Podcast: Deutsche Welle - Living Planet

Living Planet: Killing for Cambodian forests

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Killing for Cambodian forests: Opposing logging turns deadly in Cambodia; Israelis and Arabs beat ammunition crates to owls' homes; Hanging on to coracles in Wales; What robots can do for electric cars. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Scroll to the bottom for the full show. Opposing logging turns deadly in CambodiaCambodians have been shocked in recent weeks by the killing of people protesting the destruction of the country's forests. Earlier this month a 14-year-old girl was shot dead as villagers demonstrated a notice to abandon their land. Her death followed the killing of one of Cambodia's most prominent activists in April, Chut Wutty, who was shot by a military policeman in mysterious circumstances. Report: Kyle James, Phnom Penh Israelis and Arabs beat ammunition crates to owls' homesOne of the problems faced by farmers the world over is mice. A conventional solution is to put down poison. In Israel, a better idea has emerged: barn owls, which eat the mice instead. Now the system is being trialed in Arab farms, but there's one inconvenient problem. Report:Iris Makler, Isreal Hanging on to coracles in WalesWhen the Romans invaded Britain 2000 years ago, they were impressed by a small, simple water craft used by the Celts - particularly in Wales - to get across fast-flowing rivers. So effective was the original model that the coracle remains little changed since ancient times. Sian Griffiths braved rains and flood warnings in Carmarthen in West Wales to learn more. Report: Sian Griffiths, Carmarthen, Wales What robots can do for electric carsPrice is one of the main reasons why many car-buyers have not made the leap to electric cars yet, as well as anxiety about range and where to recharge. Scientists at Munich's robotics expo, Automatica, believe that robots might hold the key to improving the outlook for these vehicles. Report: André Leslie, Munich

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Living Planet: Catching bats and viruses

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Catching bats and viruses: Virologists discovered that bats carry a wider spectrum of viruses than previously assumed - so how dangerous are they? The next round of climate talks gets underway; Italy's dying breed of wild-mussel divers and Ukraine's wolfman. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Scroll to the bottom for the full show. Catching bats and their virusesVirologists in Germany recently discovered that bats carry a far wider spectrum of viruses than previously assumed. So are we underestimating their role as a trigger for disease outbreaks among humans? DW speaks to researchers behind the study and goes on a bat capture. Report: Sonya Diehn Gigaton gap grows at climate talksWith the UN's climate chief warning that current pledges to tackle global warming are pointing to a world hotter by 2.5 to 5 degrees Celsius, negotiations to limit climate change remain as daunting as ever. DW speaks to some of the experts involved in the challenge of adapting to a hotter planet. Report:Irene Quaile Italy's dying breed of wild-mussel diversWhile Mediterranean mussels are nowadays mostly farmed, the little bay of Portonovo is a unique place where fishermen are still licensed to dive and hand-collect wild mussels. The tradition of mussel-diving is at risk of disappearing, but it’s not because supplies are running out. Report: Dany Mitzman, Portonovo Ukraine's wolfmanA profile of Sergei Zhyli, a Ukrainian ecologist who has lived with wolves, mimicking their behavior, eating their food and even raising three pups on his own. His views on hunting have rendered him a lone wolf among the country's conservationists. Report: Saroja Coelho, Polissyia Reserve, Ukraine

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Living Planet: Stress tests for trees

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Europeans stress-test their trees; the business that links fashion-conscious customers with knitting-enthralled grannies; a home designed to generate more power than you (and your car) need; India's problem with the world's dirtiest job; and France's last city vineyard. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Europeans stress-test their treesWe use wood for just about everything, but as climate changes, so too change habitats for timber forests. In the first project of its kind, a scheme called Reinforce is trying to discover which trees are going to provide Europe with a steady supply of timber this century. Report: Robin Powell, Westonbirt, UK Grannies Inc. knits for the planetWebsites like Etsy and DaWanda have propelled a huge revival in hand-made products. Grannies Inc. is a similar, socially-conscious start-up. It's an online knitwear company where customers can design their own beanies, scarves and wrist warmers, and have them knitted by a grandma of their choice. Report:Cinnamon Nippard, Berlin Off the grid with the WelkesNot many people have the opportunity to make all the energy they need for their own home and transport. For 42-year-old Jörg Welke, it's a dream come true. At least until the end of the year. He and his family are guinea pigs in a social experiment. They're trialing life in a super-efficient house. Report: Richard Fuchs (voiced Matt Hermann) India's problem with 'manual scavenging'Some jobs are just so disgusting that most governments around the world have banned people from doing them. In India there's a trade that, despite bans, just won’t go away. It's called manual scavenging, which is a euphemism for hand-collecting other household's feces. Report: Lakshmi Narayan, Mudali, India France's last city vineyardFinally, a story of guts and strange varietals: how a winemaker in southern France, with astute investment and a little help from his friends, has saved the country's last city vineyard. Report: John Laurenson, Nice.

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Living Planet: A Great Green Wall

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Africa's Great Green Wall project to stop the advance of the Sahara; 'Trashy Bags' tackles Ghana's plastic problem; and we profile one man and his campaign to save the snow leopard. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. A Great Green Wall to halt the SaharaIn the West African nation of Senegal, an audacious project is underway to create a vast forest across the African continent. It's known as the Great Green Wall. The idea is to plant a belt of trees to stop the southern advance of the Sahara Desert. Report: Bobby Bascombe, Senegal (courtesy of PRI) 'Trashy Bags' tackles Ghana's plastic problemBuying water in plastic sachets has become increasingly popular in West Africa in recent years. The half-liter translucent bags are seen as cheap and clean. But the makeshift solution to a water problem has created a huge trash problem, especially in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. Report: Vanessa Hermann, Hervé Gogoua (voiced: Joanna Impey) One man's campaign to save the snow leopardRodney Jackson is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the elusive snow leopard, which lives on some of the earth’s highest mountain peaks in Nepal, Pakistan, India, Siberia, Mongolia and Tibet. Jackson’s relentless efforts over the past thirty-five years are credited with bringing back the snow leopard from the brink of extinction. Profile: Jan Sluizer, San Francisco

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Living Planet: Dirty deeds

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Dirty deeds: we visit some spills, old and new. We hear from the gas leak off Scotland; Amnesty hurls fresh allegations at Shell over its behavior in the Niger Delta; Ecuador presses ahead with its initiative to avoid drilling in its Yasuni national park; and the fuss over dredging the Elbe. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Total leak suggests lessons for industryTotal has been unable to plug the leak at its Elgin platform off the coast of Scotland since an accident on the 25th of March. The leak triggered an evacuation and fears surrounding a gas cloud at the site. Scientific assessments suggest little impact on the environment so far, but that's not the only concern for some. Report: Peter Shevlin, Aberdeen Amnesty accuses Shell of masking Nigerian spillsThis week, the human rights organization Amnesty International took aim at Shell for its record in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. Amnesty says it has evidence that Shell strongly underreported a major oil spill there in 2008. DW spoke to Amnesty's Director of Global Issues, Audrey Gaughan, about the claims. Interview: Audrey Gaughan / Nathan Witkop Plans to dredge the Elbe anger farmersGermany's northern states recently approved a deepening of the Elbe River. It will be the ninth time it has been dredged since the early 19th Century. This will free ships with a draught of 14.5 meters to reach Hamburg's port. But farmers and environmental groups are resisting the move. Report: Julian Bohne, Hamburg Ecuador presses ahead with Yasuni initiativeIn September we reported how Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa delivered a novel ultimatum to the UN General Assembly: raise $100 million by the end of the year, or we'll be forced to exploit the oil beneath our national park. The idea is to compensate countries for the environmental services that they are providing for everyone on Earth. We hear where things stand. Report:Sandy Hausman, Ecuador

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Living Planet: Environmental tradeoffs

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0200

We hear from some environmental trade offs: when clean energy isn't quite green energy, and when hunting benefits conservation. Also, a mystery illness afflicts the sea lions of Galapagos and using BP's fines to heal two wounds at once. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. UK wind farms compete with bogsIn Scotland, great swathes of peatland habitat are being used to build wind farms. Yet peatlands are a natural sink for carbon dioxide, and when they dry, they release it. Are some of the UK's wind farms counterproductive? The Carbon Payback Calculator hopes to deliver the answer. Report: Peter Shevlin, Glasgow What's in BP's fines for Louisiana's womenTwo years ago this week, an explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon platform in the Gulf of Mexico set in motion one of the world's largest oil spills to date. BP faces billions of dollars in fines. Some see the money as an opportunity to heal not just the environment, but Louisiana's appalling wage gap between men and women. Report: Zoe Sullivan, New Orleans The WWF hunts for trouble in BotswanaSpain's King Juan Carlos, honorary president of WWF's Spanish chapter, made headlines this week when he injured himself in Botswana on a trip to hunt elephants. The revelations have sparked debate about the image of the WWF and whether elephant-hunting can be justified for conservation. Report: Irene Quaile A mystery illness plagues Galapagos sea lionsThe Galapagos Islands are best known as a seminal stopping point for the young Charles Darwin on the journey that led him to the theory of evolution. Home to many unique animals, the Galapagos remain a focus for science. Today, tourists can enjoy the playful sea lions, but the mammals appear to be under siege. Report:Sandy Hausman, Galapagos

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Living Planet: For peat's sake

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0200

The eager beavers working to save Ukraine's peatlands; why some French butchers would prefer their cattle farmers to be a little more British; a cat parasite that may be making many of us worse drivers; and one team's quest to make fish farming a little cleaner for the environment. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Eager beavers save Ukraine's peatlandsThe draining and burning of peat bogs may account for up to 6 percent of manmade greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent UN report. A project in Ukraine is looking to flood and restore thousands of hectares to their natural state. Report: Saroja Coelho, Polisia, Ukraine A French butcher with a taste for British beefTired perhaps of celebrity chefs, France now has a celebrity butcher. His untypical views on French produce are whipping up attention. A steakhouse for which he is butcher recently opened in Paris boasting the best beef in the world… from England. Report: John Laurenson, Paris Andy Danylchuk's quest to improve fish farmsAmerican ecologist Andy Danylchuk teamed up with an environmental film-maker to investigate modern fish farming. Fish Meat takes a critical look at large-scale fish farming, but along the way also identifies some traditional operations that offer useful solutions for striking a balance with nature. Report: Amy Mayer, Massachusetts, USA Crazy cat people - just an urban legend?The idea that cats somehow make their owners crazy is a staple of urban legends, but one Czech researcher has made it his mission to prove the link. Jaroslav Flegr thinks a parasite transmitted by cats can cause an array of problems, including schizophrenia. Report:Shant Shahrigian, Prague

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Living Planet: Solar dimming

