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Living Planet

100 avsnitt • Längd: 30 min • Veckovis: Torsdag

Looking to reconnect with nature? Want to make better decisions for the health of the planet? Every Friday, Living Planet brings you the stories, facts and debates on the key environmental issues of our time.

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What the economy gets wrong about nature

16 maj 2025 | 37 min

What’s a forest really worth? Or a pollinator, or a reef? In this final episode of The Cost of Climate Change, we travel to Tasmania’s underwater forests to uncover the hidden costs of nature loss and what the economy has been ignoring - from vanishing carbon sinks to collapsing food systems. But there’s another side to this story: what we can save by putting nature first.

Heatstroke economy: the rising cost of extreme heat

9 maj 2025 | 40 min

Extreme heat is no longer a future threat. It's here - and it’s costing us. From hospitals pushed to the brink, to cities built for a cooler planet, the toll is mounting on our bodies, our livelihoods and the systems meant to keep us safe. In Part 4 of our Cost of Climate Change series, we dig into the true price of rising heat, and what it might take to adapt before the next heatwave hits.

How should we finance climate action?

2 maj 2025 | 40 min

What do a German heat pump and a Canadian carbon price have in common? They're both flashpoints in a growing political battle over how to cut emissions and share the costs fairly. In Part 3 of our series The Cost of Climate Change, we follow the money and ask: who needs to cough up – consumers, taxpayers, or polluters?

Can we afford a transition to clean energy?

25 april 2025 | 39 min

Sun, wind, water, and Earth’s heat - they’re abundant, carbon-free, and cheaper to harness than ever. But what’s the true price of overhauling our energy system? Is clean power really the cheaper path? In Part 2 of our series The Cost of Climate Change, we head to outback Australia to meet an accidental ally in the race to ditch fossil fuels.

Who's paying for the next hurricane?

18 april 2025 | 43 min

In this episode, we head to Miami - where vibrant nightlife, sunshine, and storm surges collide. As hurricanes intensify and insurers pull out, the cost of living in paradise is becoming impossible to ignore. Who foots the bill for extreme weather, and how do we keep from going broke? One new Florida community might hold some of the answers. This is Part 1 of our series The Cost of Climate Change.

Prologue: The true cost of climate change

11 april 2025 | 15 min

Ever notice how debates about the cost of climate change tend to focus on how green policies are too expensive – and less about the huge bill we’ll all face the longer we fail to act? That’s exactly what our new five-part series will be exploring, starting April 18. Here's a taste of what to expect.

Are PFAS affecting you? What you should know

4 april 2025 | 36 min

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are everywhere – in food packaging, water, and more. But what happens when they enter our bloodstream? One woman's fight to find out.

Nature's healing touch: Fact or fiction?

28 mars 2025 | 33 min

Is our love for nature more than instinct? A look at the fascinating link between nature, mental health, and physical recovery.

Are your flowers bad for the environment? (Rebroadcast)

21 mars 2025 | 32 min

Spring is in the air, and so are fresh blooms! With the US marking National Flower Day this week and flower season about to ramp up in the world's flower capital, the Netherlands, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. Find out how cut flowers are grown, how they reach us, and what it takes to keep them blooming year-round.

How far will governments go to stop climate protests?

14 mars 2025 | 25 min

Governments are cracking down on climate protests. They say activists have crossed the line into extremism. But history shows resistance only adapts. As repression intensifies, will it crush the movement - or make it stronger?

What does 1 ton of CO2 look like?

7 mars 2025 | 33 min

Last year, the world pumped over 41 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Hard to picture, isn’t it? In this episode, we explore different ways of understanding this basic concept of climate science along with the help of a researcher with a very personal link to the origins of our obsession with carbon dioxide.

Water, AI & the craic – Your questions answered

28 februari 2025 | 34 min

Is Ireland really running out of water? Is AI to blame? And where does Irish mythology fit in? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, we answer your questions, share unexpected insights, and, of course, have a bit of craic along the way.

Who's scared of 15-minute cities?

21 februari 2025 | 30 min

Imagine a city where everything - work, shopping, schools, and parks - is just 15 minutes away. Is this the key to a greener, more convenient future or a threat to personal freedom?

Growing food in the dark

14 februari 2025 | 32 min

Scientists in the US have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness. Could this be the future of farming, reducing land use and environmental impact? Or will traditional agriculture remain irreplaceable?

