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Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
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UN make progress on deforestation reduction scheme -- What has Greece learnt from last year's forest fires? -- Swedish wind-powered cars could revolutionise farming in South America -- Sniffer dogs are trained to catch wildlife smugglers at German airport -- these stories and more in this edition of Living Planet.Tune in via the live-stream or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Send your comments and questions to features@dw-world.de. UN Make Progress on Deforestation Reduction SchemeThe latest round of UN climate change negotiations came to an end in Accra, Ghana, this week. How to encourage countries to stop deforestation was one of the most important topics of debate.The international community met in Accra to continue their work on a Kyoto follow up protocol as well as on emission reduction rules and tools under the Protocol as it’s currently in place. How to reduce deforestation globally was one of the most important topics of debate at the Accra summit. Deforestation and degradation account for around 20% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Interest in reducing this is high. Most proposals for mechanisms to ‘Reduce Emissions for Deforestation and Degradation’ (REDD) are still on the drawing board but they are all based on the idea that developed countries would pay developing countries to keep their forests intact by implementing a range of policies and projects. So far, neither the UN Climate Change Convention nor its Protocol have had any provisions for limiting tropical deforestation. Attending the summit in Accra was David Huberman from the conservation group IUCN. Living Planet talks to him about the progress that's been made in the setting up of mechanisms that help reduce tropical deforestation. Interview: Nina HaaseWhat Has Greece Learnt From Last Year's Forest Fires?Forest aren’t only disappearing in developing countries. Many European countries have a poor record on forest protection. Have the Greek learned their lesson from last year's forest fires? Experts believe a different attitude towards the environment could have saved the lives of many.The Peloponnese is a peninsula in Greece that was devastated by forest fires around this time last year. The fires claimed the lives of 67 people. With air temperatures higher than 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds blowing across a drought-stricken landscape, the fires spread at an alarming pace. There are those who say the disaster could have been prevented, not least through different attitudes towards the environment. So has Greece learnt anything in the year gone by? Report: Cheryl Northey/ Petra Wilhelm Swedish Wind-Powered Cars Could Revolutionise FarmingWith soaring petrol prices and increased concern about the impacts of car exhausts on our atmosphere, the scientific community is developing alternatives. In Sweden, the latest invention are cars that come with their own wind turbine.Electric cars are becoming more and more common, at least with drivers concerned about the environment. But there's a downside to them all - the electricity they use is often produced through using fossil fuels which pollute the air and contribute to global warming. Coal-fired power stations, for example. Now, engineering students in Sweden say they've come up with a solution- an electric vehicle which comes with its own wind turbine. And the first to benefit from this technology will be farmers in South America. Living Planet hops in for a test ride in Sweden. Report: Lars Bevanger Sniffer Dogs Catch Wildlife Smugglers Red-Handed at German AirportWildlife smuggle is a booming industry. Customs at Frankfurt Airport have thought up a new method of catching smugglers red-handed: they train dogs to sniff out live animals and plants in passengers' luggage. Living Planet visits them at their workplace.Every year, millions of threatened species of animals and plants are smuggled around the world. It’s an industry that’s estimated to be worth billions of dollars and that varies from trading live animals and plants to foods, leather goods, souvenirs and medicines. Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s largest airports, and the gateway to the European Union -- one of the biggest and most diverse markets for illegal wildlife products. Last year alone customs at Frankfurt made 561 seizures. Now, customs have come up with a new method of increasing pressure on wildlife smugglers: they’ve trained two dogs to sniff out live animals and plants. Living Planet watches them at Frankfurt Airport, their working environment. Report: Catherine Graue read less
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Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
Wed August 27 2008