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0200

The sun dims for Germany's solar subsidies; A Latvian invention promises to raise solar efficiency; the cost of extreme weather events rises; La Nina's toll on Paraguay; and a look at Earth Hour from Berlin. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. The sun dims for Germany's solar subsidiesLast year Germany installed a whopping 7.5 gigawatts of new solar panels. For a country with a third of the sunlight of Spain, the solar industry is booming. Or perhaps bubbling, say its critics. Amid a raft of bankruptcies due to competition and reductions to incentives, is the sun rising or setting on Germany's solar experiment? Report: Jonathan Gifford, Berlin Coating promises to improve solar panelsLatvia might not spring to mind as a hub for solar technology, but the small Baltic nation may have come up with a technology that could boost solar panel's efficiency considerably. Report: Ģederts Ģelzis, Riga La Nina takes toll on ParaguayIn Paraguay, people are suffering from a severe drought. The country is the hardest hit by La Nina in Latin America. Thousands of small farmers’ livelihoods have been affected across the country. Report: Sam Cowie, Asuncion Cost of extreme weather risesLast year was an especially bad year for weather extremes like the drought in Latin America. Reinsurance companies – the companies that insure the insurance industry – have a big stake in keeping track of natural disasters, and they say weather extremes are taking up a growing share of their payouts. Report: Fabian Schmidt (presented by Kate Laycock) Earth Hour from BerlinLast weekend saw millions of people around the world turn off their lights for a symbolic moment. Since 2007, Earth Hour has spread around the world, drawing millions of participants from dozens of countries. Interview: Cinnamon Nippard, Berlin

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Living Planet: Under pressure

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:00 +0200

Stuttgart begins powering cars with food waste; improving Europe's recycling rates; sticking a face on meat; London hosts 'Planet under Pressure'; and an interview on reshaping the UN. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Stuttgart begins powering cars with food wasteA recent study found that Germans throw away an incredible 11 million kilos of food a year. While much of this is turned into compost, German researchers in Stuttgart are trying to find another use for this organic matter. They want to take biowaste from the fruit and vegetable market to power cars with natural gas. Report: Kate Hairsine, Stuttgart Improving European recycling ratesThis week, official figures showed that 25 billion glass bottles and jars were collected for recycling in the EU in 2010, the latest year for available data. That meant glass recycling rates held steady at around 68 percent, according to the European Container Glass Federation. But recycling figures for other waste are much lower. DW spoke to participants of a project aiming to change this. Report: Julian Bohne, Hamburg Dennis Buchmann sticks a face on meatMost of us don't see the fields where vegetables are grown or the conditions in which animals live before they're rendered into shrink-wrapped packets of meat in the supermarket. Dennis Buchmann wants to tackle this disconnection. A meat-eater, concerned about animal welfare, his idea is MeineKleineFarm - which means my small farm. He draws attention to meat by giving it a face. Report: Cinnamon Nippard, Berlin 'Planet under Pressure' greets AnthropoceneThis week more than 2,800 experts from around the world gathered in London for yet another large environmental conference. The Planet under Pressure meeting aired a slew of proposals and warnings all aimed at steering the direction of this year's 20-year follow-up to the Rio Earth Summit. Report: Robin Powell, London An interview on reshaping the UNEven to people who don't track these things closely, it's clear that two decades of United Nations climate talks have achieved very little. One of the policy briefs presented in London proposes an ambitious serious of reforms for international bodies like the UN and World Trade Organisation, to retool them for the 21st century. Interview: Frank Biermann / Nathan Witkop

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Living Planet: France's nuclear nomads

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:30:00 +0100

The contractors who work in the radioactive areas of France's nuclear power plants have banded together to fight for safer working conditions; skiers and wildlife share the mountain at a ski resort in Vermont; an OECD report predicts a bleak future for the planet unless we change our consumption habits; and activists try to revive a dead river in Sao Paolo. French nuclear workers fight for safer working conditionsIn France, they're known as nuclear nomads: the contractors who work in radioactive areas of nuclear plants. They're underpaid for the dirty work they do, and often operate in dangerous conditions. Now they've formed and association and some are even suing over alleged workplace violations. Report: Suzanne Krause / Dagmar Breitenbach A ski resort goes greenAlpine ski resorts are not known for being particularly environmentally friendly. Trees are cut down to make wide runs, energy is used for the lifts and artificial snow is produced to keep the slopes covered when the weather isn't cooperating. But there's one ski resort in Vermont in the US that's taken a different route. Kateri Jochum strapped on her skis to take a tour. Report: Kateri Jochum OECD paints bleak picture with 2050 predictionsA new report by the OECD predicts a massive population and a growing economy that will put a lot of pressure on the world's resources and ecosystems. The organization's Environmental Outlook to 2050 warns that the pressure may simply be too much. Report: Richard Fuchs Activists try to revive a dead river in Sao PaoloBrazil's Tiete River turns into an open sewage once it reaches the city of Sao Paulo and has become a symbol of poor water management in the developing world. But some activists are stepping up and try to bring the river back to life. Report: Milton Bragatti

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Living Planet: Making more with less

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:30:00 +0100

This week focuses on recycling resources. Germany's new resource efficiency plan; Liberia's first recycling centre; and a Colombian idea for old tires – cook them. Also: Canada pressures Europe to leave its tar sands oil industry alone and one of the world's greenest fridges – from an unlikely place. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Germany aims to double its resource efficiencyEnergy is frequently in the news these days. Germany in particular has been getting a lot of press for its efforts to switch mostly to renewables. Something that hasn't been getting that much attention is another environmentally friendly plan, a new attempt to slash the country's resource consumption. Report: Andre Leslie Liberia's for-profit recycling centreIn Liberia, electronic waste, frequently from Europe, is strewn on the streets, the swamps and the forests. One young man has an entrepreneurial idea. He runs Liberia's first recycling centre, at the back of a busy, bustling market. Report: Tamasin Ford Colombia's tire-cookerEvery year, four and a half million tires are consumed in Colombia. That means that tires, upon tires, upon tires, end up in landfills where they refuse to decompose. Or, they're burned and release toxic gases. It’s an environmental problem around the world, but one Colombian thinks he has a solution. Report: Nadja Drost Canada pressures the EU over tar sandsBy June, the European Union is due to decide how to handle oil imports coming from tar sands in Canada. The fuel’s carbon footprint is the subject of dramatic debate in Canada, with scientists, politicians and indigenous groups battling back and forth. The fight has now moved to Europe as the fuel's status becomes the focus of a bitter lobbying tussle between Canada and environmental groups. Report: Teri Schultz The unlikely maker of the world's greenest fridgeThe tiny land-locked Southern African country Swaziland is the unlikely manufacturer of a new generation of clean refrigerators. A local company, together with a coalition of European backers, has come up with a low-tech fridge that promises to free rural Africans from a dependence on kerosene-powered-coolers. Report: Claus Stäcker (voiced: Zulfikar Abbany)

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Living Planet: Green laws

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0100

Law and the environment – we speak to environmental lawyer and ClientEarth CEO, James Thornton; Germany's environmental zones and air pollution; the EU drums up support for its energy roadmap for 2050; and we hear about greening up music festivals. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. German air pollution rises despite green zonesSince 2008, environmental zones in Germany have restricted where heavily polluting cars can drive, yet air pollution levels are higher than before the scheme began. Cars in Germany are required to display a sticker identifying how much particulate pollution the vehicle pumps out. The stickers are colour coded red through to green. Without a sticker, drivers face fines for entering any of the country's environment zones. Yet this week, Germany's Federal Environment Agency came out with some disappointing news for efforts to curb air pollution. Report: Andre Leslie Suing for the environmentJames Thornton can claim to have sued the UK out of building new coal plants. James Thornton is a lawyer and CEO of ClientEarth, a non-profit organization that campaigns for better environmental laws. In the eighties, hehelped sue the Reagan administration into enforcing the Clean Water act and today his organization conducts similar campaigns in Europe. We began by asking him why the earth should need legal representation. Interview: James Thornton / Nathan Witkop EU touts benefits of energy roadmapSenior European Union leaders said this week that nearly eliminating carbon emissions from Europe's energy by the middle of the century may work out to be little more expensive than sticking to fossil fuels. This week EU leaders met with energy industry figures, civil society groups and academics in Brussels to build support for the bloc's 2050 Energy Roadmap. Report: Christoph Hasselbach (Sean Sinico) Greening up music festivalsEvery year across Europe, music festivals attract tens of thousands of revelers. Meeting these visitors' food, waste, accommodation and energy needs is no small task. Festivals can take on the proportions of a small city, as can their environmental impact. In recent years, there's been a push among organizers to reduce their events' footprints. Even big-name festivals like Lollapalooza in the United States are trying to make a difference. Our correspondent speaks to two event planners about sharing solutions. Report: Cinnamon Nippard

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Living Planet: Hamburg's cruise pollution

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0100

We hear from a push in Hamburg to tackle cruise ships' port-based soot emissions; plans for Europe's biggest gold mine divide a small town in Romania; an energy austerity drive gathers support amid campaigning for France's presidential elections; and tsunami tourism in Aceh.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.Hamburg wrestles with increasing cruise ship pollutionEnvironmental groups have long criticized the shipping industry for the pollution it creates – both at sea and in port.In port, cruise ships still need to run their engines to maintain electricity for what sometimes amounts to a small city on board. With the number of vessels visiting Hamburg expected to grow from 100 to 150 this year, pollution is becoming a problem. A campaign is underway to stop cruisers from running their engines while moored, but the challenge is proving difficult. Report: Julian Bohne, HamburgMassive gold mine plans divide Romanian townThe Romanian village of Rosia Montana has just 3,000 residents, but could be set to become the largest gold mine in Europe.Preparations for the project go back at least 10 years. In that time, it has divided locals into two opposing camps: those who support the mine and those who fear it will destroy the area's tourist potential and archaeological remains. Report: Tom Wilson, Rosia Montana, RomaniaFrench energy austerity drive gathers supportAs France prepares for presidential elections in April, a team of energy experts, engineers and architects sense an opportunity to get their agenda on the national agenda.In the wake of last year's Fukushima disaster, NegaWatt is pushing to liberate France of nuclear power by 2050. Its appeal to energy austerity is attracting attention from left to right. Report: Timothy Jones (Suzanne Krause)Tsunami tourism heals wounds in Aceh, IndonesiaFor the past seven years, the people of Aceh on Indonesia's island of Sumatra have been rebuilding their community, which was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.The tsunami hit Aceh particularly hard. Around half of the 230,000 people who died in the disaster came from this part of Indonesia. The area holds a terrible fascination for many and today growing numbers of tourists are coming to the province to see for themselves the relics of destruction. Report: Maria Bakkalapulo, Aceh

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Living Planet: Fracking in the US and Europe

