Since becoming development secretary last year, Ms Greening has ended direct financial aid to India and ordered a review of all contractors.

BBC: Farmers work in a field in Jalalabad, in Afghanistan

Yes, the talk this year will be about greening the global economy.

FORBES: 2012: The Year of Talking Green

Earlier this month, the Alberta government brought out a 20-year plan for the greening of the tar sands, which, while light on details, showed more than the usual resolve.

ECONOMIST: Stephen Harper looks to Washington, not Alberta

At a mere 42, Ms Greening is ancient next to her replacement in the Treasury: Chloe Smith, a 29-year-old who entered Parliament at a by-election way back in 2009.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot