But the biggest disappointments are the many science journalists, who by and large let their critical instincts lapse, exchanging the greyer and perhaps duller reality for a sensationalistic headline.

FORBES: Arguing Over Junk: Scientists Attack Each Other as Media Flub 'DNA Story of the Year'

For local politicians, greenery is a welcome relief from duller concerns such as bin collections, lollipop ladies and parking charges.

ECONOMIST: Greenery from the bottom up

The second, duller piece is Vivendi Environment, which accounts for around half of the group's turnover and 60% of its profits, but which does not have the potential of the media and telecoms arm.

ECONOMIST: Vodafone/Vivendi/Mannesmann