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0100

This week we look at two examples of fracking in the US and Europe; as South Sudan and its northern neighbor resume revenue-sharing talks, we look at the role of oil in their conflict; and a molecule to cool the planet – is its recent discovery good news for the climate?You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.Oil's role in SudanThis week Sudan and South Sudan resumed talks on sharing the proceeds of oil revenues.After decades of intermittent war, South Sudan gained formal independence from its northern neighbor last year. It inherited most of Sudan's oil, but it's not clear how the two countries should split the revenues. Many observers fear that if a fair and transparent agreement isn't reached soon, the two sides are destined to resume fighting. DW asked Dana Wilkins from the campaign group Global Witness, which focuses on corruption in extractive industries, to lay out the problem. Interview: Dana Wilkins / Nathan WitkopFracking faces tighter controls in USWith the dangers of nuclear power playing out in Japan, tensions in the Middle East pushing up oil prices, and climate scientists arguing for the phase out of coal, the United States is desperate for some energy alternatives.One that has seemed promising in recent years is natural gas, which burns more cleanly than coal. With demand for gas driving up the price, hard to reach deposits have become lucrative. And that has led to a boom in "fracking" to get to them. It's a technique whose proponents say is vital for cleaner, stable energy and whose detractors say is an environmental and health risk. Report: Sandy Hausman, Southwest VirginiaAustrians say they can do 'clean' frackingIt's not just North Americans who are keen on fracking. There's a boom in the technique happening around the world. Here in Europe, many countries are concerned about the reliability of the region's main gas supplier, Russia, and fracking allows them to reconsider their own real estate for previously useless deposits. In Austria, proponents claim to have developed a cleaner method of fracking, but it still divides the community. Report: Kerry Skyring, HerrnbaumgartenA molecule to cool the planetCould the planet be working harder than previously thought to naturally mitigate climate change?It's a question that's intriguing an international research team, which recently discovered a molecule first hypothesized in the 1950s. The naturally occurring compound is part of a class of molecules that help break down pollution and turn it – eventually – into clouds that may help cool the planet. To find out more about the discovery – published in Science magazine last week – we spoke to one of the researchers on the project. Interview: Dr Carl Percival / Nathan Witkop

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Living Planet: Trading blows

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0100

A special show this week – we focus on the dispute over applying Europe's emissions trading scheme to aviation. Also, are more sharks responsible for more shark attacks in Australia? You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.Aviation's problem with Europe's carbon tradeThe European Union's emissions trading scheme (ETS) was extended to aviation on January 1 in the face of intense opposition from foreign and domestic carriers. So does the EU's resolve make a global deal more, or less, likely?Europe's carbon market is the biggest in the world. It was introduced in 2005, but starting this year it was extended to air travel for the first time. Any airline taking off or landing in a European airport will need to account for at least part of that journey's emissions on the ETS. It's not just foreign airlines that are upset. European carriers are also dissatisfied. We take a look at some of the competing concerns. Reporting: Nathan Witkop, Holly FoxInterviewees: Andreas Bartels; Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus; Bill HemmingsWhat's driving a spike in shark attacks?A spate of lethal shark attacks in Western Australia has provoked fears and questions among locals and tourists alike. Though shark sightings are common in Australia, deaths are rare.On average, about one person has died of shark attack in Australia each year for the past 50 years. But in Western Australia, four people have died in the last 18 months. The government there recently approved millions of dollars for safety programs. DW went to the beach to look behind the attacks. Report: Jonathan Gifford

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Living Planet: Locking out elephants

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0100

We visit a reserve in Sri Lanka where they're locking the elephants out and keeping the humans in; we chat with a researcher about her team's new paper in Science on predicting ocean circulation and its climate impacts; and we hear from fair trades in South Africa and Costa Rica.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.Human reserves sooth Sri Lanka's strife with elephantsInstead of locking nature into reserves, Sri Lankans are experimenting with locking in the humans.For the past two years, Sri Lanka has been trying to recover from nearly three decades of civil war. Though the insurgency that divided the South Asian country is over, another conflict remains. It's one that's been quietly killing for decades: a war for land that has pitted humans against elephants. Report: Yasmeen Qureshi, Lily Jamali, Sri Lanka Predicting ocean circulation and its impacts on climateWhile the movie The Day After Tomorrow was highly dramatized, there is a lot of genuine scientific interest in just how much ocean circulation affects climate.This week in Science magazine, a team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg published a study that claimed a big step forward in efforts to predict ocean circulation. We spoke to the lead author. Interview: Daniela Matei / Nathan WitkopFairer wine and pineapplesFarm goods from developing countries sold with the Fair Trade label may be a little bit more expensive, but the people who grow or harvest them get a better deal.In co-operations with regional broadcasters, we hear from two parts of the word that are trying to put the fair trade idea into practice. First: Fairer wine from South Africa, then fairer pineapples from Costa Rica. Reports: co-productions voiced by Holly Fox and Andreas Illmer

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Living Planet: Looking back at 2011

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Looking back at 2011: Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster; Germany to phase out nuclear energy; smart grids necessary to handle renewables; France fights over its controversial nuclear power plant in Fessenheim; concerns about methane plague Brazil's Belo Monte dam; Europe's emissions trading scheme upsets air carriers.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Nuclear safety expert looks at Japan's Fukushima nuclear disasterJapan's Fukushima nuclear crisis began with a magnitude 9 earthquake that unleashed an enormous Tsunami on March 11. Three reactors at the plant suffered meltdowns.It was only in December that Japan's government said the reactors had reached a state of "cold shutdown." Lothar Hahn, former head of GRS, an agency which briefs the German government on nuclear safety talked about when the Japanese crisis began. Interview: Nathan WitkopGerman Chancellor Merkel does away with nuclear energyWhen Japan's nuclear crisis began, people in Germany immediately drew parallels with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the former Soviet Union. People's support for nuclear energy plummeted.Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had just extended the lifespan of nuclear plants, buckled under the pressure. She announced a surprise freeze in the policy. Report: Ben Knight Smart grids are crucial to handle renewables' fluctuating supply, experts sayToday, renewables supply around 20 percent of electricity in Germany. But there's a downside to using renewable energy: it's the fluctuating supply.To offset this, supporters say governments need to invest in 'smart grids.' Professor Olav Hohmeyer, an energy advisor to the German government explained why it's crucial to build smart grids. Interview: Nathan WitkopFight over France's most controversial nuclear power plant in Fessenheim heats upFrance is more dependent on nuclear energy than any other country. But things might be about to change.This year, the country's opposition forged an alliance to scale down France's reliance on nuclear power. Meanwhile, President Sarkozy's administration has left open the possibility of shutting down the country's oldest reactor, Fessenheim, when the results of a 'stress test' are released in January. Report: Diana Fong, Fessenheim, FranceConcerns about methane plague Brazil's Belo Monte damFukushima may have made 2011 a transformative year for energy – how we make it, its impact on us and the world around us. But it's not just Europeans who have been reviewing their energy choices.Brazil gets most of its energy from a renewable source – hydroelectric dams. This year it approved a massive new project: the Belo Monte dam on the Xingu River in the northern state of Para. Report: Jon Beaupre, Altamira, Brazil / Claes Andreasson Europe's emissions trading scheme upsets international air carriersOn January 1, Europe's emissions trading scheme is set to be extended to the aviation industry. Airlines using terminals in the EU will have to offset at least part of its emissions.International carriers are angry, but it seems they will have to comply. Last week the EU's top court threw out a legal challenge launched by US airlines. Back in September, Teri Schultz covered the show down between carriers and legislators. Report: Teri Schultz, Brussels

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Living Planet: Uganda strikes oil

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Uganda's oil fever bodes badly for its environment; Scientists make a breakthrough in predicting earthquakes; Latvians embrace worms; Taipei 101 aims to be the world's tallest 'green' building; and a look at efforts to save two species of endangered birds this winter. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Uganda's oil fever bodes badly for its environmentIn recent years, Uganda has struck oil. It's a mixed blessing for the poor East African country. On the one hand, potential oil revenues dwarf Uganda's national debt. On the other hand, from Nigeria to Sudan there are plenty of examples of countries where oil hasn't served as a silver bullet for development. Report: Alex Gitta, Uganda Scientists make a breakthrough in predicting earthquakesA team of American scientists has made a discovery that could identify an imminent quake.From hurricanes to volcanoes and even Tsunamis, humans have made great strides in developing early warning systems for deadly natural phenomena. Earthquakes are another matter, but that may be about to change. Report: Sandy Hausman, USAConservationists struggle for two birds in the UK this winterA look at efforts this winter to protect two endangered species of bird: One indigenous to Britain, the other a refugee.The Hen Harrier has come off second best in its competition with shooters and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper is a long way from home. Report: Nik Martin, UKTaipei 101 aims to be the world's tallest 'green' buildingThough Taiwan may be better known for its rapid growth than its environmental credentials, the island has a new monument to sustainability.Nearly 40 percent of the world's energy ends up being consumed in buildings. So making them more efficient could lead to substantial savings for the environment and companies' energy bills. Report: Klaus Bardenhagen (David Levitz)Latvians eye market for composting with wormsLatvian farmers are getting into something known as vermicomposting.It's a way of making especially fertile and environmentally-friendly compost by using worms: Some are hoping to turn these worms' humus into the next big Baltic export. Report: Gederts Gelzis, Latvia

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Living Planet: Canada and Kyoto

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Canada and Kyoto: Canada pulls out of the Kyoto Protocol just one day after the close of climate talks in Durban; Sri Lanka's peace poses new problems for balancing tourism with the environment; DW visits a Dutch rooftop farm; and a bright idea wins Germany's Future Prize. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Canada pulls out of the Kyoto ProtocolCanada delivers a symbolic blow to the Kyoto Protocol, becoming the first country to leave the troubled agreement.While the timing has surprised some, others say the move confirms a long-established trend in Canada’s political and economic direction. Report : Cesil Fernandes, TorontoSri Lanka's peace opens a new problem for the environmentPeace is opening the door to investment in tourism in Sri Lanka, but this is also changing some facts on the ground. Sri Lanka is discovering hard new choices between the environment and development since the recent end of its civil war. Report: Lily Jamali and Yasmeen Qureshi, Sri LankaDW visits a Dutch rooftop farmThe Food and Agriculture Organization is the latest among many to call for more efficient land-use – one idea is planting on top of cities.Earlier this year we heard from some German agricultural scientists working on finding room for farming in cities. Now our correspondent in the Netherlands takes a look at roof top farming up close. Report: Cintia Taylor, HaarlemA bright idea wins Germany's Future PrizeThis year's German Future Prize went to a team that may yet consign the humble light bulb to the trash heap of history.The German Future Prize was awarded on Wednesday. The accolade – which comes with 250,000 euros – honors scientific innovations that have concrete applications and are ripe for making a difference to our lives. We look at some of the short-listed ideas. Report: Sean Sinico

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Living Planet: Prosperity vs preservation

