“This, too, shall pass.” The exceptional year that has been 2020 highlights the fact that the world can change quickly, and a challenging macroenvironment brings into focus the need to maximize the use of our natural resources and the value that can be derived from them. Even without the black swan event of COVID-19, the industry must critically examine the technical, commercial, and operational bases of the projects it pro-poses and executes. A logical, reasonable, ethical, and philosophical approach is critical to underpin good decision making and value creation. Paper SPE 196252 delivers a comprehensive discussion of the issues to consider in the management of mature oil fields that are becoming increasingly important as older fields decline and approach abandonment. The discussion makes direct reference to assessing the late-life economic limit within the context of the Petroleum Resources Management System. Mitigations such as infield drilling, workovers, and facility management can extend production, improve the economics of the project, and increase reserves. Other considerations around minimizing the cost and optimal planning in respect to abandonment and decommissioning will be required to ensure environmental safeguards and minimize cost liabilities. Paper URTeC 198318 considers a timely look back on the delivery of unconventional projects, the failure of many to meet expectations, and likely causation. A disciplined and systematic approach is proposed to mature the project through four stages of success in discovery, deliverability, demonstration, and development. It is important to obtain sufficient information to underpin each decision point and provide confidence in the commercial evaluation. The paper also stresses the importance of clear guidelines and work flows, independent assurance, and thorough post-appraisal of activities and projects to ensure accountability and improve delivery of value. Paper SPE 196362 describes a philosophical approach to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and provides an extensive review of the topic and projects, supported by a comprehensive reference list. As with the previous paper, a logical, reasoned, and systematic analysis is recom-mended when confirming the technical and commercial viability of EOR. A creative and innovative approach coupled with experience and expertise is critical to success. 2020 will be remembered as a particularly challenging year in many respects, but, as Tom Hanks’ character Chuck Nolan observes in the movie Cast Away, “I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 199522 A Global Push for Circular Economy Projects by Dawson Lindauere, Repsol, et al. SPE 201556 Appropriately Characterizing Uncertainty in Estimated Ultimate Recovery for Unconventional Type Wells by Patrick Miller, Petronas, et al.