Many Guardian Weekly readers will hopefully have enjoyed a holiday over recent days but the GW news elves were busy back at their desks this week, putting the finishing touches to the 30 December edition that will soon be winging its way to you.
Perhaps fittingly for the season, the cover story takes us to the north pole, although it’s hardly a story to lift the festive spirits. The Guardian’s head of environment Damian Carrington charts the devastating effects of Arctic warming and melting sea ice that scientists say is already linked to extreme weather conditions being seen in many parts of the world. A vivid reminder that environmental issues are again certain to be high up the news agenda in 2017.
As a traumatic year draws to a close it’s not all doom and gloom, though, as Guardian writers celebrate some lesser-reported successes for humanity, from emissions levels and deaths in conflict to the fights against disease and poverty.
After the murder of British MP Jo Cox in June, many people were surprised to hear of the numerous good causes and campaigns that the Labour politician had quietly devoted herself to. Politicians are frequently denigrated these days, but in this issue we catch up with the local MPs from various parties who continue to carry out unheralded good work for their constituents.
As you’d expect, we’ll bring you great analysis of major recent events. The terrorist attack on a Berlin Christmas market – and subsequent manhunt – has serious implications for the EU’s Schengen open border policy. We also consider why the murder of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey may have the effect of drawing the two nations closer, not least after the recapture of Aleppo by Russian-backed pro-Assad forces in Syria.
There’s a look at African migration from an angle you may not have considered. And from Russia, we find out why centenary commemorations of the Bolshevik revolution present a historical dilemma for Vladimir Putin.
The Weekly Review’s long read makes a timely return to Bosnia, where fresh attempts are being made to uncover the mysteries of deliberately concealed war crimes from the Balkan war years.
Culture takes us on a tour of the rich photographic art collection belonging to pop musician Elton John, which is now on display in London. The Books pages consider how the built environment around the world, both above and below ground, has become dramatically more vertical – and more unequal. There’s also a homage to the increasingly lost art of the handwritten letter.
Regrettably, it wouldn’t be very practical for me to drop each of you a line personally by hand – although what a lovely thought! To be honest, it’s pushing my limits to get through a handful of Christmas cards these days. But on behalf of the Guardian Weekly team here in London, I hope all our readers have a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Thanks for reading – whatever 2017 brings, it will be our privilege to help you make sense of it.
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