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Energy giants in Brazil tap deep-sea oil fields; South Africa investigates the connection between climate change and social instability; the EU lifts a ban on stevia; and music event organisers try to preserve festival fun while keeping their green credentials intact.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Oil still fuels Brazil's dream for a prosperous futureA deep-sea oil well off the coast of Brazil leaked more than 2000 barrels of oil into the ocean last month. The incident is turning into an important test for the country as it prepares to become one of the largest oil producing nations on earth.Work is underway to tap vast deep-sea oil fields off the coast of Brazil. It's believed there are billions of barrels of oil below the seafloor. This could be Brazil's chance to cement itself in its position as a global power. But the oil lies beneath shifting sand and a thick layer of salt. And the process of extracting it carries huge environmental and financial risks. Report: Milton BragattiSouth Africans torn between prosperity and preservationAs South Africa hosts the UN climate talks, the nation is forced to examine its own energy policies and commitment to a greener future.South Africa is one of the biggest producers of greenhouse gases in the world. As South Africans grapple with energy shortages, economic worries, and the social problems those bring, it remains unclear what kind of commitment the country can make to a greener future. Report: Johannes BeckEU lifts ban on plant extracts that taste like sugarOn a trip to the fertile farmlands of France, DW's reporter meets a farmer who is cultivating a crop of Stevia rebaudiana. The stevia plant has sweet leaves that have long been used as a natural sweetner in South America and Asia.Stevia extract has already cracked the US market, replacing artificial sweetners in some of the most popular diet colas. The EU has just lifted a ban on the plant's use in food and drinks, opening up the market for fake sugar to all kinds of changes. Report: Dany MitzmanMusic lovers green upOur reporter hits a popular music event in Hamburg, Germany to find out if it's possible to enjoy festival fun while keeping your green credentials intact.Music festivals often wreak havoc on the environment. Mountains of waste left behind by revellers ends up in landfills, pristine natural sites are trampled and travel to and from festival sites produces tonnes of CO2. But an increasing number of music festivals are greening up their acts. Report: Jessie Wingard

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Living Planet: What is so special about carbon?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Eco-guards are dispatched to the Gishwati rainforest in Rwanda; we travel to India to investigate carbon offset programs; forest-dwelling indigenous groups want more say in the future of their homes; and developing nations report bullying at the climate negotiations. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Finding out if carbon offset funds are well spentOur correspondent travels to India to find out how carbon offset donations are used.The organisation Atmosfair uses donations from airline travelers to offset the carbon emitted during their flight. Our correspondent travels to Jalalpur, India to look at projects started with Atmofair's donations. He discovers that carbon offsetting may ease your guilt but isn't necessarily going to stop global warming. Report: Georg MatthesReports of bullying at climate talksThe World Development Movement has accused British and US climate negotiators of bullying and bribing poorer nations at the climate talks.At the climate talks in Copenhagen in 2009, leading industrialized nations acknowledged the financial challenges facing developing countries as climate change takes its toll. They agreed to mobilize billions of euros to help poorer nations cope with the effects. But a new report says Britain and the United States are using that money to forward their own agendas. Report: Nik Martin, LondonREDD treaty protects forests, forgets peopleReducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation is a UN scheme to protect forests. But forest-dwelling indigenous groups want more say about the future of their homes.Forests are considered 'carbon sinks' because they absorb carbon from the atmosphere in vast quantities. Preserving the forests has become a priority for climate negotiators. But what about the people living and working in the world's forests? They are demanding more say in plans to preserve the places they call home. Report: Helle JeppesenEcoguards dispatched to the Gishwati rainforestRwanda has a plan for preserving the remaining trees of the lush Gishwati rainforest. Six ecoguards monitor the tree stand, preventing locals from harvesting wood, honey or fruit. We venture into the last lush stands of Rwanda's Gishwati rainforest. It's home to the eastern chimpanzee, golden monkeys, wild sunbirds, herbs, wildflowers, and ancient trees. But the people who live near the forest are very poor and they often enter the forest looking for food and fuel. Sometimes, their cows wander freely trampling native plants. So, Rwanda has a plan for preserving the what is left of the Gishwati. They have hired eco-guards to patrol and protect the forest. Report: Simone Schlindwein

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Living Planet: Financing Climate Protection

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0100

As climate change tightens its grip on the world, Bangladesh warns that time is running out; Middle Eastern and North African nations face challenging hurdles to go green; and solar technology designers look for ways to brighten the lives of girls.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Bangladesh pins hopes on climate funds as global warming takes its tollAs climate change tightens its grip on the world, Bangladesh is pressing the international community to follow through on promises to finance climate change protection.Climate talks reopen in Durban, South Africa later this month and the debate on who is first in line to tap a multibillion-dollar Green Climate Fund is expected to continue. But as negotiators gear up for the event, one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change says it's running out of time. Report: Amid Al Rasheed, Dhaka, BangladeshExperts say Arab nations are unprepared for a greener futureFor decades, oil was the engine of development in North Africa and the Middle East. But the oil era is drawing to a close and experts say many countries in the region are poorly prepared.In North Africa and the Middle East, environmental protection is often overlooked. Experts from the Arab Forum for Environment and Development warn that if the region does not rethink its environmental and energy policies, it will not be in a position to tackle new challenges in the coming decades. Report: Mona NaggarUsing solar power to brighten the lives of girlsDesigners, dreamers and inventors gathered in Berlin this week to present new ideas for the future. We interviewed two women with big plans for tapping the power of the sun.An interview with Katherine Lucey, the founder of Solar Sister, which distributes solar-powered lamps in Uganda and Rwanda. She says gender has everything to do with energy, since 70 percent of people who are living without electricity in the world are women and girls. She's joined by Daniela Schiffer of Changers, which encourages people to use energy they capture from the sun. Interview: Cinnamon NippardSeagrass meadows in Spain threatened by boating and sewageSeagrass grows in abundance around the Spanish island of Mallorca. But it's being torn out and poisoned by human activity and locals are looking to take action before it's too late.Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow in meadows along the ocean floor. They provide food and habitat for a variety of ocean species and also play an important role in protecting the planet from global warming. We visit the Bay of Palma to find out why the seagrass meadows are dying and what locals are doing to save it. Report: Stephanie Eichler

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Living Planet: Food and climate

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Food and climate: As the clock counts down to this year's climate negotiations in Durban, we look at some of the links between food and climate; the IEA's 25-year energy outlook contains difficult implications for Germany; getting sewage out of the Thames; and Tanzania considers mining uranium.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Climate prompts American farmers to rethink their waysClimate change makes eco-friendlier agriculture vital for farmers in the American Midwest.The US alone accounts for half the world's corn exports and 40 percent of its soybean exports. In some ways climate change has actually helped farmers here, but there are storms on the horizon. Report: Kathleen Masterson, Iowa, USAIEA challenges Germany's nuclear-free roadmapThe International Energy Agency has released its outlook for the next 25 years - its forecasts pose an uncomfortable challenge for Germany.The IEA says demand for fossil fuels will rise steadily and climate goals will become harder to reach without nuclear power. The IEA's Chief Economist, Fatih Birol, was in Berlin last week attending a symposium on European energy policy, where DW heard him speak. Report: Hardy Graupner, BerlinPlan to get sewage out of Thames splits LondonersVisitors to London are often unaware of how seriously polluted the Thames is.Thirty nine million tonnes of untreated sewage flows into the famous river each year, causing health risks to the people who use it – and the wildlife that live in it. A 'Super Sewer' project has been proposed to deal with the problem, but it's proving controversial. Report: Nina-Maria Potts, LondonTanzania considers mining uraniumTanzania is Africa's fourth-largest gold producer, an exporter of diamonds and the rare mineral tanzanite, and it may soon be mining uranium too. Despite these riches, Tanzanians live on an average income of just $600 a year.Three-quarters of Tanzanians survive from small-scale farms and half live below the poverty line. Report: Ute Schaeffer / Ben Knight

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Living Planet: Acid earth

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0100

Acid earth: US scientists warn that we are rapidly changing the chemical composition of soils and waterways; shifting food production to cities; promoting alternative farming in Nigeria; and eco tourism provides a better livelihood in rural Cambodia. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. US Scientists warn of acidifying soilsThe problem of acid rain may not be new, but it is far from solved.In the 60s, scientists were increasingly observing that industrial and auto emissions were leading to dying forests and poisoned lakes. Since then, European and US legislation to clean the air has had a big impact. But some scientists in the US say many human activities are continuing to change the chemical composition of the planet in deleterious ways. Report: Sandy Hausman, USAUrban farming offers prospects for growthFood routinely travels thousands of miles around the world to feed cities, but some think cities could do a lot more to feed themselves.Nowadays it's no surprise to find Californian lettuce in a New York grocer or New Zealand onions in a German supermarket. Some say these food miles are quite unnecessary – cities provide a lot of neglected space for agriculture. Report: Holy Fox (Fabian Schmidt) Promoting alternative farming in NigeriaOne man in Nigeria is trying to do his bit to boost food security and attract people back to the land to find fulfilling livelihoods.Olatunji Akomolafe has spent 25 years working with young people to promote sustainable farming solutions tailored to local needs. His work is called the Village Pioneer Project. Report: Sean Sinico Ecotourism provides a better livelihood in rural CambodiaEcotourism holds the promise of another source of livelihood for some people in rural areas of the developing world.DW visits an ecotourism venture in northern Cambodia that's building bridges and saving birds. Report: Mathew Crawford, Cambodia

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Living Planet: What to do with E-waste?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0100

We look at more eco-friendly ways to recycle electronics; we have a sampling of one of the largest animal sound archives in the world; whales and dolphins are fighting an uphill battle - under water; and we look at the complications of climate change in the forests of Brandenburg.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. What to do with E-waste?The head of a United Nations University initiative talks about ways to promote more effective and eco-friendly recycling of electronics.Following the revelation of high contamination near an electronics scrap yard in Ghana, Europe has begun asking itself what to do with its E-waste. An international initiative headed by the United Nations University is looking to promote more effective and eco-friendly recycling of electronics. Interview: Dr. Rüdiger Kühr / Gabriel BorrudBerlin's Animal Sound ArchiveFrom tawny owls to the American, if you're looking for an animal sound, it's quite likely you'll find it stored at Berlin's Animal Sound Archive.The archive in Berlin is one of the largest collections of animal voices in the world. The 120,000 recordings collected here are available to scientists and research institutions worldwide—and can be called on for commercial and education purposes as well. Check out a sample of the wild and wondrous sounds in this acoustic treasure trove. Report: Leah McDonnelMarine conservationists call for more habitat protectionOur world is over 70 percent water. Yet only one percent of oceans around the globe are considered "marine protected areas."Marine conservationists say only around one percent of the world's oceans are currently protected. A new book has just come out by leading whale and dolphin expert Erich Hoyt detailing this need for more "marine protected areas." DW talked with Hoyt about an international conference aimed at fostering marine conservation. Interview: Erich Hoyt / Gabriel BorrudBrandenburg forests under climate change threatThe lush forests of Brandenburg, composed of pine monocultures, will be at risk if climate predictions come true. The type of pine native to the forests aren't resistant to frost or arid climates.According to long-term forecasts, temperatures in central Europe are to go up, making the climate much drier. For regions like Brandenburg, in eastern Germany, this could prove disastrous. Much of the forest here is composed of pine monocultures. Experts say large parts of the forest will die off, if other kinds of trees aren’t planted along with the pines. Report: Richard Fuchs / Joanna Impey