A Pacific island starts packing for metaverse move – but what to take?

7 februari 2025 | 27 min

What would you do to save your home from disappearing? As sea levels rise, the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu mulls a permanent move to the metaverse to save its culture. But not everyone is giving up just yet.

Ireland's water dilemma: Protecting the River Shannon or powering the future?

31 januari 2025 | 33 min

As Ireland's capital faces a growing water crisis, a controversial multibillion-euro pipeline threatens to reshape the fate of the mighty River Shannon. This is a story of rural-urban divide, corporate thirst and a river's uncertain future.

Part 2: Light pollution – Rewilding the night

24 januari 2025 | 30 min

We recently devoted an episode to exploring LED light pollution in one of Germany’s brightest cities. In part two, we hear from a motley team of researchers who want to rewild urban cities. An artist and an ethicist are leading the way with a “light clock,” an intriguing thought experiment on the relationship between light and time.

Telling landscapes: The Brontes, Stoker and Herriot

17 januari 2025 | 18 min

Who doesn't love a good story? Even in the noise of today, some books keep on drawing new readers. Outdated in many ways, yet standing the test of time, can those with strong natural settings foster an appreciation of the world around us? An English county with its fair share of well-known writers might be a good place to explore that idea.

The winter secrets of bees

10 januari 2025 | 13 min

What happens to bees in winter? These busy creatures don't just vanish when the cold sets in. In this second episode of our Naturally Connected mini-series we learn about the amazing survival strategies of bees.

The call of the sea

3 januari 2025 | 18 min

What is it about the sea that draws us in? From rugged cliffs to sandy shores, Tamsin Walker explores the ocean’s magnetic pull and the mysteries of its hold on us in this opening episode of our Naturally Connected mini-series.

BONUS: Your questions answered, plus our favorite moments of 2024

27 december 2024 | 33 min

Before we ring in the New Year, Living Planet has some answers to your listener questions. Which is better for the environment: reusable or paper coffee cups? And what about the water footprint of the meat industry? Does it really take 15,000 liters of water to produce one kilo of beef? Plus, our favorite moments of 2024.

What's better – real Christmas trees or fake ones?

19 december 2024 | 20 min

Ever wondered what's the greener, more sustainable choice between a chopped down live Christmas tree or an artificial plastic one? Join us as we find out what to watch out for this Christmas season.

Introducing: Don’t Drink the Milk — The curious history of the lawn

13 december 2024 | 35 min

What can a well-manicured lawn reveal about social status, our relationship to the Earth and the American Dream? A surprising amount. From fancy French palace gardens to suburban America, come along for the garden party as we mow over the history of the lawn – and ask if its time is up. This episode is from DW's Don't Drink the Milk podcast.

Part 1: Light pollution – Bright lights, big, LED cities

6 december 2024 | 30 min

More and more cities are switching to LEDs to save money and, ultimately, the planet. But ecologists are worried about this trend. Dr. Chris Kyba explains why on a night walk through Cologne, one of Germany's brightest cities.

Why woodpeckers are choosing the city over the forest

29 november 2024 | 12 min

In the heart of Berlin, woodpeckers are turning the city into their playground. From drumming on trees to carving out homes, these master carpenters are thriving in the most unlikely of places. But why are they drawn to the bustling streets and towering buildings?

One country's shock solar revolution

22 november 2024 | 25 min

Not long ago, energy analysts noticed something weird in the data they were tracking. The anomaly centered on Pakistan. All of a sudden, the country seemed to be using far, far less electricity than before. What the analysts would discover baffled them – it was a different kind of power surge brewing right under their noses. One that could have ripple effects far and wide. If it isn't halted.

The ticking time bombs at the bottom of the ocean

15 november 2024 | 29 min

Thousands of ships loaded with oil were sunk during the fierce sea battles of the Second World War. That means they’ve been sitting underwater for eight decades, with no maintenance or protection. Scientists fear many of these wrecks are now close to collapse — and that a spike in catastrophic oil spills may be on the horizon.

Introducing: Up from Dust

7 november 2024 | 34 min

This week we are sharing an episode from Up From Dust – a podcast from the NPR stations of Kansas. "Healing the ground we broke" takes us to the majestic prairies of Kansas to the get the dirt on why soil health is so important to maintaining our food systems and protecting the land from climate disaster.

Can planting trees really offset my flight emissions?

