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
Among Kenya’s Maasai, Traditional Ways Falling to Climate Change
Climate change is just the latest of many threats to the traditional culture of the pastoralist Maasai people of East Africa. But for many, it’s the one that’s finally forcing them to abandon their old ways, as repeated bouts of extreme weather lead them to give up their cattle.
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.
Cause for Concern Beyond China? Laurie Garrett on the H7N9 Flu
Anchor Marco Werman talks with global health analyst Laurie Garrett about concerns that the new flu emerging in China could become a global problem. She says in its early days, the new flu has all the hallmarks of a pandemic, but that that doesn’t mean it will become one.
Arkansas Oil Spill Raises New Keystone Questions
A spill at an Arkansas pipeline carrying heavy Canadian oil could change the outlook for approval of the controversial Keystone pipeline.
Update: Study Finds Pesticides Dull Bees’ Sense of Smell
A new study finds that a widely-used group of pesticides seem to make bees forget the smell of food.
Canadian Scientists Suggest Plants Show Altruistic Behavior
Canadian scientists have found evidence that some plants embrace family values. These plants can recognize their siblings — and are “friendly” toward them. NOVA’s Anna Rothschild reports. NOVA
Waste Water from Oil Extraction Can Cause Earthquakes
A new study links a 2011 earthquake in Oklahoma to wells containing waste water from oil and gas extraction.
Bee Populations in Decline, Debate Swarms Around Pesticides
The EU is considering a two-year ban on a widely-used group of pesticides that have been linked to bee deaths in Europe and the US. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
Greening Executive Bonuses
Executive compensation remains at all-time highs. And now executives are finding new ways to reward themselves with bonuses. But it’s a plan that has many environmentalists excited.
The Polluter Pays Principle: Mexico Considers Chewing Gum Tax
Discarded chewing gum is a common eyesore, and removing it from city streets and sidewalks can be costly. A Mexican congressman wants to solve the problem by borrowing a concept widely used in environmental regulation: making the polluters pay.
Fracking Around the Globe
Hydraulic fracturing–aka “fracking”–is transforming the energy landscape in the US. Now there’s a rush to bring the technology to the rest of the world.
Fracking in the UK: Supporters Look to Avoid ‘Reckless’ US Mistakes
As the UK gears up to start a gas-fracking industry, government and industry say they’re determined to avoid the mistakes made in the US. But observers differ as to whether the country is better prepared for the risks of the controversial technology, or worse.
Chinese Authorities Say Thousands of Pig Carcasses Aren’t Contaminating Water Supply
Chinese state media says the number of dead pigs collected from a river near the city of Shanghai has risen to more than 6,000. The Huangpu River is a key source of drinking water for the city of more than 20 million people. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad tells host Marco Werman that Chinese authorities say the floating pig carcasses have not poisoned local water.
Report Highlights Lack of Access to Clean Water Across Asia
A new report from the anti-poverty Asian Development Bank says nearly two thirds of people in the Asia-Pacific region have no access to clean, running water.
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