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
Amsterdam: The World’s Most Bike-Friendly City?
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Many U.S. cities are trying to get more residents out of cars and on to bikes. But how far could this go? Kathleen Schalch takes us to a place where people are more likely to hop on a bike than to get behind the wheel.
Development in the Arab world
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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Borzou Daragahi of the Los Angeles Times about a new report on the obstacles that slow down progress in the Arab world. It’s by the United Nations, and it identifies several key problems in the region. They include: a surging population; struggling economies; weak environments; poor health care; lack of representative government and human rights abuses.
Over the Andes: A new trade route for South America?
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Melaina Spitzer reports from Ecuador on an ambitious scheme to create an overland trade route in South America that rivals the Panama Canal. The plan involves moving goods from Pacific to Atlantic through a combination ports, highways and riverways. Not everyone thinks the scheme could work.
Over the Andes: A new trade route for South America?
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In South America, politicians and corporate leaders have devised a grand plan for an overland trade route to compete with the Panama Canal. The idea is to move goods from the Pacific to the Atlantic along a chain of ports, highways, and riverways. Reporter Melaina Spitzer followed the route from the Ecuadorian port city of Manta.
Water Struggle Unites Palestinians & Israelis
The Middle East is running out of clean water. Israeli and Palestinian leaders don’t want to talk about it. But grassroots organizations say they have no choice. Correspondent Linda Gradstein has the story, in the second of her two reports on the Middle East’s growing water crisis.
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Climate change and water supply
Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert about how climate change is likely to exacerbate problems of water supply.
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Long Drought Worsens Middle East Tensions
The Middle East has had several years of drought with threats of even less rain in the years to come. Across the region, from Israel to Iraq, there’s more use of water and less water available and that’s exacerbating the political tensions and problems. Linda Gradstein reports, in the first of her two reports on the Middle East’s growing water crisis.
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US-China cooperation on global warming
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are in China. They’re meeting with their Chinese counterparts to discuss combating global warming. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports. Listen
China, global warming savior or sinner? Join the World Science Forum discussion
China: Global Warming Savior or Villain?
China is one of the planet’s biggest polluters, but it’s also a leader in efficient energy use and green technology. Starting today, China expert Julian Wong will appear in The World’s interactive science forum. Ask him questions, dispute his conclusions, and discuss the merits of solar power and pulverized coal. Can China save the world before it overheats? >>>Join the discussion in our science forum
Humans, Wildlife and Kenya’s Masai Mara
Wildlife populations in the East African nation of Kenya are in trouble. Scientists say human development around the country’s national parks is squeezing out the animals. Producer Jon Miller investigates attempts to protect wildlife around Kenya’s famed Masai Mara reserve.
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G8 on greenhouse gases
Leaders at the G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy have issued a joint statement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Anchor Lisa Mullins gets details from Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists, who’s been following the talks.
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Australian town: No bottled water, please!
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A small town in Australia is at the center of the Geo-Quiz this time. This picturesque town west of Sydney has voted to ban bottled water. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with environmental campaigner Jon Dee.
Amsterdam’s green future
Correspondent Kathy Schalch reports from Amsterdam on the Dutch city’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint.
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Rethinking biofuels in Europe
Biofuels have been touted as the best hope for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and limiting greenhouse gases. Now many scientists are raising doubts about that. Reporter Kathleen Schalch examines the debate in Europe over the costs and benefits of biofuels.
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