31 oktober 2024 | 30 min

Ever been in this situation? You want to fly, but when you start looking at carbon offset websites, you can’t tell what’s real? Then this episode’s definitely for you. We asked around, and got some pretty interesting answers, including from an unlikely carbon credit b.s. detector.

What wild geese teach us about teamwork

25 oktober 2024 | 13 min

Wild geese migrate with remarkable success. They navigate thousands of miles thanks to their unique social structure and provide valuable lessons on teamwork and resilience. But how do these birds know exactly when to embark on their epic migration?

How eco-friendly funerals are changing traditions

17 oktober 2024 | 34 min

As traditional funerals take a toll on the environment, a new wave of eco-friendly options is emerging. This episode reveals the surprising choices for sustainable farewells. Are you ready to rethink your final act?

The battle to ban fossil fuel advertising

11 oktober 2024 | 35 min

It's so common it's easy to overlook. But what if advertising has more power to shape our choices, our world and our climate than we realize? For decades, the fossil fuel industry has used marketing to buy our support and delay climate action – with remarkable success. Now some cities have had enough. They're banning ads for cruises, cars and flying – and they say that's just the beginning.

What’s better – leather or vegan leather?

4 oktober 2024 | 31 min

Vegan leather, synthetic leather, faux leather. Whatever you want to call it, demand for this non-animal-based leather alternative is on the rise, especially when it comes to shoes. Some consumers don’t want to pay leather prices, others want a clean conscience when it comes to the environment and animal cruelty. So, how do these materials stack up against leather?

Chirping from the crypt

27 september 2024 | 14 min

There are an estimated 50 to 430 billion birds worldwide. They're everywhere, but few of us take the time to listen. In this episode, our reporter Ben Restle joins a nocturnal Berlin birdwatching workshop in a rather eerie location. It’s perfect for witnessing the magical dawn chorus - you just need to make it through the night…

Introducing: What on Earth

20 september 2024 | 27 min

This week we are sharing an episode from What On Earth — a CBC Podcast dedicated to bringing you a world of climate solutions. “Ghosts in their fishing nets” takes us to the Yukon, where Indigenous communities are sounding the alarm over critically endangered Chinook salmon populations – and fighting to help the fish return.

When ants invade

13 september 2024 | 36 min

Which creatures tend their own gardens, keep livestock, wage wars and have been around since the dinosaurs? We’re talking about ants of course. Tiny but mighty, the ant universe is complex, fascinating, and mostly hidden. Ants are crucial for sustaining healthy ecosystems. But, as residents in one German town discovered, they can also wreak havoc when they invade new habitats.

Suck, bury, store – Denmark wants your CO2, but why?

6 september 2024 | 33 min

If you can't beat CO2 pollution, then bury it? That's basically the thought behind carbon capture and storage. Denmark wants to become a leader in these efforts, and has the geological underground to lock away billions of tons of CO2. But locals ask, will it blow up in their face? An exploration of carbon capture technology.

The dirty truth about laundry

29 augusti 2024 | 32 min

Our laundry routine impacts the environment with chemicals, microplastics, and energy use. Is our fear of being viewed as dirty making us overwash our clothes? Find out how to make smarter and greener laundry choices.

What’s better – dairy or plant-based milk?

23 augusti 2024 | 24 min

Whether you're an almond or soy milk enthusiast, or just curious about the latest trend in plant-based alternatives, find out which milk is the best choice for your health and the environment.

The fox's tale

16 augusti 2024 | 14 min

Foxes have thrived alongside us for centuries. Despite facing numerous threats, they continue to adapt and survive in our ever-changing world. But how are these clever animals finding their place in urban areas?

Finding humanity beneath the Arches

9 augusti 2024 | 33 min

America's iconic national parks are a great place to reconnect with nature. But are the crowds killing the vibe? Among the red rocks and tourists of Arches National Park in Southern Utah, reporter Sam Baker asks: Do we need solitude to find serenity in nature?

The lost art of foraging

2 augusti 2024 | 15 min

An urban park in the heart of Berlin might not seem like an ideal place to forage for hidden food treasures. But it's actually blessed with richer biodiversity than the sprawling countryside that wraps around it. And, if you lean in close enough, you'll find an astonishing diversity of plants to nourish, heal and soothe - and you might even untap some old wisdom within yourself along the way.

Murky waters - what's stealing the light from our oceans?

