trucks for eco-conscious off-roaders. The tech release we’re most excited about, though, has got to be the return of the Motorola Razr as a fully functional foldable smartphone.
7. A (Hopefully) Greener World
After Greta Thunberg led the climate change battle in 2019, it’s nice to see countries and companies springing into action this year with various sustainability initiatives. The US military has pledged to use more renewable energy in 2020, big companies like Starbucks and IKEA have pledged to reduce their plastic usage, and the United Nations have pledged to plant millions of trees around the world to counter the environmental damage caused by our cities. Coincidentally, 2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
8. The New World’s Tallest Building
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which towers over the city at over 1 kilometer tall, is set to overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the highest building in the world. This billion-dollar tower will be the epicenter of Jeddah Economic City and will accommodate the Four Seasons Hotel, as well as office spaces and residential apartments.
9. Two Solar Eclipses
Here are two other space-related spectacles you shouldn’t miss: an annular solar eclipse, wherein the moon doesn’t completely cover the sun, on June 21, and a total solar eclipse, where the moon will totally cover the sun, on December 14. Make sure your eyes are protected should you be lucky enough to catch these events!
10. The 2020 World Expo
190 countries will participate in the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, which is anticipated to be a global celebration of culture, collaboration, and innovation. Though there have been several World Expos in the past, it’s the first such event to be held in the Middle East, making it a major international milestone.
11. A Ton of Movie, TV Show, Music, and Book Options
In terms of entertainment, there’s a LOT to look forward to in 2020. From superhero shows to family-friendly franchises to book-to-screen remakes, there’s something for everyone on both big and small screens. Book lovers also have a lot to be happy about–Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins will be releasing a prequel to her much-loved series, and magic realism writer Isabel Allende is also coming out with a new book about a couple’s experience in Pinochet-era Chile. If Spotify is your BFF, 2020’s shaping up to be a great year for you, too: New albums from several top artists, such as Ke$ha, Green Day, The Cure, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, expected to drop in the following months.
12.More Good Memories
Of course, a new year wouldn’t be complete without making new memories. From milestones such as weddings and birthdays to camping trips and beach getaways to the seemingly mundane moments that matter most, each day deserves to be documented and treasured.
Take lots of photos (trust us, you’d want to look back at them!) and display them on a Nixplay Frame for posterity. Don’t miss our clearance sale to get up to 25% off selected frames, only for a limited time!
Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.