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Living Planet: A new Rainbow

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0200

A new Rainbow: We step on board Greenpeace's new Rainbow Warrior III; Europe increases its dependence on other people's land; We drop in on a rescue centre for storks in Cambodia and fish versus energy – the simmering dispute between countries that share the Mekong.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.A new Rainbow Warrior takes to the seaThe Greenpeace flagship's swashbuckling adventures have courted controversy and shined a light on environmental abuses for nearly three decades.Last week, the Rainbow Warrior III was launched in Germany, following the retirement of its predecessor in August. Jonathan Gifford was in Hamburg this weekend to pay it a visit at its first port of call. Report: Jonathan Gifford, HamburgEurope increases its reliance on other people's landA new way of calculating land-use suggests that Europe is the continent most dependent on 'imported land.'According to a study, 60% of the land Europe needs for its food, fuel and clothes comes from overseas. The research was commissioned by the environmental group Friends of the Earth. It warns that Europe's "land footprint" will have to reduce drastically over the next few years as developing nations demand more of their own terrain for domestic consumption. Report: Nik Martin, BedfordshireWe take a look at a wildlife rescue centre in CambodiaThe WWF announced this week that poachers had very likely killed the last Javanese rhino in Vietnam.Across the border in Cambodia, the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity is working to save species. Matthew Crawford spoke to the center's Deputy Manager Alastair Mould. Interview: Matthew Crawford / Alastair MouldPressure mounts to dam the MekongThe Mekong River is one of the world's last great rivers to escape human interventions on a large-scale. That may soon change.The Mekong provides tens of millions of people with food, water and work in South East Asia. Pressure is mounting to exploit the river for its hydroelectric potential. That spells bad news for many of the river's endemic fish species, and the people who depend on them for protein. Report: Charlotte Chelsom-Pill (Alexander Freund)

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Living Planet: Climate wars

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Is it an exaggeration to talk of climate wars? We hear from soldiers and doctors who fear the security and health implications of climate change are not being appreciated. We also hear about Germany's diffidence towards electric cars, a novel idea for recharging electric devices and Europe's problem with electric waste.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Doctors partner with soldiers to warn of climate conflictsIn recent years, military planners have begun taking the threat of climate change seriously.The Pentagon's 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review to Congress stressed the potential for climate change to weaken fragile governments and to destabilize national security. This week, senior European military officials joined with medical practitioners to discuss the health and security implications of climate change at a conference in London organized by the British Medical Journal. We spoke to some of the participants on the sidelines. Interviews: Nathan Witkop / Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti; Professor Hugh Montgomery; Professor Anthony Costello; Sir Andy HainesGerman studies questions benefits of electric car incentivesThe German government wants to see one million electric cars on the roads by 2020. But is the goal realistic or even sensible?Researchers in Berlin have been looking into the future of electric mobility and have found it might be best to do nothing. Report: Zulfikar Abbany (Insa Wrede) Latvian jacket recharges your mp3 player with motionScientists in Latvia have been working on a new way to use body motion to generate electricity to power small electronic gadgets.The idea is to harness the energy released while you walk. The idea has been around for some time – for example, Irish scientists have designed a backpack which generates electricity. In Latvia, engineers have built a small electric generator which can be integrated into clothing - specifically into a windbreaker-type jacket. Report: Ģederts Ģelzis, RigaEU tries to curb e-wasteEach year in Europe millions of tones of electronic devices end up in landfill - that is, if they're not illegally dumped in poor countries.The European Union's executive is trying to curb the problem. EU members recently met in Rome to come up with ways to collect and recycle what is ultimately a valuable resource. Report: Megan Williams, Rome

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Living Planet: Fessenheim, fracking and food waste

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Authorities prepare to decide the fate of France's oldest reactor amid rising anti-nuclear sentiment; a backlash against 'fracking' gathers in Germany; we talk to the director of a film that follows our food waste; and the Dutch lead the way in growing meat in a Petri dish.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. France prepares to decide the fate of its oldest reactorThe Rhine River separates France and Germany, dividing both countries in more ways than one.In November the French government will decide whether or not to prolong the life of Fessenheim's reactors for another ten years. But times are changing. French anti-nuclear activism is no longer a fringe movement in a country that has long championed nuclear energy. Report: Diana Fong, FessenheimA backlash against 'fracking' gathers in GermanyEuropean countries are split on the issue of 'fracking' - in Germany, resistance is mounting.Hydraulic fracturing – commonly known as 'fracking' – is a technique used to get natural gas from difficult locations like coal beds or shale. It involves using water pressure to crack underground rocks. The technique has been around for decades, but it's becoming more popular because high energy prices are making unconventional deposits of gas a lot more interesting for mining companies. Critics are concerned about the technology's health and environmental impacts. Report: Nina Haase (Brigitte Osterath) New film 'Taste the Waste' tracks our food wasteA new documentary called Taste the Waste explores the staggering waste of food in our global supply chain.Each year your average German throws away 310 euros worth of food that hasn't even been taken out of its packaging. That's according to Taste the Waste. The film follows the trail of our wasteful production chains from farms to kitchens. Globally, enough is squandered to fill a chain of trucks around the planet. DW spoke to Valentin Thurn, the film-maker behind the project. Interview: Nathan Witkop / Valentin ThurnDutch lead the way in growing in vitro meatWould you eat meat that was grown in a lab? Perhaps one day you'll have that choice.In fact, the European Science Foundation held a conference on lab-grown meat in Sweden just last month. Even if it may be a while before in vitro meat hits the supermarket shelves, Dutch universities are leading the research. Report: Cintia Taylor, Netherlands

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Living Planet: Forests on center stage

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Got a few spare million? Then why not max the energy efficiency at your office with Energy Plus? Or get into the new Green Economy and learn how to capitalize on forests sustainably, and make plastic from sugar waste.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items.Energy Plus efficiency and self-sufficiencyA solar company in Hannover has spent millions on rennovating a 100 year old building to make it totally energy efficient and self-sufficient.The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has indicated that her government may cut subsidies for solar energy technology again because it simply doesn't pay. Merkel says solar power uses up 50 percent of the government's budget for renewable energy, but produces two percent of the country's electricity. The government seems intent on putting more cash into wind energy now. There's certainly more wind in Germany than sun. But it's not a particularly innovative observation, but one that may have implications for German firms like AS Solar in Hannover. They have just spent 7.5 million euros ($10 million) on renovating their offices - in a 100 year old building - to make them totally energy efficient, self-sufficient, and even energy producing. It's called 'energy plus' and could become the latest green energy trend - despite any new government plans. Report: Jonathan Gifford, HannoverForests and the new Green EconomyThe UN Forum on Forests says we need to recognize the value in forests for sustainable financial and social gain.As government heads and NGOs prepare for next month's UN climate summit in Durban, a select group of forest experts is in Bonn - working towards the summit after - the landmark Rio +20 Earth Summit. Forests are vital for a third of all earthly - non-human - species, and for the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people as well. But the world still loses vast tracts of forest to industry and logging every year. And the Bonn meeting wants to change that with a new set of recommendations on sustainable forest management that can help create a Green Economy. That's not exactly the green economy as we used to know it - the one that involved the development and sale of renewable energy technology. The new Green Economy is about developing ways to use our forests for financial and social gains, but without destroying them. Interview: Zulfikar Abbany / Jan McAlpine, director, United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)Costa Rica's pay-per-use rescue schemeIt took Costa Rica 20 years to stop the destruction of its forests, but it has with a 'pay-per-use' tax system.Costa Rica is a country that - in the words of a former environment minister - used to promote almost every industry that destroyed forests. That former environment minister is Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. He says there was a time when Costa Rica believed forests were 'unproductive land' and so, back in the 1970 and 80s, during a boom in the fast food industry, the country saw its chance to transform its tropical forests and eco-systems into cattle ranches - and it did well. But it was a political quick fix and it took Costa Rica another 20 years to stop the destruction and finally start increasing its forest cover again. Interview: Zulfikar Abbany / Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, former environment minister of Costa Rica and current vice president for conservation policy, Conservation International Bioplastics from sugar beet wasteAn Italian firm says it has developed a new bioplastic - using waste from sugar beet production - that will reduce the environmental impact of production by keeping things local.Plastics are a terrible waste. They're a terrible waste of petroleum when they're produced, and a terrible waste when empty wrappers and other packaging become the litter on our streets or washed up on our beaches. So, for many years now, scientists have been trying to come up with totally biodegradable plastics - and some have succeeded to make various new plastics for various applications. But now an Italian firm wants to take the idea a step further by not only reducing the mountains of plastic waste we create, but also reducing the environmental impact of production by producing its plastic locally. It makes its bioplastic with the waste from a sugar beet factory next door. Report: Dany Mitzman, Minerbio, northern Italy

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Living Planet: Ecuador's Yasuni gambit

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Ecuador's conservation offer: pay us not to drill for oil; the growing voluntary carbon market; Argentina's efforts to clean up one of the world's dirtiest rivers; and the endless cities of the 21st Century.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Ecuador seeks $100 million for Yasuni by DecemberAmid this month's addresses to the UN General Assembly in New York, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa made a novel appeal to the international community.If the world can raise $100 million by the end of the year, Correa's government will hold off on exploiting the oil of Yasuni national park. The idea is to compensate countries for the environmental services that they are providing for everyone on the planet. If it gets off the ground, the Yasuni-ITT project promises to set a major precedent. Report: Christina Aanestad, EcuadorForests growing stake in the voluntary carbon marketAccording to a new report, investment is booming in voluntary forestry projects that aim to offset carbon emissions in industrialized countries. DW speaks to Katherine Hamilton, one of the author's of this year's State of the Forest Carbon Markets report put out by the Washington-based Ecosystem Marketplace, which tracks the trade in environmental services. Interview: Nathan Witkop / Katherine HamiltonArgentina resolves to clean up the Riachuelo RiverArgentina is gradually trying to clean up one of the dirtiest rivers in the world: The Riachuelo.Residents of Buenos Aires have been campaigning for years to clean up the Riachuelo, which has suffered from the country's industrialization. Now they've received a boost from an international Greenpeace campaign called Dirty Laundry, which is targeting some of the world's leading clothing manufacturers. Report: Sean Sinico Two perspectives on the future of the world's slumsIt's estimated that three in four people will be living in cities by 2050.While London grew by around a sixth during the 20th century, Sao Paolo in Brazil expanded by nearly 8000 percent. Cities in India and China have also experienced exponential growth. With this trend set to become a hallmark of the 21st Century, city planners face a gigantic headache. Report: Nik Martin, London

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Living Planet: Indonesian palm oil