25 juli 2024 | 32 min

Coastal waters are darkening, with drastic consequences for marine life and the fishing industry. We explore what’s causing our once clear coastal waters to go murky.

What's better - the 4 or 5 day workweek?

19 juli 2024 | 33 min

Scrapping the classic five-day workweek sounds great when it comes to a better work-life balance. But could less time at work also benefit the environment?

Why you’d better check the sunscreen you use

12 juli 2024 | 26 min

Hawaii and other tourist hot spots have banned some UV filters found in sunscreen, in part thanks to a fateful snack run for Oreos that put one ecotoxicologist on the trail of unsuspected coral killer in the ocean. Twenty years later, his search continues amid a cacophony of misinformation about sun protection.

Can soccer go green?

5 juli 2024 | 18 min

With over 2 billion dollars in expected revenue and a projected carbon footprint of 500,000 tons of CO2, do the 2024 Euros deserve being called the "most sustainable European Championship" and is the competition hitting its eco-friendly targets? From discounted train rides to plant-based snacks, discover the real impact of this soccer fest as business interests clash with sustainability goals.

Are we blind to our pets’ climate crimes?

28 juni 2024 | 32 min

We're obsessed with our pooches, our kitty cats and our cockatiels – how could we not be? They're cute as heck! So, it's easy to turn off to news of how they might be hurting the environment and putting their own health in danger. But don't worry, pets can help us too – if we let them.

The true cost of sugar

20 juni 2024 | 40 min

Sugar has changed the world. In this episode, we hear how this ubiquitous commodity reshaped economies, fueled the slave trade and influenced global health trends. And our desire for sugary foods has also left a mark on the environment. Is it time to question the sustainability of our sweet tooth? Or can we have our cake and eat it too?

Could ocean viruses be used for carbon capture?

14 juni 2024 | 31 min

A handful of sea water contains more than 50 million viruses. But they’re nothing to be afraid of, at least where human health is concerned. In fact, some scientists wonder if they can be harnessed to help fight climate change.

Where do all the flowers come from?

6 juni 2024 | 31 min

Roses are red, cornflowers are blue. Most flowers are grown on a different continent, what's it to you? There’s nothing quite like the gift of cut flowers – a special little piece of nature’s bounty in your hands. But the thing about flowers is, they've gotta be fresh and we want them year round. So, how do we grow them and how do they get to us?

Quick update – Living Planet gets a refresh

5 juni 2024 | 9 min

We've been busy behind the scenes tweaking and updating the Living Planet podcast and we're finally ready to let you in on a few of our secrets!

Reviving repair culture

29 maj 2024 | 17 min

We generate so much e-waste per year that we could easily fill enough garbage trucks to circle the globe. In this episode we learn about innovative solutions to our growing e-waste problem, the EU's new right-to-repair legislation, and how this shift is challenging our throwaway mindset. Can we fix our way to a more sustainable future?

What's better – electric or combustion cars?

23 maj 2024 | 30 min

On the road to a carbon-free future, a lot of drivers are facing a tough dilemma: Is it worth switching to an electric car if the gas-powered car I have can still run a few more years? Is the environmental footprint of an EV really that much better? We spoke to several experts about the upside and downside of e-mobility from range anxiety to charging infrastructure and more. Click here to listen.

Introducing: Feet in 2 Worlds

16 maj 2024 | 30 min

This week we are sharing an episode from Feet in 2 Worlds — a project that brings the work of immigrant journalists to online news sites, podcasts, and public radio. This story was produced as part of Home, Interrupted, a podcast series by Feet in 2 Worlds that explores how the climate crisis affects immigrants across the US.

Learning from your local stream

9 maj 2024 | 12 min

It's no secret that humans have a deep and abiding relationship with water. Whether the ocean, lakes or rivers, we often go in search of, and take great delight in, the experience of bold bodies of water. And perhaps that means sometimes we overlook the smaller ones. Like the streams that have trickled along the same routes for hundreds and thousands of years. Time for a closer look.

The hidden toll of roadkill

2 maj 2024 | 36 min

For some species being hit by a car is the number one cause of death above hunting and disease. What does this mean for wildlife populations and endangered species? How do we make roads safer for animals?

The evolution of our plastic dependency

25 april 2024 | 30 min

Plastics have only been around for a little over a century. But in that time, they've become a huge part of our lives and a growing burden for the environment. Each year, the world produces over 430 million tons of plastics, and that figure is set to triple by 2060. A binding global plastics treaty is key to solving the problem. But just how did we get here in the first place?

