Ivory Coast toxic waste dispute

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An international legal dispute that’s been dragging on for three years may be about to be settled. It involves a multinational trading company named Trafigura which has been accused of illegally dumping toxic waste in Ivory Coast. Several people are thought to have died from exposure to the sludge, but Trafigura denies the waste was dangerous. Now, the BBC has uncovered evidence revealing that the company did know the waste was hazardous. We talk with Liz MacKean of the BBC’s Newsnight program.

• BBC Newsnight coverage
• Trafigura statement
• Trafigura website

Wind power in China

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China is pouring billions into the development of carbon-free power sources like solar and wind. China hopes to get 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020. But according to a study published in the current issue of Science Magazine, China could be thinking even bigger when it comes to renewables. We speak with Professor Michael McElroy, one of the lead authors on the study.

• Science Magazine
• The World’s environmental coverage

Raptorex discovered

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For today’s Geo Quiz we’re searching for a Raptorex. You wouldn’t want to run into this creature called the Raptorex. It has powerful jaws, and strong legs suited for running down its prey. Don’t worry its a dinosaur that lived 125 million years ago. We speak with Paul Sereno, a paleontologist at the University of Chicago. (Illustration: Todd Marshall)

• Video: “Bizarre Dinos”, which features this discovery, premieres Sunday, October 11 at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel
• Video: Paleontologist Paul Sereno discusses Raptorex

Denmark pulls ‘promiscuous’ video

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A video promoting tourism in Denmark has been removed from YouTube after complaints it promoted promiscuity. The three-minute clip shows a young blond woman trying to find a man whom she had a one night stand with, who fathered her child “August.”
We hear more about the video, and the controversy, from Danish radio journalist Anders Lindemann.

• Watch the video
• BBC Coverage
• Copenhagen Post editorial

Entire program – September 17, 2009

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Today on The World: President Obama modifies US missile defense plans for Europe; Also, a possible settlement for the victims of a toxic waste dumping disaster in Ivory Coast; And a new study says wind power could provide for ALL of China’s electricity’s needs.

Obama’s new missile defense plan

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President Obama announced a new US missile defense plan — it shifts away from a previous plan by the Bush Administration to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. The World’s Jason Margolis begins our coverage.

Reaction to new missile defense plan

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The World’s Gerry Hadden reports on reaction in Eastern Europe and Russia to President Obama’s decision to switch course on a missile defense program for Europe.

A closer look at the missile defense plan

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Jonathan Marcus about some of the new technologies…and new strategies… that are part of President Obama’s missile defense plan.

Costs high for US-Mexico border fence

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US government investigators say it will cost six-and-a-half BILLION dollars over the next 20 years just to maintain the fence being built along the border between the US and Mexico. Anchor Marco Werman has details.

No more room for Israel’s dead

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Correspondent Daniel Estrin reports on different type of land crisis plaguing Israel — the country’s urban centers are running out of space to bury its dead.

Denmark angry over tourism web ad

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A web video produced by Denmark’s Tourism bureau was supposed to lure tourists to the Scandinavian country. Instead, it’s drawn the ire of Danes. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Anders Lindemann, a Danish Broadcasting journalist who’s been following the story.

Ivory Coast toxic waste lawsuit near settlement

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Liz MacKean about a possible settlement in a class action lawsuit against multinational company Trafigura. The company is accused of illegally dumping toxic waste in the West African nation of Ivory Coast, making tens of thousands of people sick.

China’s wind option

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Michael McElroy, lead author of a study that suggests China could meet ALL of its electricity needs for the next 20 years using ONLY wind power.

Big problems over a small fish

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Correspondent Murray Carpenter reports on a dispute along the US-Canadian border that’s got fisherman in Maine worried about a tiny herring known as the alewife.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.