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Indonesia's balancing act between rainforests and development; carbon storage prepares to face its final hurdle in Germany; greener shipping; wave power; and a duo of pranksters who hope to make the world a better place, one stunt at a time.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Indonesia grapples with sustainable palm oilIndonesia is trying to make its palm oil industry 'sustainable,' but there are few incentives for companies to behave ethically.Indonesia and Malaysia are the world's biggest producers of a product that is making its way into everything from lipstick to car engines. DW reports from the Indonesia island of Borneo. Report: Sandy Hausman, BorneoCarbon storage prepares for its final hurdle in GermanyThis Friday, Germany's upper house of parliament – the Bundesrat – will vote on plans to approve technology that captures and stores industrial carbon emissions.Carbon Capture and Storage – also known as CCS – is controversial in Germany. Although it aims to make industry greener by burying CO2 underground, critics fear the technology is immature and potentially dangerous. And some of those critics can be found in Chancellor Angela Merkel's own government. Report: Greg WiserWave power makes a splash in SpainThis summer the world's first commercial wave energy plant went online in northern Spain.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change expects that wave energy could some day meet 30 percent of the world's electricity needs, but for now the technology is in its early stages. Nonetheless, commercial wave power is now supplying electricity to the costal town of Mutriku. Report: Sean Sinico (Reinhard Spiegelhauer, Mutriku)Hamburg convenes meeting to make shipping greenerThe world's economy depends on reliable transport routes. Most imports and exports today take place aboard huge container vessels. So how can freight and related activities in ports around the world be made more environmentally friendly? That was a topic of discussion among around 200 experts, politicians and industry figures at the Greenport congress in Hamburg. Report: Julian Bohne, HamburgPranksters hope to improve the world, one stunt at a timeThe 'Yes Men' use hoaxes and humor to tackle the word's neglected problems.A duo of American activist-comedians is trying to change the way people lobby for a better world. DW caught up with them in Amsterdam. Report: Cintia Taylor, Amsterdam

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Living Planet: Smart meters and the struggle for top soil

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0200

The Belgian city of Leuven trials a smart meter in cars to track people's driving habits and charge a tax by the kilometer, while the UN Convention to Combat Desertification pushes for more action to restore degraded farming land, Greenpeace turns 40, and Brazil's palm oil industry expands.You can listen to the programme online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Smart meters in carsThe Belgian city of Leuven is trialing a smart meter to track people's driving habits and charge a tax by the kilometer.Every kilometer you drive costs you money - in fuel and wear-and-tear on your car. It also costs the environment. With the launch of the European Union's "Mobility Week" this week you may already have your mind on these issues. But special awareness days and weeks come and go and it's easy to forget about congested roads and the emissions that car fuel produces on a daily basis - unless you're in Belgium, where the city of Leuven is trialing a new pay per kilometer system. Report: Teri Schultz, LeuvenUNCCD push for top soilThe UN Convention to Combat Desertification wants a 'land degradation neutral world' by 2030 - but it says we need to act now to secure food supplies and prevent wars. The United Nations General Assembly in New York sits on September 20 for its first high level meeting on desertification. Desertification - or degradation of the top soil that is vital for farming - is often passed over in favor of other climate related issues like the green economy and carbon trading. But the UN Convention to Combat Desertification is pushing for what it calls a 'land degradation neutral world' by 2030 because, it says, if we fail to restore drylands and develop healthy top soil in the poorest regions of the world, global food security will rise and with it the threat of conflict. The UNCCD's executive secretary is Luc Gnacadja. Interview: Zulfikar AbbanyGreenpeace at 40Once mocked and now respected, the international environmental organisation Greenpeace turns 40.What started off as a relatively small operation in Vancouver is now a global organization - Greenpeace is celebrating its 40th year. Greenpeace has changed over the years - it is now undeniably part of the establishment it aims to change. The organization has thousands of employees and many offices around the world, including in China. But as Daniel Mittler, the political director of Greenpeace International told environment correspondent Irene Quaile, Greenpeace remains resolutely independent. Interview: Irene QuaileBrazil's expanding palm oil industryBrazil hopes to become a major player in the global palm oil industry - despite evidence from Malaysia and Indonesia that palm oil cultivation can damage rain forests and wildlife habitats. As demand for biofuels continues to grow, oil palm could become a dominant crop in the Amazon - despite evidence that palm cultivation can be bad for the environment. Some estimate that 98 percent of the rain forests of Malaysia and Indonesia - the world’s largest producers of palm oil - will be gone by 2022 largely due to palm oil cultivation. But palm oil cultivation is gathering support in Brazil, which hopes to be the third or fourth largest producer of palm oil in the world within the decade. It’s not even in the top ten right now. But Europe could play a role in Brazil's growing palm oil industry. Report: Jon Beaupre in Castanhal, Brazil

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Living Planet: Sniffer dogs and turtles

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0200

We look back at Japan's devastating earthquake and the ongoing problems at its Fukushima reactors; Frankfurt Airport deploys sniffer dogs for wildlife seizures; A volunteer program to save sea turtles on the Cape Verde islands; and Greenwashing in Berlin.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Japan faces decade-long cleanup at FukushimaMarch 11 this year was a day like any other in Japan, until about 2:30 in the afternoon, when a devastating earthquake triggered a chain of crises.This weekend will mark six months since Japan's most powerful earthquake to date set off a devastating series of events culminating in the yet-unresolved Fukushima nuclear disaster. Report: Zulfikar AbbanyFrankfurt wildlife sniffer dogs raise eyebrows among European airportsThe trade in illegal wildlife products – which can range from peculiar pets to skins and rhino horns – can earn a smuggler a lot of money in Europe, but it's also a serious threat to endangered species.Frankfurt Airport recently began training dogs, usually used to sniff out drugs, to search for wildlife contraband. It's been having a lot of success and other European airports are taking note. Report: Holly Fox, FrankfurtYouth volunteer to save sea turtles on the Cape Verde islandsThere are seven types of sea turtles in the world and six of them are considered endangered. A group of volunteers in the Cape Verde archipelago is trying to change people's views on hunting them.Since 2008, the Turtle Foundation has been working on Cape Verde's Boavista island to save sea turtles. DW visited one of the island's beach camps and went on a night patrol with the volunteers. Report: Carla Fernandes, Cape VerdeHow serious is 'greenwashing' in Europe?'100% biodegradable’‚ 'pesticide-free’‚ 'sustainably-produced', 'CO2 neutral’ – these days many product labels suggest their manufacturers are greener than Kermit the Frog.As the number of climate-conscious consumers keen to buy environmentally friendly products increases, so too is the number of companies looking to profit from the trend. But how much substance is behind all these shiny green profiles? Report: Leah McDonnell, Berlin

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Living Planet: Damning dams

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0200

It may take decades for Brazil's massive new Belo Monte dam to repay its methane debt; Endangered European bison find a home in a former Red Army base; Glaciers, weather and the US-Europe public divide on climate change; and why Frankfurt Airport is experiment with bees.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Concerns about methane plague Brazil's Belo Monte damIn the UK, a TV show appears to have convinced hundreds of thousands of people to get behind the idea of sustainable fishing.Hydroelectric dams are the world's most common form of renewable energy. In these times of concern about clean, low emissions sources of power, dams can seem like a fairly sensible option. However, the Belo Monte dam's carbon footprint is much bigger than one might think. Report: Jon Beaupre, Claes Andreasson, BrazilFormer Red Army base provides home for rare European bisonA small herd of endangered animals are being returned to the wild in a remote corner of the Czech Republic. It's the latest chapter in what is an amazing reversal of fortunes for Europe’s largest mammal – the European Bison. Hunted virtually to the point of extinction, in recent years they’ve made something of a comeback. Report: Rob Cameron, Czech RepublicEnergy prices and weather split US and European perceptions of climatePublic skepticism of humanity's impact on the climate frequently changes with the weather – quite literally.This year's cool wet conditions in much of Europe and North America were no exception. There's no getting around the fact that public confidence in the case has waned in recent years, even as the evidence of a disturbingly rapid rise in global average temperatures this century mounts in the scientific periodicals. Montana Public Radio Reporter Dan Boyce looks into the stark differences in perceptions of climate change in Europe and the US. Report: Dan Boyce, Montana & BavariaFraport bees generate environmental data and PR buzzResearchers at Frankfurt Airport are using bees to monitor air quality.With the travel season winding up, activity in the continent's airports is winding down. But not for some fliers hard at work not far from the runway of Europe's 3rd busiest airport – Frankfurt. DW went along to find out why. Report: Susan Stone, Frankfurt

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Living Planet: Living Planet - Our water challenges

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Experts are looking for solutions to our water problems at World Water Week; Turning seawater into freshwater through desalination has some environmental downsides; More people are swimming in the Rhine, but it's not as clean as they think; A carpenter builds houses and schools out of plastic bottles in Africa; Small-town Germans bid on a tree's worth of fruit in historical community orchards.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. World Water Week tackles the water challenges faced around the wordFor more than 20 years, the Stockholm International Water Institute has hosted the annual World Water Week, bringing experts from the industrialized world and developing countries together.The aim is to cope with the challenge of providing the world's growing population with a secure supply of our most valuable resource. Each country has a different situation, however, and their various needs demand a multifaceted approach. Report: Irene Quaile, StockholmThe downside to desalinationDesalination could be the solution to our shortage of drinking water or it could lead to even worse consequences.For the one third of the world's population living in an arid region, the idea of turning salty seawater into freshwater might seem pretty miraculous. That freshwater, however, comes at an environmental price. Report: Cyrus FarivarThe Rhine River still harbors dangerous bacteria, despite cleanup effortsMassive cleanup efforts undertaken over the last few decades have led to a dramatic improvement in the Rhine's water quality, but it's still a bad idea to wade in.Heavy industry and a dense population historically made the Rhine one of Europe's most polluted rivers. The chemicals have been cleaned up, but it's the E. coli and Giardia you have to worry about. Report: Dan Boyce Plastic bottles get a new life as a building material in NigeriaAbout 80 percent of our plastic products end up in the ocean and it will take hundreds of years for that plastic to decompose. One German carpenter has come up with an alternative: Houses made from plastic bottles.It might sound a little out there, but Andreas Froese is turning what most of the world considers trash into a building material in Nigeria. Plastic bottles filled with sand are cheaper and stronger than bricks. Report: Charlotte Chelsom-Pill Communal heirloom orchards keep the diversity alive in German villagesAs Europe's market stalls start to fill up with the first apples and pears of the season, villages in south-west Germany are offering people a different way to buy their fruit - by bidding for the produce from a whole tree.In the past centuries, it was a tradition in the region for people to plant orchards on common ground. Today the orchards still standing are home to an incredibly diverse array of birds and animals and fruit trees. At this time of year, many towns and villages auction off this heritage produce to the highest bidder. Report: Kate Hairsine Rheinstetten

