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
Jaguar corridors in Panama (7:00)
Julia Kumari Drapkin reports from Panama on efforts to protect jaguars, the biggest cats in the all of the Americas. She profiles one group’s work to find the corridors that jaguars use to move between protected areas.
Simon Winchester’s Atlantic World
British author and journalist Simon Winchester is currently researching a new book, which he calls a “biography of the Atlantic Ocean.” And as his research takes him to weird and wonderful parts of the globe, he’s been checking in with us. From the Purple Islands off the coast city of Essaouira in Morocco, to the Sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, you can revisit Simon’s Atlantic ports of call right here.
Wind Power in the Antarctic, OR318, Sherlock Holmes Lives!, and The Photographer
This week, putting wind power to work in the Antarctic. Also, an online movement is created after an Iranian blogger dies in prison. Then, take a break from tech with Sherlock Holmes, and a new graphic novel about a French photographer’s journey into war-torn Afghanistan. Listen
EU Puts Hurt on Intel, Persian Bloggers on Saberi’s Release, Google Oceans Goes Deep, and SixthSense at MIT
This week, MIT’s SixthSense human-computer interface aims to the web, well, wherever you want it. Also, the European Union puts some financial hurt on chip-maker Intel. Persian bloggers weigh in on the release of journalist Roxana Saberi. And Google Oceans goes deep. Listen
Former Rebel Tackles Deforestation in Indonesia (7:00)
Jocelyn Ford reports on the efforts of a former rebel turned governor to stop deforestation in the Indonesian province of Aceh.
Global Hit (4:50)
South African musician Hugh Masekela turns 70 this year. He muses on politics, music, and freedom in today’s Global Hit.
Geo answer (3:20)
The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is Petty Island, a small island in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It’s been owned for years by the oil company CITGO, which is owned by the Venezuelan government. Now Venezuela wants to hand ownership of the island over to New Jersey. Anchor Katy Clark gets [...]
Wind Energy Scam in Spain (3:45)
Spain’s been leading the way when it comes to manufacturing renewable energy sources. Wind turbines installed by one town in Spain have produced riches for residents — and corruption too. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
Water woes in Pakistan (8:30)
Political instability and escalating violence make Pakistan a US foreign policy priority. But there’s another looming crisis in the country. Pakistan is fast running out of water and much of what IS available is making people sick. The World’s Laura Lynch has the story. download
Gold, cyanide and Romania’s environment (6:45)
A Canadian company has a plan to dig for gold in Romania. It wants to re-open a giant mine there. But as the World’s Aaron Schachter reports, the company’s plan to use cyanide in the mining process has upset some of the mine’s neighbors.
Architects Share Green Building Ideas
In the fight to curb global warming, we’re often encouraged to drive less or use more fuel efficient cars. Well, it turns out that cars aren’t the biggest source of greenhouse gases. Buildings are responsible for roughly half of the total greenhouse gas emissions around the world. There’s a group of architects that’d like to change that. They call themselves ‘Architecture 2030′. Their goal is to make buildings that use no fossil fuels by the year 2030. The World’s Jason Margolis has our story.
Tehran’s air pollution woes (4:50)
In Tehran, more and more Iranians are buying more and more cars… with predictable results — congestion and smog. Correspondent Steve Zind reports that air pollution in the Iranian capital is causing health problems for citizens and headaches for city officials.
Canada Seals on Thin Ice?
The World’s Jeb Sharp visited the pack ice off the Magdalen Islands in Quebec to check on how the harp seal population is doing there. View the audio slideshow
Romanians Debate Massive Gold Mining Plan
In tough economic times the price of gold usually shoots up, and this recession is no different. A Canadian mining company hopes to cash in on the latest gold boom by reopening a giant mine in Romania. The World’s Aaron Schachter had a look at the ‘Red Mountain’. Pictures and narration: Aaron Schachter. View the [...]
Old Forests vs. New: Do Critters Care?
Correspondent Julia Kumari Drapkin reports from Panama on the debate over the conservation importance of tropical forest that are growing back after being cut. View the audio slideshow
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