UN make progress on deforestation reduction scheme -- What has Greece learnt from last year's forest fires? -- Swedish wind-powered cars could revolutionise farming in South America -- Sniffer dogs are trained to catch wildlife smugglers at German airport -- these stories and more in this edition of Living Planet.Tune in via the live-stream or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Send your comments and questions to features@dw-world.de. UN Make Progress on Deforestation Reduction SchemeThe latest round of UN climate change negotiations came to an end in Accra, Ghana, this week. How to encourage countries to stop deforestation was one of the most important topics of debate.The international community met in Accra to continue their work on a Kyoto follow up protocol as well as on emission reduction rules and tools under the Protocol as it’s currently in place. How to reduce deforestation globally was one of the most important topics of debate at the Accra summit. Deforestation and degradation account for around 20% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Interest in reducing this is high. Most proposals for mechanisms to ‘Reduce Emissions for Deforestation and Degradation’ (REDD) are still on the drawing board but they are all based on the idea that developed countries would pay developing countries to keep their forests intact by implementing a range of policies and projects. So far, neither the UN Climate Change Convention nor its Protocol have had any provisions for limiting tropical deforestation. Attending the summit in Accra was David Huberman from the conservation group IUCN. Living Planet talks to him about the progress that's been made in the setting up of mechanisms that help reduce tropical deforestation. Interview: Nina HaaseWhat Has Greece Learnt From Last Year's Forest Fires?Forest aren’t only disappearing in developing countries. Many European countries have a poor record on forest protection. Have the Greek learned their lesson from last year's forest fires? Experts believe a different attitude towards the environment could have saved the lives of many.The Peloponnese is a peninsula in Greece that was devastated by forest fires around this time last year. The fires claimed the lives of 67 people. With air temperatures higher than 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds blowing across a drought-stricken landscape, the fires spread at an alarming pace. There are those who say the disaster could have been prevented, not least through different attitudes towards the environment. So has Greece learnt anything in the year gone by? Report: Cheryl Northey/ Petra Wilhelm Swedish Wind-Powered Cars Could Revolutionise FarmingWith soaring petrol prices and increased concern about the impacts of car exhausts on our atmosphere, the scientific community is developing alternatives. In Sweden, the latest invention are cars that come with their own wind turbine.Electric cars are becoming more and more common, at least with drivers concerned about the environment. But there's a downside to them all - the electricity they use is often produced through using fossil fuels which pollute the air and contribute to global warming. Coal-fired power stations, for example. Now, engineering students in Sweden say they've come up with a solution- an electric vehicle which comes with its own wind turbine. And the first to benefit from this technology will be farmers in South America. Living Planet hops in for a test ride in Sweden. Report: Lars Bevanger Sniffer Dogs Catch Wildlife Smugglers Red-Handed at German AirportWildlife smuggle is a booming industry. Customs at Frankfurt Airport have thought up a new method of catching smugglers red-handed: they train dogs to sniff out live animals and plants in passengers' luggage. Living Planet visits them at their workplace.Every year, millions of threatened species of animals and plants are smuggled around the world. It’s an industry that’s estimated to be worth billions of dollars and that varies from trading live animals and plants to foods, leather goods, souvenirs and medicines. Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s largest airports, and the gateway to the European Union -- one of the biggest and most diverse markets for illegal wildlife products. Last year alone customs at Frankfurt made 561 seizures. Now, customs have come up with a new method of increasing pressure on wildlife smugglers: they’ve trained two dogs to sniff out live animals and plants. Living Planet watches them at Frankfurt Airport, their working environment. Report: Catherine Graue read less
Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
Wed August 20 2008
