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
A Japanese Village Forced to Evacuate
Japan continues to struggle with the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with The World’s Marco Werman. He’s in a village outside the exclusion zone that’s experiencing high levels of radiation.
Video: Marco Werman interviews Iitate Mayor Norio Kanno and Education Commissioner Kaname Hirose
Indigenous Protest in Cambodia
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We’re on the Indochinese peninsula for this Geo Quiz, looking for the name of a southeast Asian forest. It’s home to indigenous Kui people who’ve lived in the forest for centuries. Illegal logging and mineral mining are taking a toll on the ancient forest. If that sounds like something out of Avatar, then you won’t be surprised to hear that some Kuy tried to dress like characters in the movie to protest the destruction of their sacred forest. Can you name that forest? Download MP3Tokyo Power Company Loses Billions
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The Tokyo Electric Power Company, which operates the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, reported net losses of more than $15 billion Friday. Seijiro Takeshita, director of Mizuho International in London, says a new structure is needed in Japan to cope with crisis management. Download MP3
Forum: Are Insects the Food of the Future?
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Grasshoppers, beetles and ants may not be your idea of good meal, but they are considered a delicacy in many tropical countries. Dutch entomologist Arnold van Huis would like to see people in Western countries embrace insects as food. He explains why to The World’s Lisa Mullins. Van Huis is taking your questions in the latest online science forum discussion. Download MP3
Why the Australian Floods Were Good for the Outback
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Floods in the Australian state of Queensland exacted a terrible toll last December and January. The bill could reach $30 billion, in clean-up costs and lost productivity. But one part of the Australian state welcomed the floods and is now thriving: The Outback. The World’s Jason Margolis has more from Australia. Download MP3Slideshow: Animals of the Australian Outback
First Solar-Powered International Flight
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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World’s Clark Boyd in Brussels, who’s on hand to witness the completion of the first international flight of a solar-powered aircraft. The plane took off from Switzlerand earlier today. Download MP3
Sting Operation to Protect Wildlife
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In the Geo Quiz we’re looking for a Southeast Asian city where you’d find Suvarnabhumi Airport which means “Golden Land” in Sanskrit. On Friday, the authorities busted an illegal animal trafficker at that airport. Download MP3
Solar Powered Plane Takes Flight
A special podcast with André Borschberg, pilot of the world’s first completely solar-powered airplane. We caught up with Borschberg about 12,000 feet up as he was making his way from Switzerland to Brussels.
Wolves Return to Catalonia
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The World’s Gerry Hadden reports on the return of wolves to the Catalan region of Spain. Even though there have been attacks on sheep, local farmers say they think it’s good that wolves have returned. Download MP3
Japan Looks to Big Increase in Renewables
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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with The World’s environment editor Peter Thomson about Japan’s decision to re-evaluate its heavy reliance on nuclear power and put more emphasis on renewable energy and conservation. Download MP3
Japan’s littered road to recovery
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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with the BBC’s Roland Buerk about the psychological scars that are starting to show in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and about where all the debris is going. Download MP3
Greenland ice sheets melting faster than predicted
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The World’s Daniel Grossman reports from Greenland on disturbing changes in the ice sheet there. A new report says ice in Greenland and other northern regions is melting far faster than predicted just a few years ago, with possibly serious consequences for global sea levels. Download MP3Video: Ice calving at Jakobshavn Glacier
Big changes in the world’s cold regions
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Melting ice, snow and permafrost figure in our Geo Quiz this time. You’ve heard about the earth’s atmosphere and probably its biosphere. However, we’re looking for a different sphere. This one is the collective name of all of the coldest parts of the planet. A new report out this week documents how fast the Arctic and Greenland are changing as the planet warms up. Download MP3Cancer Deaths in Chernobyl, Brazil Invests in Science
A new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists provides new, higher numbers for radiation caused cancer deaths in the U.S. Brazil lures back Brazilian scientists working in the U.S. Court rulings may be influenced by whether or not judges are hungry, according to a new study. All in the latest World Science Podcast.
Poles unfazed by fracking?
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Dave McGuire reports on the quiet arrival in Poland of the controversial practice of natural gas “fracking,” a way of extracting hard-to-get natural gas that has some environmentalists concerned. Download MP3
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