Time Person of the Year: Who will be ‘recognised for their work’ in 2020?

Time Person of the Year will return in December for another edition, and an early list of contenders has arisen.

The award is an annual issue of the United States magazine Time, which features a person, group or idea that has influenced the events of the year more than anyone else.

This year has come to a standstill across the globe due to Covid-19. And so the leading candidates for the award unsurprisingly include those who have helped in the fight against the pandemic.

Several political leaders have made the renowned edition of the magazine over the years. They include US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also been recognised for her impact.

The publication runs an online poll for the public choice, but continues to stress that the final decision is cast by the magazine’s editors.

Last December, online voters chose Hong Kong Protesters for their efforts. But the magazine ultimately chose Swedish climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg as their 2019 Person of the Year.

At 16, she is the youngest individual to reach the milestone. Time based their decision on the teenager’s criticism of world leaders for their inaction in the ongoing climate crisis.

Individuals often receive the honour, but several groups have also been recognised. The honour has also gone to multiple persons over the years. 

They include Bill Clinton and Ken Starr (1998) for their roles in the Clinton Impeachment, whistleblowers Cynthia Cooper, Coleen Rowley and Sherron Watkins (2002) and Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Bono (2005) for their roles as philanthropists.

Doctors, Nurses, First Responders, Health Workers are currently evens for the 2020 award.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently 4/1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are 7/1, as are Li Wenliang and Anthony Fauci.

Li Keqiang is currently 8/1, with Teachers and Educators available at 10/1.

Donald Trump is currently 12/1 to receive the honour once again. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is 14/1.

Greta Thunberg is currently 20/1 to receive the honour for two years running. Epidemiologists are also available at 20/1 for the work they have carried out this year.

Joe Biden is 22/1, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jacinda Ardern available at 33/1.

Journalists are 40/1, with Xi Jinping and Mike Pence available at 50/1 and 60/1 respectively.

Both Hillary Clinton and Lady Gaga are currently 66/1.