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
Japan’s Tsunami-Stricken Fishermen Chart New Course
Last year’s tsuanami virtually destroyed many northern Japanese fishing communities. A year later, residents are struggling to rebuild, but as Sam Eaton reports, some are finding that the disaster has given them the opportunity to chart a new course.
Japan Disaster: The Lasting Impact of March 11, 2011
Anchor Marco Werman talks to reporter Sam Eaton about the cultural impact on the Japanese of last year’s tsunami and nuclear meltdowns. Eaton has been reporting from Japan for The World on the legacy of the twin disasters a year later.
Fukushima’s Hot Zone Cleanup: A Journey Into Uncharted Territory
A year after a tsunami triggered a triple meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant, the cleanup of the contaminated area around the plant has just begun. And as Sam Eaton reports from the hot zone, no one knows if it will ever be finished, because no one’s ever tried anything like it.
A Year After the Tsunami, Slow Progress on Rebuilding in Japan
A year after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, coastal towns in northern Japan have barely begun to rebuild. Reporter Sam Eaton visited the ravaged area and spoke with residents trying to rebuild their communities and lives.
British Company Pavegen is Turning Footsteps Into Electricity
One of the latest frontiers in the push for clean energy is the effort to capture the energy of human movement. The World’s Clark Boyd reports on the development of a new paving tile that captures the energy of footsteps and turns it into electricity.
To Fight Noxious Dust Storms at Home, Koreans Plant Trees in Mongolia
Noxious dust storms rising up from Mongolia have plagued Korea for as long as anyone can remember. Now a small group of Korean and Mongolian activists are working together to attack the problem by planting trees in the Gobi desert.
Fukushima Report: Japan Dodged Major Nuclear Disaster
Nearly a year after the Fukushima disaster, a new report has found that the country was much closer to a bigger nuclear calamity than was known at the time.
Slaves at Sea: Investigation into Foreign-Chartered Commercial Fishing Vessels in New Zealand Waters
Lisa Mullins talks with E. Benjamin Skinner about his investigation of conditions for Indonesian workers on foreign-chartered commercial fishing vessels in the seas off New Zealand.
Apple & Foxconn: Is the ‘Disinfectant’ of Sunshine Starting to Work?
It remains to be seen whether these moves will result in real improvements, but they’re at least an implicit pledge of change, and they almost invite an even brighter spotlight on the largely dark backstory behind Apple’s glistening products.
German Solar Companies Face the Cost of Success
Not long ago, Germany’s solar panel industry was roaring. But today it’s a victim of its own success. The German government is cutting subsidies, and the market is being flooded with cheap imports.
Slideshow: Scientists Rush to Rescue Frogs in ‘Amphibian Arks’
In Panama, scientists are racing to find and save frogs before they succumb to a virulent fungus that’s been killing amphibians around the world. Sabri Ben-Achour reports on the effort to get frogs into what they’re calling “amphibian arks.”
Mindful Eating Comes to America
There’s a food movement called mindful eating that’s picking up speed in the US. led by Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hạnh. He has a food meditation center in southern France. For the Geo Quiz, we’re looking for the name of the French department or region where you can find Plum Village.
Trump Picks Fight with Scotland Over Wind Farm
Donald Trump wants the government to stop plans for a wind farm project off the coast of Aberdeen Bay. The wind turbines would be seen from the luxury golf resort Trump is building in Scotland. Marco Werman talks to Scottish parliament member Willie Rennie about the wind farm battle.
Canadian Aboriginal Groups Oppose Pipeline
This week, aboriginal groups from British Columbia sent an open letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao asking China to raise the native community’s concerns about the pipeline with President Harper.
Carpooling the German Way
Carpooling has been popular in Germany for decades. One German-based web company is betting that it will catch on in the US, where your car is your domain.
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