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© France Médias Monde
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We meet the people behind fascinating environmental, health and technological innovations in a bid for sustainable solutions to our changing world.
125 Episodes
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Qatar's state-run energy firm says it has halted Liquefied Natural Gas production following Iranian attacks on facilities at two of its main gas processing bases. This is only the latest consequence of the Middle East conflict on global markets. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe looks at the ripple effects of a war that's igniting fears of a major energy crisis.
Can mushrooms replace leather and plastic? Thanks to mycelium derived from fungi, companies can now make 100 percent biodegradable products such as shoes and furniture that look exactly like leather. Major brands are already trying to make the shift. Our France 2 colleagues report.
According to recent research, three-quarters of children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. Around the world, forest schools are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional classrooms within four walls. Down to Earth visited one such school in Switzerland, where children learn through outdoor play and exploration.
This year, the Winter Olympics are taking place in the north of Italy, against a backdrop of climate change and rising temperatures, which are casting a shadow over the future of the Games. Like many of its predecessors, Milan Cortina is relying on artificial snow, pumping 50,000 cubic metres of water, or the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized pools. Our environment editor Valérie Dekimpe tells us more.
Every year, 250 million containers travel across the oceans. But some never make it to port. Many are lost in storms, falling off cargo ships and polluting our shores. Just a few weeks ago, beaches in southern England were covered in thousands of onions and frozen French fries from cargo loads. Nearly 30 tons of plastic pellets also spilled onto Spanish beaches after six containers fell off a Norwegian ship. Our France 2 colleagues report.
Glaciers are vital to Earth's water supplies, yet they are being pushed to the brink of collapse. Half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. A French mountain climber is putting her experience to use by helping scientists collect ice samples from major glaciers around the world. Living and dormant species found within them could provide vital clues in the fight against global warming. The Down to Earth team has the story.
Recent protests in Iran erupted over economic collapse and political repression. But beneath the discontent, analysts also point to a deeper ecological crisis. The country has been gripped by a severe drought for six consecutive years, and many cities including its capital Tehran are on the verge of "water bankruptcy". FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe explains.
China may be the world's number one polluter in real time, but Beijing is also driving the world's most ambitious renewables rollout, at breakneck speed. China is now home to nearly a third of the world's total installed solar and wind capacity, although it's yet to kick the coal habit. Our colleagues at France 2 visited some of the country’s flagship projects.
Keeping warm in the winter isn't easy in Finland, one of Europe's coldest countries. But in one Finnish town, residents are kept toasty warm thanks to cheap, efficient and renewable heat stored in a so-called "sand battery". Our France 2 colleagues report.
In Brazil, where cattle ranching is a major industry, jaguars are seen as a threat and are hunted to prevent attacks on livestock. Along with habitat loss, the illegal killing of jaguars has pushed the species to the brink of extinction. According to the World Wild Fund (WWF), there are only about 173,000 jaguars left in the wild. But one Brazilian nature reserve is giving these big cats a place to recover and thrive. Our France 2 colleagues report.
Oysters are a Christmas staple in France, but thousands of empty shells are bound for trash bins once the festivities are over. One French company is rescuing waste shells and using them to make porcelain and paving stones. Our Down to Earth team reports.
International shipping accounts for 3 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. But a new path is emerging: starting in 2026, sailing cargo ships will set off from France to the United States, some flying the French flag. The big question is whether this innovation can succeed in convincing industry giants. Our France 2 colleagues report.
Rare earth elements, which are crucial for the defence, auto and electronic industries, have become a geopolitical battleground. On Wednesday, the EU unveiled a €3 billion plan to curb its dependence on China for rare earths, since Beijing controls 95 percent of the world's supply. But a young French-American scientist has developed a groundbreaking process for recovering rare earths from neon light bulbs and potentially other electronic appliances, paving the way for the recycling of these essential metals. Our Down to Earth team reports.
How can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions? In the wake of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, attention is turning to cattle. A single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year. So could genetics lessen their impact? Our France 2 colleagues report on what's being called the "cow of tomorrow", with FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam.
The COP30 climate summit came to an end this weekend with a weak compromise deal that skips over most countries' key demands. The agreement pledges to provide more funding to help vulnerable nations adapt to global warming, but doesn’t explicitly mention fossil fuels – the root cause of the climate crisis. It also falls short in demanding that countries strengthen their emissions-cutting plans, which are deemed too weak. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.
The effects of climate change are being felt around the world, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. According to recent estimates, climate inaction is on track to cost the global economy $38 trillion per year in damages within the next 25 years. Survivors of climate disasters are also calling for the human cost of the crisis to be considered. In Belgium, our Down to Earth team met Ben, whose friend Rosa was killed in the 2021 flash floods in the Wallonia region. He hasn't missed a single climate march since.
In Scotland, whisky production is facing growing criticism over its environmental impact.Many distilleries still burn peat, a soil-like material that gives whisky its signature smoky flavour. But those same peat bogs are also vital carbon sinks, storing huge amounts of CO₂ and helping fight climate change. Our Down to Earth team reports from the Scottish Highlands.
In the bay of France's famed Mont-Saint-Michel, postcard-perfect villages are slowly being swallowed by the sea. In the space of just 70 years, the Saint-Jean-le-Thomas coastline has receded by 300 metres. Many residents say the question is no longer if the sea will advance, but when. So what can they do about it? Our France 2 colleagues report from Normandy.
New Delhi could see artificial rain fall over the Indian capital for the first time later this week. The regional government is trialling a cloud-seeding experiment to induce artificial rain in a bid to bring the city's severe air pollution under control. New Delhi is regularly ranked among the world's most polluted capitals. Last week, after days of fireworks to celebrate Diwali, particulate matter levels rose to more than 56 times the safe limit. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valérie Dekimpe tells us more.
Are winegrowers forever doomed to use pesticides? Some French scientists say no. A team of researchers and a burgeoning startup are working to bring microalgae-based fungicides to market. They would save vineyards from mildew and other harmful fungi, with no synthetic chemicals. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Caroline Baum.
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