The state of the world’s environment is one of the most important stories of the new century. Debates over the impact of climate change reverberate throughout the globe. So do disputes about what actions might be necessary, both to preserve the environment and to develop sources of energy for a growing global community.
The World’s environment coverage, led by environment editor Peter Thomson, examines the health of the planet and explores the impacts of human activity on everything from the earth’s ecosystems to the food we put on our plates.
Environment
Deep Sea Mining: Economic Bonanza or Environmental Boondoggle?
After decades of dreaming and scheming, companies say they’re finally ready to start mining the bottom of the world’s oceans for valuable minerals. Christopher Werth reports from London on one company’s plans, how environmental scientists view the prospect of digging up the sea floor, and how Howard Hughes and the CIA helped pave the way.
With an Aroma of Rotting Flesh, Indonesian Corpse Flower Blooms in Ohio
A flower unlike any other flower is growing at The Ohio State University’s Botanical Greenhouse. After years of cultivation, what may be the worst smelling flower in the world, the amorphophallus titanum, has bloomed.
Canadian Apple Farmer Uses Helicopter to Save Crops from Frost
Back around 1800 a Scottish-Canadian farmer is said to have discovered the variety of apple now named after him: McIntosh. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Ontario apple farmer Phil Lyall, who explains why he had to hire a helicopter to try and save his McIntosh apple crop from a late frost this year.
Deadly Neighbors: Australia’s Saltwater Crocodiles
The residents of Australia’s Northern Territory share their land with one of the deadliest predators on the planet – the saltwater crocodile. Getting humans and these fearsome reptiles to coexist isn’t easy. But a government program called “Be Crocwise” is doing its best to keep the peace.
China Past Due: Land Rights
Land is at the heart of any economy, and in China, the Communist Party has chosen to corner that market. Urban land is owned by the state; rural land is owned by village collectives – but, effectively, by the state. The original idea was to end feudalism and give more rights to farmers. But these days, the Party elite are flush and the farmers are the ones losing out.
China Past Due: One Child Policy
China’s population is aging, and its working age population is starting to shrink, but the one child policy stands, 30 years on. Critics call it one of the world’s most draconian – and misconceived – pieces of attempted social engineering ever, and say it’s time for it to go.
The Return of Nightingales to Berlin
Sometimes amid the swirl of events it can be restorative just to slow down and exalt in a little bit of nature. Producer Alexa Dvorson had such a chance one recent night in Berlin, where she happened upon an early spring arrival to one of the city’s parks.
In Japan, Banking on Compassion and Clean Energy
Japanese banker Tsuyoshi Yoshiwara hardly fits today’s caricature of a greedy, soulless banker. Instead, he campaigns against nuclear power, pays himself a modest salary and says compassion should be his company’s key virtue.
Australia’s Great Artesian Basin: A Life-Giving Resource in the Unforgiving Outback
Beneath much of Australia is an underground reservoir called the Great Artesian Basin, which provides drinking water to many communities in the Outback. This water comes to the surface nearly boiling and stinking of rotten eggs, yet it is a life-giving resource in an unforgiving environment.
Report Alleges BP Hid Health Impact of Gulf Oil Dispersant
Three years after the start of the Gulf oil disaster, many cleanup workers in the region are experiencing a range of health impacts. Now a report in Newsweek magazine alleges that BP hid from workers information about the toxic effects of the dispersant it used to break up the oil. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Mark Hertsgaard.
Dual Epidemics Threaten Australia’s Koalas
Australia’s koala population has been hit hard by two rapidly spreading diseases: chlamydia (a sexually transmitted bacterial infection) and a retrovirus similar to HIV. Scientists are working to develop vaccines, while lay citizens help care for sick koalas. Biologists say the epidemics, combined with other threats like habitat loss, pose a serious threat to the species.
Fastest Growing Wine Producing Region in the World
For the Geo Quiz, we are looking for the fastest growing wine-producing region in the world.
China’s Bird Flu Credibility Gap
The Chinese government is reacting to the new outbreak of bird flu with some refreshing transparency. But The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing tells anchor Marco Werman that some Chinese who have questioned official statistics have landed in jail.
Manila’s New Taxi Trikes: Greener, but Not Green Enough?
Manila’s notoriously loud and dirty taxi-trikes are going green. But not everyone’s getting on board.
20,000 Birds Slaughtered in Shanghai to Prevent Spread of Avian Flu
Anchor Marco Werman talks with China correspondent Mary Kay Magistad about the latest in China on the reported cases of the H7N9 or bird flu virus in Shanghai.
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