A mercurial problem

18 april 2024 | 27 min

Mercury’s a known pollutant in fish, but did you know one of the biggest mercury emitters is actually small-scale gold mining? From sunken ships to shihuahuaco trees, we take a deep dive into the astounding history and science of mercury and the solutions that could break its toxic cycle.

Illegal bushmeat trade

11 april 2024 | 30 min

From customs clashes to biodiversity threats and cultural cravings, the illegal bushmeat trade is affecting health and wildlife conservation across continents. But just how widespread is it and why is it so hard to contain?

What's better – cotton or polyester clothing?

4 april 2024 | 15 min

Are you torn over your clothing's environmental impact? From resource-intensive production methods to consumer behaviors, explore the complexities shaping our fashion choices and their ecological footprints.

An ode to the crow

28 mars 2024 | 12 min

A familiar bird that is as clever as it is cunning, sadly the crow is often dismissed as merely a ruthless menace or an unwelcome alarm clock. But if you look closer, there's beauty in this scavenger's ways.

What's better – contact lenses or glasses?

21 mars 2024 | 21 min

It seems like glasses would be the obvious eco-friendly choice, but not so fast! The answer is both fascinating and a bit mind boggling. Get ready for some eye-opening facts that could make you rethink your eyewear habits.

The iron grip of Brazil's mining industry

14 mars 2024 | 30 min

Brazil's iron ore industry is a vital economic asset but it has devastating environmental consequences. In this episode we delve into the challenges faced by local communities in Minas Gerais as they resist the impacts of mining activities on their environment and water sources.

What's better – tea or coffee?

8 mars 2024 | 30 min

Have you ever wondered about the eco-story behind your daily brew? Join us as we spill the beans on the environmental impact of tea & coffee, from cultivation to consumption.

What's better – paper or plastic?

29 februari 2024 | 15 min

Plastic or paper packaging. The more environmentally friendly option seems obvious, right? But concealed within this deceptively simple choice between two materials is a whole lot of different chemicals, marketing tricks and greenwashing. So, which is better for the environment?

What's better – e-readers or paper books?

22 februari 2024 | 15 min

Do you ever find yourself stumped by a seemingly simple choice between two things because you're not sure which would be better for the environment? Like plastic or paper packaging, cotton or polyester pants? We're going to try to find some of the answers in a new segment exploring these everyday environmental dilemmas. In this episode we tackle our reading options: electronic books vs paperbacks.

The memory of trees

15 februari 2024 | 14 min

How often do you stop to really look at the trees in your neighborhood or in your local park? To observe their details and feel their presence? Though you mightn’t have really noticed them – they certainly notice you. They might even be listening in on your conversations. Journey with us to Berlin to get to know a special tree and meet a tree surgeon who can share some of its secrets.

We need to talk about farmers and mental health

8 februari 2024 | 30 min

Recent studies say mental health is in decline among farmers, and they say climate policy is partially to blame. We spoke with German farmers and experts from different EU countries to find out more. And what they had to say was eye-opening.

The truly amazing world of fungi

1 februari 2024 | 28 min

When you hear the word fungus, what comes to mind? Maybe you're thinking about those semi-circular growths on tree trunks in the forest, or some mold on a piece of fruit. Estimates suggest more than 90% of all fungal species are still unknown to science - and that new discoveries are happening all the time. Join us for a deep dive into the world of fungi.

If you love salmon, you might want to listen to this...

25 januari 2024 | 30 min

From farmed salmon with open wounds and lice-infested bodies, to the dangers of mating between wild salmon and its farmed counterpart after thousands of fish escaped from a fish farm - we take you to Iceland's aquafarms. And: why it's a good idea to pay close attention to the Southern Right Whale.

Why this 3D-printed house could be a gamechanger

19 januari 2024 | 22 min

This week, a deep dive into the fascinating story behind a 3D-printed house made entirely of bio-based materials. We spoke with people behind BioHome 3D to find out why Maine was almost a fateful setting for this project, and what its effect might be on the US housing crisis.

Is recycling really the answer to the plastic crisis?

11 januari 2024 | 30 min

Globally only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled. But why is that rate so low? On this week's episode of Living Planet, we're airing an episode from a special on the plastics age which was produced by the DW podcast On the Green Fence.

