This week on Living Planet, stories of how local movers and shakers deal with global problems. Glaciologists in Oregon tell us how a warming climate is frozen caves, while a community in Lyon, France protests meatless school lunches. We also debate the ethics of traveling with the cruise and airline industries. And women from the Niger Delta share their fight for justice over oil pollution.
From species extinction to waste, land degradation to climate change and pollution, from Kenya to Australia, India, and France, this two-part special explores some of the most urgent environmental problems facing the planet — and how they might be solved. In part two, we hear about deforestation in Kashmir, puzzling water scarcity in Kenya and attempts to reduce severe air pollution in Delhi. Producers/hosts: Sam Baker & Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guilarducci Studio technician: Gerd Georgii & Felix Heinzelmann Production assistance: Charli Shield & Ineke Mules More at dw.com/livingplanet
From species extinction to waste, land degradation to climate change and pollution, from Kenya to Australia, India, and France, this two-part special explores some of the most urgent environmental problems facing the planet — and how they might be solved. In part one, we hear about the struggle to save a native Tasmanian species from extinction, plus: French solutions to a sickening waste pile. Producers/hosts: Sam Baker & Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guilarducci Studio technician: Gerd Georgii & Felix Heinzelmann Production assistance: Charli Shield & Ineke Mules More at dw.com/livingplanet
In the Global North, clean water is taken for granted — but in some places it means the difference between life and death. "Water wars" are taking place as people fight failing systems, and combat climate change, to access enough clean water for all. From Chile to South Africa, India to the Caribbean, we hear about those water conflicts that are flowing beneath the surface. Producer/host: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Robin Funke Production assistant: Elliot Douglas More at dw.com/livingplanet
Trees are often seen as something to be chopped down for economic gain or cleared to make way for development. But without them, scientists warn, humanity loses an important lifeline. These large carbon sinks can be thought of as giant air conditioners that cool the planet — a powerful tool in mitigating climate change. From Costa Rica to Brazil, Rome to Madrid, we look at the state of our trees. More at dw.com/livingplanet Producer/host: Charli Shield Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Michael Springer Production assistance: Sonya Diehn
We depend on farming — and farmers — to grow the food we need to survive. Agriculture can be environmentally damaging — yet there are alternatives. From adjusting our avocado consumption, to a sustainable (and underrated) crop of the future: beans. And finally, restoring rivers to boost harvests in India. More at dw.com/livingplanet Producer/host: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Felix Heinzelmann Production assistance: Charli Shield
As more countries seek to phase in renewable energies, coal retains a firm grip in many parts of the world. In India, the picturesque state of Goa is set to become the country's new coal hub. China's plans to cut back on carbon emissions don't line up with its dependence on coal. And in London, activists can't agree on the best path to net-zero emissions. Producer/presenter: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Robin Funke Production assistant: Ineke Mules More at dw.com/livingplanet
This week on the show, we're taking a look at sustainability in our cities. From our food systems to transportation and urban planning to our waste streams, we dive into the ways in which urban life can be a environmentally-friendly. We also get to hear from some little critters who are taking refuge in cities, but may be on the brink of extinction.