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Living Planet: Fish fight

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0200

A TV show in the UK about sustainable fishing appears to be making a difference; What Indonesia might learn from China and India when it comes to preserving forests; A trial program in Cologne gives personalized advice on reducing one's CO2 footprint; 'Carbon carousel fraud' hearing begins in Frankfurt; and we talk to an author behind a new report on the world's oil consumption trends.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Celebrity chef provokes change in UK fish consumptionIn the UK, a TV show appears to have convinced hundreds of thousands of people to get behind the idea of sustainable fishing.'Hugh's Fish Fight' is a campaign by celebrity chef and 'real' food crusader Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. It calls on British consumers to switch to alternative fish species in their diets and appears to have delivered some amazing results. Report: Nik Martin, London.Forest groups say Indonesia should look to Chinese modelTimber watchdogs think Indonesia could learn from China's effort to reverse deforestation.Indonesia has one of the world's highest deforestation rates and is the worst emitter of greenhouse gases when it comes to slash-and-burn land clearances. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hectares of tropical rainforest in Indonesia are felled or go up in smoke. But at the same time, some of Indonesia's neighbors have been charting a strikingly different course. Report: Catherine BolsoverCarbon carousel fraud hearing begins in FrankfurtOne of the biggest tax fraud cases of the year kicked off in Frankfurt's district court on Monday.Six managers are accused of stealing 230 million euros in an elaborate tax evasion scheme involving the carbon market. Report: Cyrus FarivarIn Cologne, climate protection begins at homeIn Germany, the average person produces about 11 tons of CO2 annually - more than half the country's carbon footprint is generated by private households.To trial how average citizens might reduce their carbon footprint, around 90 households in the western German city of Cologne are taking part in a study that began in June. The state's consumer protection office is advising them on how to cut their emissions – and their bills. Report: Chuck PenfoldOil consumption hits all-time highThis week the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute published a report on the state of the world's demand for oil. It's findings? Global demand has returned to an all-time high.The economic recession made a brief dent in the world's relentless demand for oil, but that dip is over. In 2010, the world consumed 87.4 million barrels of oil a day. DW spoke to one of the report's authors, Saya Kitasei, and began by asking her if everything was business as usual in the oil industry. Interview: Saya Kitasei / Nathan Witkop

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Living Planet: Airline emissions

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Europe wants airlines included in its emissions trading scheme next year, but foreign carriers are furious; Cleaning up one of the world's worst - and least talked about - oil spills; rethinking food relief in East Africa; Expiring swine flu vaccines; and Taiwan's burgeoning orchids.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. International airlines challenge EU's emissions schemeAs of next year the European Union wants to make aviation pay for its contribution to climate change, but international airlines are fighting the move tooth and nail.Carriers outside don't want to be a part of it. The most resistance is coming from the United States, whose aviation industry is suing the EU over the measures. Compromise is looking less likely, the closer the plan comes to implementation. Report: Teri Schultz, BrusselsUN says Ogoniland oil cleanup could become world's largestFor 50 years, Ogoniland in southeast Nigeria has been plagued with oil spills. A two-year UN investigation says an urgent and unparalleled cleanup is needed.Ogoniland is covered in pipelines and rusting oil wells. Most belong to the Anglo-Dutch oil company, Royal Dutch Shell. Although Shell halted production in the region in 1993, pollution continues to seep through the company's aging infrastructure, menacing the local population and its ecosystem. Interview: Julia HahnRethinking food relief in East AfricaAmid a famine in the Horn of Africa, the UN’s World Food Program has found itself in a Catch-22.In recent years, the World Food Program has made an effort to support local agriculture in developing countries, by purchasing their produce over that from rich nations. But with global food prices on the rise, some say that supporting local agriculture is actually part of the problem. Report: David LevitzExpiring swine flu vaccines prompt accusations of a 'hype'Some of Germany's state governments want their money back for the swine flu vaccines they bought at the height of the pandemic.A year ago the World Health Organization declared the swine flu pandemic officially over. It cost the lives of about 14,000 people from over 120 countries around the globe, among them some 200 Germans. In line with federal recommendations, Germany's state governments had bought vast amounts of vaccine – awaiting a far more severe spread of the flu. But it never came and only a fraction of the vaccines were used. Interview: Hardy Graupner, BerlinTaiwan's burgeoning orchid industry dazzles European buyersGrowing flowers in Taiwan is big business. And when it comes to market value, orchids stand head and petals above their rivals.Europe is one of the big destinations for Taiwan's orchids – and it's also one of the island's major competitors. According to the Taiwanese Council of Agriculture, Dutch technology and business know-how have been crucial in establishing Taiwan's flower industry. But the pupil is swiftly becoming teacher. Report: Elise Potaka, Taiwan

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Living Planet: Wind parks and animals

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0200

The environmental impact of wind parks; UK veterans fight for nuclear-test compensation; and a visit to one of Germany's recently-declared UNESCO world heritage parks You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Wind sector promises to triple output this decadeAccording to a report this week by Europe's wind energy association, the EU's output of wind energy could triple from today's level of about 86 gigawatts to 230 gigawatts in the next 10 years.That would be around the same amount of power that coal supplies the EU today. However, a lot of this investment is conditional on the continued support of feed-in tariffs that have seen wind energy boom in Germany over the last decade. It's also conditional on a pickup in offshore wind parks, as space on land dries up and local resistance to land-based turbines mounts. We look at the view from Germany. Report: Andy ValvurWind farms harm bats more than birdsAs well as aesthetic concerns about wind parks' disruptions of natural landscapes, there are also environmental concerns – and not just on land.To find out more about the environmental impacts of a technology whose main purpose is to make energy greener, DW spoke to a specialist in migratory species who recently took part in a meeting in South Africa aimed at making wind energy more ecologically friendly. Interview: Aline Kühl / Nathan WitkopUK veterans win backing to sue for radiation compensationLast Thursday, the UK's Supreme Court granted UK military veterans the right to proceed with their appeal for damages for exposure to radiation during nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s.The UK government is fighting the prospect of a multi-million-euro compensation claim with British military veterans who witnessed nuclear test explosions in the 1950s and 60s. Medics say many of them have developed severe health problems like cancer as a result of radiation. Report: Lars Bevanger, EnglandGermany's UNESCO parks strive for animal repopulationWith around 60 percent beech wood, Kellerwald-Edersee is one of the last remaining natural red beech forests in Europe.The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is one of the five beech wood forests recently declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. Yet a forest is more than a collection of trees. It's also about the wildlife that lives interdependently within it. That's why the park service is trying to repopulate part of the forest with its original animal species. Interview: Chiponda Chimbelu

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Living Planet: Wind parks and animals

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0200

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Living Planet: Gunning for forests

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Environmental assassinations in Brazil; The pilot project that's turning poor countries' sewage problems into a source of fuel; European beekeepers' battle with the varroa mite; and thorium reactors.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Brazil fails to halt environmental assassinationsLast week police in Brazil indicted three people for the murders of two prominent environmental activists in the Amazon back in May – but the killers remain at large and judging by past form are likely to remain free. Jose Claudio Ribeiro da Silva and his wife were killed for opposing local landowners in the northern state of Para. It's thought that more than a thousand people have been killed in land conflicts over the country's rainforest since 1985. DW takes a look at why people are literally dying to save the forest in Brazil. Report: Milton Brigatti, BrazilUS and Ghanian engineers turn sewage to fuelKartik Chandran and Ashley Murray want to drastically change the way sub-Saharan Africa looks at waste water. A New York engineer and his counterpart in Ghana are hoping to turn sewage into fuel. The idea is tailored to the needs of developing countries. Report: Audrey QuinnEuropean beekeepers battle the varroa miteEuropean beekeepers have been struggling to cope with an invasion of varroa mite for more than two decades. Some are turning to high tech devices to deal with the problem.They are useful, are hard-working, and they are vital for our ecosystem and economy alike. But in summer time the European honey bee, Apis melifera, faces one of its biggest threats. Report: Julia HahnThorium reactors promise a different nuclear futureA look behind the scenes of the particle accelerator that promises to make thorium reactors viable.The Fukushima disaster in Japan has made countries around the world question their future reliance on nuclear power - Germany is abandoning it altogether. But what if you could build a nuclear reactor which could not suffer a melt down, using fuel which produced far less radioactive waste and which to top it all was a hundred times more efficient than uranium? Interview: Lars Bevanger

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Living Planet: Gunning for forests

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Environmental assassinations in Brazil; The pilot project that's turning poor countries' sewage problems into a source of fuel; European beekeepers' battle with the varroa mite; and thorium reactors.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Brazil fails to halt environmental assassinationsLast week police in Brazil indicted three people for the murders of two prominent environmental activists in the Amazon back in May – but the killers remain at large and judging by past form are likely to remain free. Jose Claudio Ribeiro da Silva and his wife were killed for opposing local landowners in the northern state of Para. It's thought that more than a thousand people have been killed in land conflicts over the country's rainforest since 1985. DW takes a look at why people are literally dying to save the forest in Brazil. Report: Milton Brigatti, BrazilNew York engineer turns sewage to fuelKartik Chandran wants to drastically change the way Sub-Saharan Africa looks at waste water. A New York engineer is hoping to turn sewage into fuel. The idea is tailored to the needs of developing countries and his pilot project is breaking new ground in Ghana this summer. Report: Audrey QuinnEuropean beekeepers battle the varroa miteEuropean beekeepers have been struggling to cope with an invasion of varroa mite for more than two decades. Some are turning to high tech devices to deal with the problem.They are useful, are hard-working, and they are vital for our ecosystem and economy alike. But in summer time the European honey bee, Apis melifera, faces one of its biggest threats. Report: Julia HahnThorium reactors promise a different nuclear futureA look behind the scenes of the particle accelerator that promises to make thorium reactors viable.The Fukushima disaster in Japan has made countries around the world question their future reliance on nuclear power - Germany is abandoning it altogether. But what if you could build a nuclear reactor which could not suffer a melt down, using fuel which produced far less radioactive waste and which to top it all was a hundred times more efficient than uranium? Interview: Lars Bevanger

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Living Planet: Marshalling water

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

Profligate utility companies in the UK; An enormous Chilean dam project prompts accusations of state corruption; A community that's reviving old bread-making techniques on the banks of the river Po; and a project aimed at curbing the trade in illegal timber.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Report takes aim at UK profligate use of waterA new report in the UK says British utility companies are over exploiting river systems, pushing them to collapse.A new report in the UK has revealed the extent to which utility companies are abstracting water from the country's rivers. The paper estimates that 23 million people would have to stop using water to allow the natural habitat to reverse the environmental damage being caused. The report's author says the problem is especially noticeable this year, but it won't change unless the UK reforms its approach to water management. Report: Nik Martin, LondonChilean project prompts accusations of corruptionIn Chile, a mammoth hydropower project is sparking major protest.The plans involve not just construction of five dams, but also building the world's biggest high-voltage power line. Many Chileans feel cheated – and blame powerful business interests. Charlotte Chelsom Pill has more. Report: Charlotte Chelsom Pill (Thomas Nachtigall, Chile)Community revives 'best bread in the world'According to the 20th century Italian novelist, Riccardo Bacchelli, the best bread in the world came from Ferrara, on the banks of the River Po.Ferrara's mills may have disappeared but they’ve never been forgotten by the communities whose economy is still based on cereal production. Today, the small village of Ro Ferrarese is involved in a project to recover the lost glory of its ancient bread-making tradition. It hopes the mill, which will be used to make old-fashioned organic bread, will help protect the area's environment and identity. Report: Dany Mitzman, ItalyEU barcodes trees to curb the illegal timber tradeAccording to the United Nations, up to 40% of industrial wood production is harvested illegally. A good chunk of this, about a fifth, makes its way into the European Union.From 2012, any country that wants to export wood to Europe will have to prove that it was harvested legally. The rule has spurred a spate of deals with timber producing countries aimed at helping eliminate corruption. These deals are called Voluntary Partnership Agreements. One of the latest countries to enter one of these deals is Liberia, home to about half of West Africa's remaining virgin rainforest. Interview: Cinnamon Nippard

