Here are some of the big events the world will be watching.
Trump’s Senate impeachment trial
The US House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Now a trial is set to begin in the Senate early next year, where it’s likely he’ll be acquitted. The two articles of impeachment being sent to the Senate are abuse of power and obstruction of congress.
Brexit
It’s true! More than three years on from the referendum, Britain is finally set to leave the European Union on 31 January following the Conservatives’ victory at the 2019 general election. However, a new free trade deal between the UK and the EU and other aspects of the relationship still need to be agreed upon.
NASA’s Mars 2020 mission
NASA will launch Mars 2020, a rover mission addressing science goals for exploration on the planet, including questions about the potential for life on Mars. The rover has just successfully completed its first drive and is ready to drive on the red planet.
Summer Olympics
Tokyo will play host to the 2020 Summer Olympics. The games have generated unprecedented demand – almost 20 times more than supply. It will be the second time the city has hosted the Olympics.
US presidential election
Assuming Trump remains in office following his Senate impeachment trial, he’ll go head-to-head with a yet-to-be-selected Democratic presidential candidate. The four frontrunners for Democratic nominee are Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg.
New Zealand election
A general election will be held in New Zealand in 2020, alongside a referendum on personal cannabis consumption and a referendum on assisted dying.
