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.
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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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 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 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
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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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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Correspondent Kathy Schalch reports from Amsterdam on the Dutch city’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint.
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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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For our Geo Quiz, quiz, we’re looking for a rocky archipelago off Norway’s northwest coast. The answer is Lofoten, where marine biologist Hieke Vester studies and records communication among marine mammals. The World’s David Leveille has the story. Listen
Anchor Lisa Mullins tells us how Kenyan politicians are taking the news that they must trade in their luxury cars for fuel-efficient cars. Listen
Germany’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gases is also paying benefits in economic development. Correspondent Kathleen Schalch reports from eastern Germany, where solar panels are big business. Listen
Since Clark Boyd has deemed it fit to swan off around the country with his college buddies this week, it falls to me to fill his ample shoes. Really, the man’s feet are huge. Three stories today: the first is a look at an impressive piece of engineering – a cooker that its makers claim reduces carbon emissions by a staggering degree. Listen
Fishermen have been pulling bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean for thousands of years. But now overfishing in the Mediterranean is taking its toll. And the bluefin tuna population is crashing. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story. Listen