Bioplastics: The good, the bad and the ugly

4 januari 2024 | 30 min

One way to curb the world's plastics problem would be to use bioplastics. But not all bioplastics are created equal.

Bugs that eat plastic

28 december 2023 | 30 min

What if there were a way to curb plastic pollution using enzymes? That's what scientists are exploring. On this episode, we'll take a look at how realistic this solution might be.

The everyday Americans tackling climate change

21 december 2023 | 30 min

Americans across the United States are grappling with unprecedented extreme weather events. And if you travel across the country, you'll meet all manner of people, from winemakers to aviation experts, who are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work to find sustainable solutions.

What kind of world is possible?

15 december 2023 | 34 min

Some major climate records were broken this year that paint a grim picture. But what we hear less about are the climate trends heading in the right direction. Dr Hannah Ritchie wants to help us see them.

Cooling amphibians & carbon-capturing mollusks

7 december 2023 | 30 min

Come on a journey from central America to France, to follow the story of the quirky, feathery-gilled Mexican axolotl with a key role in regulating Mexico City's temperature, to meet climate-conscious clam and oyster fishers in Italy, and to visit the backyards, vineyards and fun parks in France replacing their lawn mowers with sheep. Originally broadcast July 2023.

Whisky's peat problem, the repair cafe & climate skeptics cashing in on the green economy

30 november 2023 | 30 min

Is indulging in a wee dram bad for the climate? We investigate whisky's peat problem from the Isle of Islay in Scotland. Later, we drop into a repair cafe in Manchester doing its bit to reduce the millions tons of fixable items we throw out every year. And lastly, we visit the Republican US state of Georgia where the electric vehicle business is booming.

Amitav Ghosh on colonialism & the climate crisis

23 november 2023 | 30 min

Did climate change start with the industrial revolution, or was it earlier than that? And how can the story of an everyday spice help us better understand the climate crisis gripping the planet today? Renowned Indian author Amitav Ghosh on the link between colonialism and climate change and how his perception of the crisis differs from that of most Western experts. Originally broadcast July 2023.

War & warming

17 november 2023 | 30 min

The military isn't exactly known for sharing its secrets. But what about when that information has huge consequences for the world's fight to limit deadly warming? Kept behind closed doors, military emissions and pollution have long avoided proper scrutiny. Climate researchers are determined to uncover it.

Holding on: Dutch farmers, California's salmon & Germany's Ahr valley

9 november 2023 | 30 min

As The Netherlands continues to battle dangerously high nitrogen levels, its farmers grapple with keeping their businesses afloat and switching to more sustainable methods amid drastic cuts. In California, the salmon have disappeared from an important river, but one radical change could bring them back. And one man's quest to get a new fruit to put down roots in western Germany.

Is it time to end biofuels?

2 november 2023 | 30 min

Making fuel out of food. Sounds like it could be pretty sustainable, right? But then again, does it make sense to be growing crops for fuel that could otherwise be food? We travel to the US, Kenya and Germany to interrogate how biofuels came about, their promises and drawbacks and why it is we're still using them. This episode originally aired in December 2023.

Rethinking conservation

26 oktober 2023 | 30 min

Protecting African wildlife is a big deal - and big business. It's often linked to tourism, which is not always a reliable income stream and can have major impacts on animal habitats. We head to Kenya to meet the black rhino, hear about South Africa's post-pandemic struggle, and chat to carnivore ecologist Mordecai Ogada about conservation colonialism. This episode originally aired in July 2022.

The business of bogs

19 oktober 2023 | 30 min

Peat bogs are enormous carbon sinks. They store twice the amount of carbon dioxide compared to the planet's forests. But ever since people discovered peat was useful for gardening, farming and heating, they've been digging it up, selling it, and releasing gigantic amounts of CO2 in the process. Now, Germany wants to keep its peat in the ground and is on the hunt for more sustainable alternatives.

Out with the old: European cities & climate change

12 oktober 2023 | 30 min

They're beautiful. They're historic. But they're not really built for this new era of extremes. From Paris to Venice to Rotterdam, how European cities are trying to adapt — and what's standing in their way.

Tweaks for the environment? From pills for burping cows, eyes on cows' butts & more

5 oktober 2023 | 30 min

Wait, what? From a "cow-burp tax" to painted eyes on cows' rear ends to help stave off predators, surprisingly helpful chickpeas and tweaks to save mangrove forests from being burned up — this episode has it all!

