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
Swedish town lobbies for nuclear waste facility
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In Sweden residents of two communities actively lobbied to have a nuclear waste repository built in their neighborhood. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Jacob Spangenberg, mayor of the winning town … Osthammar.
Ship perched precariously
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The maritime authorities in Australia are trying to stabilize a coal carrier which has run aground near the Great Barrier Reef. The Chinese-registered ship is balanced precariously and the fear is that it could break up, spilling hundreds of tons of oil into the sea.
Engineering the Climate: Who Gets to Decide?
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With countries largely stalemated over cuts in greenhouse gas pollution, many are looking to massive technological interventions to help cool the planet. But as The World’s Alex Gallafent reports, that raises a huge ethical question: Who gets to decide whether and when to use these? Download MP3
The World’s Science Forum
What’s your take on geoengineering? Should we try a technological fix to climate change? Bring your thoughts and questions to one of the people in this story – Scott Barrett of Columbia University. He’s the guest on our latest Science Forum. Join the discussion!
EU environmental laws influence US
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Over the last two decades Europe has been forcing more and more companies to make sure their products don’t harm human health… or end up in the environment. And that principle is now starting to take greater hold here in the US. Liam Moriarty of station KPLU in Seattle reports.
Veterans campaign for clean energy
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A group of military veterans is barnstorming across America on a bus. They’re trying to get their message out: America’s dependence on foreign oil ties our hands in foreign policy and entangles the US military in battles with hostile regimes. The veterans are calling on US leaders to get the nation running on clean energy. The World’s Jason Margolis took a ride on the bus. Download MP3For endangered sharks, a haven in rough waters
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The Pacific island nation of Palau has established the world’s first no-fish zone for sharks. But the task of protecting the threatened fish got harder this week when a UN body declined to ban the trade in four shark species. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports. Download MP3 (Photo: Mary Kay Magistad)
Outbreak of rare disease in the Netherlands
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The Netherlands is grappling with an outbreak of a rare disease. It normally strikes farm animals, but it’s now sickening hundreds of people who have no contact with farms. The disease is caused by bacteria so resilient that the U.S. government considers it a bioterrorism agent. From the Netherlands, Emily Kopp reports. Download MP3 (image courtesy of VJ Movement)Venezuela’s energy crisis
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Oil-rich Venezuela is in the midst of a severe energy crisis. The President is giving workers three extra days off after Easter in an effort to save electricity. The BBC’s Will Grant has the story.
Uncertain impact for BC’s carbon tax
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In an effort to help cut greenhouse gas pollution, Britsh Columbia has adopted North America’s largest carbon tax. But as the World’s Jason Margolis reports, the tax may still be too small to be making a difference. Download MP3 (flickr photo: courtesy of wburris)Alternative path to saving bluefin tuna?
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Download MP3Can the endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna be saved after a UN group voted not to ban the bluefin trade? One sustainable seafood activist thinks so. Host Marco Werman speaks with Megan Westemeyer, of the Sustainable Seafood Initiative at the South Carolina Aquarium.
Touch screen production proves toxic
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Touch screens on high-tech gadgets may be fun to use, but making them is another story. Kathleen McLaughlin is a reporter with Global Post based in China. She’s found that in at least one Chinese factory that produces touch screens, workers were exposed to a toxic solvent that violated local codes and was used without proper safety equipment. Host Jeb Sharp speaks with Kathleen McLaughlin. Download MP3 (Photo: Mikael Häggström)
Global warming opportunities
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Download MP3Melting ice in the Arctic could mean better business opportunities for China. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad explains.
New study reveals changes in the Arctic
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A new study that examines the health of species native to the Arctic Circle was released today, and the news is mixed. Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with Mike Gill, co-author of the report.
Drought-ridden Cyprus spurns Turkey’s help
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A long-running conflict between Turkey and the independent Greek Cyprus is getting in the way of drought relief for the island. Reporter Joanna Kakissis explains.
Blue fin tuna in trouble
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Europe has joined the United States in a call to suspend commercial fishing for Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna. Many experts say the Blue Fin is seriously over fished. But as The World’s Gerry Hadden reports, opponents have pledged to ignore any ban.
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