Settle into the new year with a holistic look at what lies ahead

Every January, for the last 10 years, Monocle puts out its look at the year ahead: The Forecast. The annual magazine presents a variety of views and opinions on culture, design, global affairs and business, focussing on “perspectives that fail to find space in other outlets,” as editor-in-chief Tyler Brûlé puts it. Packed with well-researched, thoughtful and crisp pieces, The Forecast is an ideal beginning to the year. Here are a few reasons why we think you should get a copy.

QUICK READS
The magazine opens with observations on people and places around the world that are finding on-ground solutions for local issues — from how the fishing industry in Maine is turning to seaweed to substitute a business heavily impacted by global warming to how the city of Krakow is planning to tackle air pollution.

FEATURES
A closer look at global affairs and trends that will stand out in the coming year. In this issue, there’s a story on Indonesia’s ambitious plan to relocate its capital city, a peek into the everyday running of the world’s most widely circulated English newspaper The Times of India, the 2020 agenda from three globally focused think tanks, and more.

LISTS
Recommendations from the magazine’s editorial team include a shortlist of the world’s best small cities to move to in 2020, and an illustrated list of 30 ideas for 2020 to make life better including places to eat well, twists to beloved cocktails, and why we need more trees.

BUSINESS & CULTURE
The Forecast looks at sustainable packaging, a revival of the Greek economy thanks to expats returning home, Hungary’s place as Europe’s Hollywood, and the changing role of agents in the social media age.

DESIGN & FASHION
Read about Helsinki’s newest public library and its architectural and social significance, three short essays by urbanists and design critics on how old ideas can be used with new spins, plus a discussion on where the fashion industry is heading.

FOOD & TRAVEL
This section comes with a piece on how French “bouillons” (canteens serving up homely food) are enjoying a revival, the restaurant launches to watch out for this year from Monocle’s favourite food writers, and expert takes on the future of hospitality.

Get your copy of Monocle Forecast 2020 here.