Introducing: The Big Switch on Europe's energy crisis

29 september 2023 | 30 min

Putin's assault on Ukraine triggered an energy crisis that sent Europe's economies into a tailspin and put the European clean energy transition to the test. But how did the European Union, a leader in climate action, become so dependent on Russian oil and gas to begin with?

Reenvisioning the restroom

21 september 2023 | 30 min

It's perfectly natural and something we do every day. Whether you use a squat toilet, a pit latrine or a water closet, humans need to go. But the ways we do so are often not very efficient, useful or good for the environment. So we're taking a look at the history of human excrement and some creative solutions to dispose of and repurpose our waste. This episode originally aired in September 2022.

The growing microplastics problem

14 september 2023 | 30 min

Microplastics have been found everywhere — from the deepest parts of the ocean to the heights of Mount Everest. A problem that is set to intensify as we produce over 400 million tons of new plastics every year. But just how dangerous are microplastics? And what can we do about them? We share an episode from our On the Green Fence colleagues, who delve into the plastic problem in their new season.

Insuring ourselves against the inevitable

8 september 2023 | 30 min

We hear from people in California whose home insurers have left them in the lurch as weather extremes intensify in the state, and talk to an expert on disaster risk and adaptation about what we need to help protect our homes against the inevitable. And from high up in the Austrian alps, we get a reality check from climate scientists about the future of our alpine glaciers.

Giving up fast fashion

31 augusti 2023 | 30 min

Writer and stylist Aja Barber on the imperialism of the fashion industry and how to kick your shopping addiction. And how Kenya's dealing with your unwanted clothing.

Water woes & how to combat water scarcity

24 augusti 2023 | 30 min

What do you do if there isn't enough fresh drinking water around? According to the World Resources Institute, a quarter of the world's population doesn't have enough water to meet demand. DW explores ways to combat water scarcity.

Life in the Arctic & Russia's exiled environmentalists

17 augusti 2023 | 30 min

We hear from Russian climate activists and environmental organizations working in exile. And we take you to Svalbard in the Arctic to learn about life on this remote archipelago and hear from the climate scientists studying its unique ecosystem.

How did we become planet plastic?

10 augusti 2023 | 30 min

Each year, the world produces 430 million tons of plastics – and that figure is set to triple by 2060. How did plastics become such a big part of our lives? And what can we do reduce the harm they cause? Today, we share an episode from our colleagues at On the Green Fence, who delve into the plastic problem in their new season.

Extreme heat & mass tourism

4 augusti 2023 | 30 min

As the northern hemisphere's summer heat intensifies, wildfires burn from Greece to Algeria to California, and climate scientists admit that even some of these extremes were beyond their predictions, we talk drought, heat, fire — and what happens when that collides with mass tourism.

Leaving coal, not people, behind

27 juli 2023 | 30 min

We visit the state of West Virginia in the United States to hear from people grappling with the phase out of coal mining. What's next for this poor state where the coal industry has dominated for more than 100 years? Julia Kastein investigates.

The power of solar

20 juli 2023 | 30 min

Solar energy is about to get a push in Croatia which has a lot of sunshine, but so far hasn't really done much with that potential. Food waste is a global problem. In many countries of the global south, it's often down to being unable to keep produce cool. Could solar power help? And we check in with a low-lying coastal community in the US that's already feeling the effects of sea level rise.

Cooling amphibians & carbon-capturing mollusks

13 juli 2023 | 30 min

Why the survival of the Mexican axolotl matters for keeping Mexico City's temperature down. The special carbon-capturing capacities of clams. And a new, all-natural woolly lawnmower taking off in France.

Where your dirty old cars end up & Norway's bid to mine the ocean floor

6 juli 2023 | 30 min

We hear about how used cars from wealthy countries are getting a new lease on life in Ghana. And we talk to a transport sustainability researcher about why that kind of upcycling isn't as good for the environment as it might seem, as well as what reform could look like. And we visit Norway, where we meet those for and against the idea to mine its deep sea for critical minerals.

The world on fire: How to deal with wildfires

29 juni 2023 | 30 min

As fires are burning in Canada in what's been called an unprecedented wildfire season, with smoke drifting over to the United States and even across the Atlantic Ocean over to European countries, we talk fires and drought on the show. How should we deal with wildfires? What can we do to prevent the worst? And do controlled fires have a place when it comes to prevention?