It's a new year, 2010. Some people are referring to it as the beginning of a new decade. Actually it is the last year of the current decade but who wants to be pedantic. The year 2010 looks good and sounds good and somehow it feels like it should herald something positive. So what change or new direction would I like to see now were out of the 'naughties'.

If I let my imagination and expectations run riot, I would like to see an enforceable international agreement on climate change, one that will achieve results and not kill too many trees or churn out too much CO2 just to produce it.

I would like to see pollution not just halted but reversed worldwide without penalising or exploiting the poor and disadvantaged or an advantage being afforded to any one or few countries or organisations.

I would like to see our politicians, policy makers and diplomats fly less and teleconference more.

I would like to see politicians and world leaders agree more and argue less. Represent their people more and serve their own self interests less.

I would like to see the media pay less attention to the private lives/ indiscretions / tantrums / foibles of celebrities and pay more attention to real issues that need people’s attention like the environment, health, food security and education.

I would like to see people demand companies produce quality products that last and reject any poorly made product or products with a built-in self-destruct which only adds to landfill.

In the same vane I would like to see more respect for individuals and communities by corporations and a stop to corporate imperialism, nationally and internationally.

I would like to see truth in advertising and an end to spin. As much as the large retailers would like us to, we do not believe you when you say you started advertising Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns on Boxing Day because of public demand. I have not heard of anyone getting up from their stupor after Christmas lunch to rush out and buy the first Lindt Bunny of the season. Give us a break.

On a personal note, I would love to see a Baskin-Robbins open up in my neighbourhood. What can I say, I like ice-cream.