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
Mali helps Libya with leased farmland
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Mali has leased tens of thousands of acres to Libya so Libya can feed its people.But Malian farmers say they’re being squeezed out of their own land.Correspondent Kati Whitaker reports from Mali. Download MP3
Land deals of wealthy nations
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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Ruth Meinzen-Dick, a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, about the downside of land deals between countries. Wealthy countries are increasingly snapping up farmland in poorer nations, but more needs to be done to insure the lands deals are done in a responsible way. Download MP3
A glimmer of hope for Atlantic cod?
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The World’s Jeb Sharp reports on the status of the once-famous Atlantic cod fishery off eastern Canada. Fishing for cod there was banned nearly 20 years ago after stocks collapsed. Now there are glimmers of evidence that the fish may be returning. Download MP3 (Photo: Hans-Petter Fjeld)Audio slideshow: tagging fish
Science Forum: Global fisheries decline
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According to a new WWF report, seventy percent of commercial marine fisheries are on the decline. Rashid Sumaila directs the Fisheries Center the the University of British Columbia. He tells us about the problems facing the global fisheries industry, and what consumers can do to encourage sustainable fishing practices. Dr. Sumaila is also the guest in our online Science Forum. Join the conversation. Download MP3
A new focus for safari tourism
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Safari tourism in Africa is changing. Tracking down big game is still central, but more and more tourists are also involved with conservation and helping local communities. Correspondent Jake Warga reports. Download MP3Saving owls
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Today’s Geo Quiz is about owls: the country we want you to name is home to some 30 species of owl. Some owls are used by practitioners of sorcery, or “black magic” but the country’s environment minister has identified another problem. He’s blaming fans of Harry Potter for fueling the illegal trade. Download MP3Environmental art in Iceland
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For the Geo Quiz, we head for the southern-most village in Iceland. This quaint Icelandic village is 100 miles or so south-east of the capital Reykjavik. About 300 people live there and this outpost at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is one of several far-flung settings for an environmental art project called 350 Earth.Download MP3
Simon Winchester’s Atlantic book
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Lisa Mullins talks with author Simon Winchester about his new book, “Atlantic: Great Seat Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories”. Download MP3On The World: Simon Winchester’s Atlantic World
‘Bird-friendly’ coffee
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A recent study found that 13 percent of the world’s birds are either threatened or endangered. The problem has many causes, but one of them is – well – coffee. That’s right, your morning cup of joe may be harming songbirds, but as Diane Toomey reports, there are efforts afoot to change that. Download MP3Audio Extra: Listen to what the birds sound like
How consumers affect migratory birds
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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with ornithologist Bridget Stutchbury about the problems confronting migratory birds and the role consumers play in harming or helping them. Download MP3
Pacific island nation
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The US is among several countries taking part in a regional climate change summit this week. The meeting is in Tarawa. Our Geo Quiz question is, where exactly is Tarawa? Download MP3
India’s nuclear power plans hit bumps
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The World’s Rhitu Chatterjee reports on some of the obstacles to India’s ambitious plans for nuclear power. There are concerns within India about liability in the case of accidents and land takings to build the plants. (Photo: Rhitu Chatterjee) Download MP3
Video: Indian farmers protest a proposed nuclear plant in Gorakhpur
Science Forum: nuclear power in Asia
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Many Asian nations have big plans for nuclear power. Marco Werman talks about the trend with nuclear analyst M. V. Ramana of Princeton University.Download MP3
What do you think about the tradeoffs of nuclear power? And should the U.S follow Asia’s lead? Bring your thoughts and questions to our online Science Forum discussion with Dr. Ramana, and his colleague, Dr. Alexander Glaser.
Join the conversation in our latest Science Forum
Three listeners share their thoughts
Election results and climate policy
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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with The World’s Environment Editor, Peter Thomson, about the impact of yesterday’s mid-term elections on U-S climate and energy policy.Download MP3
Nations agree on steps to protect nature
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Nearly 200 nations agreed to an ambitious plan to protect endangered plants, animals and ecosystems. The BBC’s Richard Black shares the last-minute agreement at the UN’s biodiversity summit in Japan.Download MP3 (Photo: Sasata)
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