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
Linked by Coal: South Carolina, Seattle, China and Greenland
Coal links news this week from South Carolina, Seattle, China and Greenland. The World’s environment editor Peter connects the dots for host Marco Werman.
Slideshow: Israel Town Turns to Owls for Pest Control
One of the worst problems faced by farmers is mice eating through crops and contaminating anything they leave behind.
What’s The Buzz? Conservationists Reintroduce Short-Haired Bumblebees to UK
Short-haired bumblebees are being re-introduced to the UK after having been disappeared for nearly 25 years. Conservationist Nikki Gammans is leading the effort to reintroduce the bumblebee species that was declared extinct in the UK in 2000.
More Plastic Trash in Oceans
The world’s floating trash continues to find its way to the open waters of the world’s oceans.
The Big Chill: Scandinavia Hosts Tech Companies’ Data
Server farms – buildings house huge number of machines that support websites and internet activity – need to be kept cool. As a result, more and more high-tech companies are building data centers in the far north to take advantage of the naturally cool climate there.
Small Drones Track Mafia Eco-Criminals in Italy
Italy is experimenting with small drones to track down mafia eco-criminals involved in illegal dumping. Reporter Angelica Marin reports from Naples.
Video: Climate Change Threatens to Transform Mongolia
Mongolia’s nomadic herders make up more than half the country’s population, but their traditional lifestyle is seriously threatened by climate change.
Fears Grow of Big Tokyo Quake
Barely a year after a massive earthquake and tsunami crippled northern Japan, there’s increasing fear of a big quake hitting Tokyo. Reporter Sam Eaton recently spent time with one of Japan’s leading seismologists, and a survivor of the last major quake to hit Tokyo, nearly 90 years ago.
War on the Streets of Toronto: Motorists vs. Cyclists
An estimated 1.7 percent of people in greater Toronto cycle to work. That’s a low figure compared to other large North American cities listed. Many European cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam leave Toronto in the dust.
Cars Taking Over Roads in China
The World’s China correspondent Mary Kary Magistad talks to anchor Marco Werman about how biking in Beijing has changed as more and more cars are taking over the roads.
Dead Pelicans Wash Up on Peruvian Coast
Hundreds of dead dolphins washed up on the beaches in northern part of Peru’s vast coastline and now in the past few days, dead pelicans have been found in the very same area.
Russian Scientists Search for Elusive White Orca Whale
Two years ago Russian researchers spotted what they believe is the only all white, adult killer whale in the North Pacific Ocean. Now the research team plans to explore the region to try to identify and observe the orca named Iceberg.
French Sour on Nuclear Power
France gets a larger share of its electricity from nuclear power than any other country. But as Liam Moriarty reports, a year after the Fukushima disaster public support is eroding, and for the first time nuclear power has become an issue in a presidential election.
In Kabul, Death Toll from Dirty Air Rivals That of War
Nearly 3,000 people died in Kabul last year as a result of an intangible threat – air pollution.
Winners and Losers: How Climate Change Affects Coral Reefs
Nearly one-fifth of the world’s reefs are already gone due to the combined effect of global warming, pollution and overfishing. But a handful of new and ongoing studies are starting to suggest a less gloomy picture for the future of the world’s reefs [...]
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