As our planet faces unprecedented environmental crises, it's becoming clear that piecemeal solutions can't fix the problem. We hear about transformational change, and how we might get there. UNDP chief Achim Steiner speaks to whether it's possible to decouple progress from environmental damage, and we look at "degrowth" as an alternative. Plus, the trees of Philadelphia. Producer/Presenter: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Jürgen Kuhn Production assistant: Natalie Muller More at dw.com/livingplanet
Whether you consider yourself a birder or find the avian kind tend rather to ruffle your feathers, there's no denying they're a critical part of the natural world. But in too many cases, birds are under threat. We visit the moors of Scotland, where eagles get illegally killed, and Kenya, where vultures and the African crane are on the decline. Plus: storks in Spain addicted to junk food. More at dw.com/livingplanet Producer/presenter: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Matthias Wenke Production assistants: Charli Shield & Anne-Sophie Brändlin
Is it possible to fly with a clear environmental conscience? And, if not, what is being done to make this a reality? We hear about one couple's journey to find out where their carbon offsetting donation from an international flight actually ended up. We also get into the nitty-gritty of a new United Nations emissions deal for airlines that has been criticized as being too weak to make a difference. Host: Charli Shield Studio director: Eliane Guilarducci Studio technician: Gerd Georgii Production assistant: Anne-Sophie Brändlin
We find out how we can feed forests so they can sustain us. Forest defenders in Romania are standing up to the so-called "wood mafia" — and paying a high price for that. We hear about a unique method to regenerate "underground forests" in Africa's Sahel. And helping salmon in Scotland recover — by planting trees. Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Felix Heinzelmann Production assistants: Natalie Muller and Anne-Sophie Brändlin More at dw.com/livingplanet
Although freshwater sustains us in so many ways, it's often taken for granted — until it's gone. Peatlands drained for palm oil plantations in Indonesia exact an ecological and human toll. Kenya’s Athi River, once a prime tourist attraction, has become a stinking cesspool. And, Bhutan banks on hydropower for its clean energy development. Producer/Presenter: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Philipp Rabenstein More at dw.com/livingplanet
As rising numbers of COVID-19 infections keep us home, you may be dreaming of getting out and about. In Spain, we explore whether the coronavirus pandemic could boost ecotourism. And, lynx are hunted in Latvia, despite being protected in the EU. We join a group of hunters to investigate wildlife management in the Baltic country – and they gut an elk. Plus, Kenya's next wave — of locusts. Producer/Presenter: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technician: Robin Funke More at dw.com/livingplanet
This week on the show, we hear how new UK efforts will use English farms to address environmental issues. But not everyone is bought in. We also explore explore the environmental toll of our consumption — especially that of our digital gadgets. And we take a look at the emotional toll online activism can take on environmentalists.
On this special Christmas episode, we talk about meat. Producing that turkey, ham or roast beef has a huge environmental footprint, and most of the animals are not treated well. Living Planet is joined by On the Green Fence to discuss the meat paradox — and whether it's possible to eat animals and still have a clear conscience. Producer/host: Charli Shield & Sonya Diehn Studio: Jürgen Kuhn, Gerd Georgii & Felix Heinzelmann More at dw.com/livingplanet
It's all about insects! We'll find out how the "murder hornet" could spread across the US and Europe, the ways that climate change is challenging beekeepers in Botswana, and why scientists are racing to document populations of edible insects in South Africa. Producer/host: Sonya Diehn Studio director: Eliane Guirlarducci Studio technicians: Robin Funke & Felix Heinzelmann Production assistant: Natalie Muller More at dw.com/livingplanet
When it comes to the environment, politics has a big role to play. This is top of mind as the Paris Agreement enters its fifth year. This week, we take a look at the rise of the Greens in Germany, as well as one country that is top of the class when it comes to meeting their Paris commitments. We also explore the changing political environment and environmental politics in the United States.
What does it mean to be a mama or papa who’s thinking about the environment? We hear about how our connection to nature in childhood shapes our actions later in life, and how climate change and pollution pose special risks to pregnancy. Plus, we visit a family in Germany living a low-carbon lifestyle. Producer/host: Sonya Diehn & Sam Baker Studio: Celestine Wasike & Jürgen Kuhn More at dw.com/livingplanet
Villagers in the Ecuadorian Amazon are wondering how they'll survive an oil spill that's contaminated their water supply and put their future at risk. Also, why cars destined for the scrap heap are ending up on Africa's roads, and the campaign to save lions left behind in the wake of Sudan's conflict. Producer/host: Sonya Diehn Production assistant: Natalie Muller Studio: Celestine Wasike & Gerd Georgii More at dw.com/livingplanet
nick frost
you are back! where is Spectrum?