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
Closure of Lakes Laboratory Spurs Protest in Canada
Scientists in Canada staged a rally on Tuesday against the policies of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Protesters say the government is slashing environmental research and weakening environmental protections. Much of the anger stems from the planned closure of an ecological field station in Western Ontario. Reporter Ari Daniel Shapiro of our partner program NOVA has the story.
Government vs Greens in Canada
Host Lisa Mullins speaks with reporter Peter O’Neil of the Vancouver Sun about the growing frictions over environmental policy in Canada. The country’s new federal budget includes some big changes to environmental protections for things like fisheries, endangered species and national parks.
Australia Declares Largest Indigenous Protected Area
25 million acres Tanami Desert in Australia’s Northern Territory have been designated a protected area.
Thousands of Turtle Eggs Crushed in Trinidad
A government crew rolled over endangered leatherback turtle eggs with a bulldozer as they attempted to redirect a river that threatened the site.
Jerusalem’s New Tram Winds Through Streets and Geopolitics
Something shiny and new is winding its way through the streets of Jerusalem. It’s Israel’s first commuter light rail and it was designed to give Jerusalem’s public transportation a much needed upgrade. But it charges right through the city’s sensitive geopolitics – and it’s upsetting locals for all kinds of reasons.
Postcard from Borneo
The Malaysian state of Sabah is home to Danum Valley, one of the largest protected tropical rainforests left in Malaysia. Chris Hails is a conservationist with the WWF – World Wildlife Fund for Nature sent us a postcard.
A Deal with Devils to Control Australian Pests?
Frustrated with their country’s inability to control introduced species, some Australian researchers are proposing to reintroduce two native predators to patrol their country’s landscape.
Britain Turns to an Insect to Get Rid of an Invasive Plant
Scientists are turning to an insect to get rid of the invasive Japanese knotweed.
Spaniards Trying to Save Illegally-Built Hotel
With its economy in tatters, Span is considering loosening coastline restrictions on homes and hotels.
Eco-Farming Fosters Better Relations in Senegal
An experimental eco-farming project is improving yields, saving water and soothing tensions among refugees and locals in eastern Senegal.
Pacific Corals Protected by Natural Cooling?
Coral reefs around the world are seriously endangered by global warming. But scientists have discovered that an unusual cold current may make reefs around a small group of Pacific Islands slightly less vulnerable.
‘This is how science works’
I posted at some length last week on why I don’t respond to complaints from climate deniers, but what I’d say if I did. Well, yesterday a federal appeals court summed up my basic argument in two simple, direct sentences in upholding the EPA’s decision to regulate greenhouse gas pollution.
On Not Responding to Climate Deniers, and What I’d Say If I Did
Why doesn’t The World give more attention to climate “skeptics?”
The Rio Environmental Summit: One Teen Activist’s View
Alysha Huggins is one of thousands of young activists in Rio this week pressing world leaders for a new greener approach to human development.
Rio+20: Empty Words from Environmental Summit?
Diplomats at the UN environmental summit in Brazil have agreed on a call for “urgent action” on the world’s environmental challenges, but critics say it will do little to actually address the problems.
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