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Living Planet: Marshalling water

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

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Living Planet: Money in whaling and human-wildlife diseases

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

We look at efforts to 'clean up' the International Whaling Commission; A bear poacher turns gamekeeper in Taiwan; Bright prospects for Kenyan renewables; and we discuss the roles of nature and humans in spreading infectious diseases. You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. UK aims to 'clean up' whaling talksJapan, Norway and Iceland have frequently come close to getting the numbers they need to overturn the ban on commercial whaling. This has led to accusations – and counter accusations – of vote-buying.We look at attempts to change the way the IWC operates - starting with the rules regarding cash payments for membership fees, something that could end this week as the IWC meets on the British island of Jersey. Report: Robin Powell, LondonA Taiwan duo fight to preserve the black bearHabitat loss and illegal poaching have reduced the number of black bears on Taiwan to just a few hundred.A bear-hunter turned gamekeeper and a woman called the 'bear mother' are fighting to reverse the plight of Taiwan's black bears. Report: Elise Potaka, TaiwanGermany warms to Kenya's solar potentialGerman renewable energy entrepreneurs see opportunities for growth in Africa.Germany's Chancellor is in Africa this week to promote trade ties. Traditionally - and especially when it comes to energy matters - Germany's relations with Africa have revolved around getting access to resources like oil and gas, but a new dynamic may be around the corner. Report: Stuart Tiffen (Antje Diekhans, Nairobi)The 'one health' approach to stopping infectious diseasesA conversation on the connection between wild animals, livestock, people and infectious diseases.Borja Heredia is the co-convenor of a newly established UN scientific task force to tackle the spread of infectious diseases. Interview: Borja Heredia / Nathan Witkop

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Living Planet: Money in whaling and human-wildlife diseases

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

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Living Planet: Greening Europe's farms

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

We look at the idea of paying Europe's farmers to protect nature: With budget proposals out for the EU's 2014-2020 budget, we hear how changes to agriculture spending are being received on the continent and in the UK; we also speak to the EU's environment chief; and hear about making fair trade mobile phones.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. EU fails to please with greener farm subsidiesEurope's farm subsidies have long been controversial. But in these tough economic times, a novel idea has been gaining traction - why not divert some of the money to look after nature?Farmers could help re-grow forests, bogs and habitats for threatened species, achieving several European Union goals at once. This month the EU's executive released its budget proposals for its next five year spending cycle – so where would it really like to stick its money? Report: Teri Schultz, BrusselsUK farmers fear subsidies' directionBritain has traditionally been one of the biggest critics of farm subsides within the EU, but what if the services that farmers were paid for were to change?Although UK farmers also benefit from the payments, many are concerned that plans to 'green' the farm subsidies will effectively require them to do more with less. Report: Nina Maria Potts, LondonEU environment chief defends the bloc's paradoxesJanez Potocnik is the commissioner responsible for environmental affairs within the European Union's executive.DW spoke to Commissioner Potocnik about the idea of paying farmers to restore nature – and whether some of the EU's environment policies actually do more harm than good. Interview: Janez Potocnik / Nathan Witkop Sierra Leone struggles to stop pirate fishing'Pirate fishing' off Sierra Leone presents another food versus nature dilemma - and the problem has become particularly rapacious in recent years.As well as decimating fish stocks, pirate fishing can also deprive poor communities of a crucial source of food. Former conflict zones, like Sierra Leone, are particularly vulnerable to the problem, and governments have been slow to respond. Report: Ben Knight, Sierra LeonneDutch team hopes to engineer the 'fair phone'Two organizations in Amsterdam have joined forces to try to produce the world's first fair trade mobile phone.Fair coffee, fair chocolate or fair clothes have become common concepts, but a Dutch team is now working on applying the principles to mobile phones to tackle the conflict-mineral trade. Report: Cintia Taylor, Amsterdam

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Living Planet: Greening Europe's farms

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0200

We look at the idea of paying Europe's farmers to protect nature: With budget proposals out for the EU's next five-year cycle, we hear how changes to agriculture spending are being received on the continent and in the UK; we also speak to the EU's environment chief; and hear about making fair trade mobile phones.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. EU fails to please with greener farm subsidiesEurope's farm subsidies have long been controversial. But in these tough economic times, a novel idea has been gaining traction - why not divert some of the money to look after nature?Farmers could help re-grow forests, bogs and habitats for threatened species, achieving several European Union goals at once. This month the EU's executive released its budget proposals for its next five year spending cycle – so where would it really like to stick its money? Report: Teri Schultz, BrusselsUK farmers fear subsidies' directionBritain has traditionally been one of the biggest critics of farm subsides within the EU, but what if the services that farmers were paid for were to change?Although UK farmers also benefit from the payments, many are concerned that plans to 'green' the farm subsidies will effectively require them to do more with less. Report: Nina Maria Potts, LondonEU environment chief defends the bloc's paradoxesJanez Potocnik is the commissioner responsible for environmental affairs within the European Union's executive.DW spoke to Commissioner Potocnik about the idea of paying farmers to restore nature – and whether some of the EU's environment policies actually do more harm than good. Interview: Janez Potocnik / Nathan Witkop Sierra Leone struggles to stop pirate fishing'Pirate fishing' off Sierra Leone presents another food versus nature dilemma - and the problem has become particularly rapacious in recent years.As well as decimating fish stocks, pirate fishing can also deprive poor communities of a crucial source of food. Former conflict zones, like Sierra Leone, are particularly vulnerable to the problem, and governments have been slow to respond. Report: Ben Knight, Sierra LeonneDutch team hopes to engineer the 'fair phone'Two organizations in Amsterdam have joined forces to try to produce the world's first fair trade mobile phone.Fair coffee, fair chocolate or fair clothes have become common concepts, but a Dutch team is now working on applying the principles to mobile phones to tackle the conflict-mineral trade. Report: Cintia Taylor, Amsterdam

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Living Planet: Decommissioning a reactor

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:30:00 +0200

As Germany passes legislation to exit nuclear energy, we visit one of the country's ex-nuclear plants that's still a hive of activity; A clever organic idea for tackling crop pests in the tropics; Ghana's e-waste problem; Some success in beating desertification in China; and an electric car for Ugandans.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Years of dismantling await Germany's nuclear exitAs Germany passes legislation to phase out nuclear energy, we look behind the scenes of the ongoing effort to decommission an East German plant that was shut down over 16 years ago.When Germany shuts down the last of its nuclear reactors in 2022, nuclear authorities can expect to have their work cut out for them. To get an idea of the scale of the task involved in dismantling a nuclear reactor, DW visited Rheinsberg, the site of a former plant that has been in the process of being decommissioned since 1995. Report: Gabriel Borrud, RheinsbergOrganic 'paste' saves tropical famers money and healthScientists in a range of countries are experimenting with powerful organic ways to protect harvests without damaging the environment. DW visits projects targeting tropical conditions in Indonesia.The challenge of pest-control can be especially great in the tropics, where insects and fungi thrive in their competition with farmers for edible crops. 'Integrated Pest management' aims to boost farmers' crop-resilience, without forcing them to resort to pesticides. Report: Sandy Hausman, BaliChina scores success in battling desertificationWhile China has one of the world's oldest relationships with agriculture, it's also facing a range of stresses - most notably, soil and water. About one-fifth of China is covered in deserts, and desertification – the loss of productive soils – is expanding. Yet the country has also had some success in tackling this problem. Deutsche Welle visited one of the promising projects. Report: Ruth Kirchner / Holly Fox E-waste piles up in GhanaGhana has acquired an unfortunate reputation as one of the world's major destinations for electronic rubbish, or e-waste.Although there are international regulations to make sure that industrialized countries only export hazardous waste to one another, there are exemptions for things like computers, TVs and refrigerators - provided the products can still be considered 'usable.' There is strong demand for these unwanted products in Ghana, but the trade is also exposing humans – and the environment – to cocktails of toxins. Report: Samuel Burri / Matt ZuwelleAn electric car for UgandansA team of engineers at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, is working on building the country's first electric car.Though the resources at their disposal may be more modest than the car factories of Detroit, for the past two years, the team has been tinkering on an affordable and functional electric vehicle for Ugandans and they hope to have a prototype up and running in the next few months. Report: Simone Schlindwein / Andrew Bowen

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Living Planet: Decommissioning a reactor

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:30:00 +0200

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Living Planet: A right to water

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:30:00 +0200

We ask whether we should consider water a human right; A look back at the outcome of this month's climate talks in Bonn; New science shows faster warming in the Arctic; and the US and Vietnam begin a new chapter of cooperation to tackle the legacy of Agent Orange.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Bonn's climate talks fail to bridge key differencesThe intermediate round of talks in Bonn was aimed at bridging differences ahead of this year's climate summit in South Africa. It didn't do a good job.The question of what to do about pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions when the first round of the Kyoto Protocol expires at the end of next year remains unresolved. Report: Helle Jeppesen / Matt ZuvelaNew science shows faster warming in the ArcticWhile nations have been wrangling over the details of a possible new climate agreement, scientists have released disturbing findings on the pace of Arctic warming.A recent report on the Arctic suggests the UN's scientific panel is behind the curve. When the last report by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was published in 2007, there was a lack of data on the Arctic, so the panel left a big source of potential sea-level-rise out of its projections for this century. It estimated a conservative rise of about 18 to 59 centimeters. This left a number of scientists uncomfortable, and some have stepped forward with new research. Report: Irene QuaileIs water a human right?This week Deutsche Welle held its annual Global Media Forum, which focused on human rights. So what does water have to do with this? One country that has already enshrined the right to water in its constitution is South Africa. DW asked the South African water expert Rolfe Eberhard why people should be granted a right to water. Interview: Rolfe Eberhard / Nathan Witkop The US and Vietnam cooperate to tackle Agent OrangeThe destructive legacy of Agent Orange has proved a thorn in the side relations between Vietnam and the US since the end of their conflict. Now the US is helping Vietnam with cleanup.The US dropped millions of liters of the defoliant known as "Agent Orange" on Vietnam during the conflict. It contaminated the soil and ecosystems and has left many Vietnamese with life-long health problems. Report: Udo Schmidt / Gabriel Borrud

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