Reiko Shimizu
Office worker, 29 (Canadian)
Global warming has been the biggest story this year, which people are just starting to take seriously. It affects everyone no matter where you live and has made me adjust many of my habits.
Natsuki Ando
Housewife
Global warming, because it affects us directly. For example, it snows less — to the point we can't even ski — and, due to how we treat our environment, we may not be able to eat certain fish in future.
Ronn Shaw
Sales, 28 (American)
The Myanmar protests were terrible. It was fascinating and sad to watch democracy try to take root and then get crushed. A telling sign was that the outcome depended on China and not the U.S.
Yuko Futawatari
Nurse, 29
Global warming affects everyone. I think if individuals change their ways then change can also come globally. It was the biggest story and I hope that it makes people change their lifestyles.
Takeru Mitsukura
Student, 23
Oil and food prices are rising. As oil prices go up people look for alternatives like ethanol. That in turn uses corn and raises other prices in other areas. I'm afraid the prices of goods will go up even more.
Yuri Narula
Teacher, 31 (Canadian)
Pakistan is a very turbulent nuclear power. The top story of the year was President (Pervez) Musharraf suspending the constitution and the return of the former prime ministers to Pakistan.
