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
Finland’s Nuclear Waste Disposal Dilemma
A vast network of tunnels is being constructed beneath the Nordic countryside in Finland. It’s intended to safely store nuclear waste for up to a thousand centuries. Eventually, officials say, there will be no surface trace of the tunnels below.
Brilliantly Colored Sea Slugs in Yellow, Green and Gold
We are looking for the name of the biblical body of water that stretches between northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula where you can brightly-colored sea slugs.
The Environment in 2012 & 2013: A Look Back and Ahead
From record Arctic ice melt to freak storms, droughts and heat waves, 2012 was the year when climate change became almost daily news. The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson joins host Marco Werman for a look back at the year just ended and ahead at what to watch for in 2013.
Caribou, Oil and a Changing Arctic
Marco Werman’s Christmas week conversation with Jonathan Mazower of Survival International about the importance of real-life reindeer for many northern people brought a flashback to my own trip to the far north 15 years ago to report on reindeer (also known as caribou), oil, native people and a rapidly changing Arctic for the public radio program Living on Earth.
Colombia Sets Sight on ‘Green Gold’
Colombia is a hotspot of mercury pollution from small-scale gold mining. But it’s also a testing ground for a new movement to reduce mercury pollution by paying small-scale miners more to use less of the toxic metal.
Costa Rica Bans Hunting
Costa Rica, a tropical country known for its national parks and ecotourism, has taken a further step to protect its environment. But even in this environmentally conscious nation, a new ban on hunting faces obstacles. Ari Daniel Shapiro of our partner program NOVA reports.
Norway Postcard: The Gateway to the Fjords
For the Geo Quiz, we are looking for a sea that borders Britain, Holland and Denmark and has long been the site of important European shipping lanes as well as a major fishery.
The Reindeer Peoples of the World
Jonathan Mazower, advocacy director for Survival International talks about the important role that reindeer and caribou play in many Arctic cultures. Some indigenous tribes are struggling to maintain caribou herds in the face of development and climate change.
In Parliamentary Elections, Japan Chooses a Pro-Nuclear Conservative Party
In Japan, the main opposition party, the conservative LDP, won the parliamentary elections.
Citizen Science to Help Identify African Animals
A new “citizen science” project allows armchair researchers the chance to help identify and classify animals in one of Africa’s oldest national parks.
Unusual Typhoon Leaves Southern Philippines Reeling
Typhoon Bopha seemed to come almost out of nowhere. It came outside of the usual typhoon season and hit a part of the country that’s off the usual storm track, leaving more than 400 dead, nearly as many missing, and more than 300,000 homeless.
EU Coal Resurgence Means Bigger Climate Challenge
Coal use is at 40-year lows here in the US but it’s another story in Europe, where it’s on the rise. And as The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Spain, that means trouble for the European Union’s commitment to cutting CO2 emissions to combat global climate change.
Smog Hovers Over West Asian Capital
The smog and air pollution that’s been lingering over Iran’s capital is bad enough to cause headaches and breathing problems. So the government has closed schools and offices for a few days and is encouraging residents to clear out of the city.
London’s ‘Great Smog of 1952′
Sixty years ago a thick fog enveloped London. But it wasn’t just your normal “pea-souper.” The World’s Clark Boyd has the story.
Mexico City Birds Ward off Parasites with Cigarette Butts
A room full of smoked cigarette butts would repulse most people, even smokers. But birds don’t necessarily share that sense of disgust. A new study suggests that some birds in Mexico City regularly use cigarette butts to line their nests and the practice may even have some benefits.
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