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
Elephants as Possible Solution to Stop Australia’s Wildfires
We are looking for a vast, but sparsely-populated territory of Australia. It borders the Timor Sea to the north and to the south it abuts South Australia.
Following Cremation, Recycling Surgical Implants
Advances in medical technology, combined with the fact that people are living longer, means that more and more of us pass away with some kind of surgical implant. Have you ever wondered what happens to those metal implants after die? A Dutch company has been recycling them, giving the bulk of the proceeds to charity.
Maldives Looking At ‘Carbon Neutrality’ by 2020
The government of the Maldives plans to make the Indian Ocean island nation “carbon neutral” by 2020. It’s an effort to set an example for other countries and help avert the possible inundation of much of the country in the face of rising sea levels.
Farms, Factories, and a Dangerous Nitrogen Overload
Nitrogen is abundant on earth and necessary for life, but scientists warn that humans are overloading the environment with harmful forms of the element.
Peru’s Asparagus Boom Threatening Local Water Table
Peru’s booming cultivation of asparagus for export to the US and Europe is causing water stress in the region.
Slideshow: Gabon’s Eco-Tourism Efforts Stumble
A decade ago Gabon established more than a dozen new national parks. But the story of one big tourism investor shows the difficulty of actually getting the tourism dollars flowing.
Another Oil Pipeline Runs into Political Debate in Canada
There is a political battle in Canada over a proposed pipeline that would go west from Alberta through a remote wilderness area to an isolated stretch of coast in British Columbia.
Slideshow: A Gabonese Lake with Legend of the Dwarves
A pristine freshwater lake that is famous for its clear blue water and for the dwarves that, according to the local legend, protect the lake.
Salvaging the Costa Concordia
The Costa Concordia lies aground with tanks full of fuel on an island in a sea fringed with natural protected areas, and whether the vessel can be saved is uncertain.
Scientist Warned of Tsunami Disaster in Japan
Long before the tsunami hit Japan last year, paleontologist Koji Minoura had been warning of the danger. Minoura found evidence that a huge tsunami hit Sendai in the year 869, and he cautioned that a similar disaster was overdue.
Rural India Turns to Solar Power
The use of solar power in rural parts of India is growing. Small loans have made solar panels available to homes and businesses that otherwise suffer from India’s severe electricity shortage.
Rwanda Lake Poses Gas Danger, Energy Promise
A project in Rwanda plans to tap methane gas from Lake Kivu and burn it to generate electricity.
Congolese Plea for Conflict-Minerals-Free iPhone
A Congolese lawyer and activist is trying to get Apple to commit to making a conflict-free iPhone.
The Climate in 2012
Anchor Marco Werman talks to The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson about what some of the big environmental stories will likely be in 2012.
Listening to the Deep Ocean
Scientists are establishing a worldwide network of deep-sea listening posts connected to the Internet. It allows researchers — and the public — to hear whales, ships, and other underwater sounds. But the US Navy is uneasy because these sounds might reveal the location of its submarines.
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