This week we bring you a water special with these topics: WWF says World Water Week deals with world’s most precious resource -- Do you know how big your water footprint is? -- The Expo Zaragoza calls itself the Water Tribunal -- How zero tillage can help reduce water consumption in agricultureThese topics and more in this special edition of Living Planet dedicated to our most precious resource: water. Tune in via the live-stream or subscribe to Living Planet as podcast. Send your comments to features@dw-world.de.WWF: World Water Week Deals With Most Precious ResourceWorld Water Week is underway in Stockholm. Experts are trying to find solutions for a worsening global water crisis that threatens the livelihood of thousands of people and animals.The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is currently hosting two and a half-thousand experts from around the globe for the World Water Week conference. It’s an annual event co-ordinated by the Stockholm International Water Institute. The conservation organisation WWF has increased its presence at the event this year. Living Planet talks to one of the delegation leaders David Tickner about the aims of World Water Week. Interview: Irene QuaileHow Big is Your Water Footprint?Did you know it takes 140 litres to produce one single cup of coffee? Tune in to hear more mind-boggling figures.Water consumption is especially high in the western world. And it’s not just because we have our daily showers and switch on our washing machines regularly. Most of us will be surprised to find out that the largest share of water gets consumed through the food we eat and the clothes we wear. WWF has compiled a gallery where we can check how many litres of water are needed to produce one hamburger, for instance. And some of them are mind-boggling figure Living Planet confronted consumers on the streets of Bonn with some of them. Report: Fenna WächterExpo Zaragoza: The Water TribunalThe Expo Zaragoza tries to make people aware that especially in the industrialised world we need to reduce our consumption of the precious resource water as much as we can.Creating awareness with consumers is crucial in combating the water crisis. An international exposition promoting water and sustainable development is underway in Spain. The last expo, in 2005, held in the Japanese city of Aichi, also focused on the environment. Before that, here in Germany, Expo2000 in Hannover tried to inspire us with answers to the technological challenges of the future. Not a lot has been heard about either of those Expos since, but this one in Zaragoza has promised not to be forgotten. It’s called The Water Tribunal and until the month of September, the Expo is committed to finding solutions to the world’s water problems. Report: Danny Wood Zero Tillage Reduces Water Consumption in FarmingZero tillage is a method where fields are cultivated without turning over the soil. Experts hope that it will reduce water consumption, fuel costs and soil erosion.According to WWF estimates most water – about 70 to 80 percent -- gets used – and wasted – in agriculture. One aspect you might not have thought about is ploughing. Today, most fields are ploughed. Farmers in temperate latitudes invented the plough to fight weeds. But some experts say ploughing actually wastes water in dry areas through evaporation and leads to more soil erosion. And modern ploughing also uses up a lot of petrol. That’s why some agricultural researchers these days are advocating what’s known as „zero tillage“, meaning farming without turning over the fields. But a better yield and less water consumption doesn’t mean the method’s a panacea. Report: Gabor Paal/ Kateri Jochum read less
Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
Wed August 13 2008
Tourists sight giant pod of whales off Alaskan coast -- International Youth Day puts emphasis on combating climate change -- Cyprus suffers worst drought in 100 years -- Eco-tourists flock to Switzerland's Entlebuch region -- these stories and more in this edition of Living Planet.Tune in via the live-stream or subscribe to the programme as a podcast. Send your comments to features@dw-world.de.On a Whalewatching Boat With Researchers in AlaskaCollecting data on cetaceans is difficult because they live far offshore. In Alaska, scientists have been observing orcas since the 1970s. Living Planet reporter Emily Schwing was there when they sighted a superpod of whales.The latest study on the situation of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the globe shows that species have experienced mixed fortunes: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species update finds that some large species, like humpbacks, have increased in number. Populations of smaller species, such as river dolphins, however, have been declining. The conservation union IUCN is convinced their findings show that efforts to protect animals pay off and that species can recover. But they’ve only been able to assess half of the world’s cetaceans because of a lack of data. Collecting data for cetaceans is indeed very difficult: They live far offshore, and some of them are found in remote parts of the world. In Alaska, researchers have been studying whales off the coast since the 1970s. This summer, one main focus of research was on orcas, or killer whales. In the Northwestern portion of the Gulf of Alaska, a whalewatching tour boat recently reported sighting a pod of killer whales. But what researchers found wasn’t just a pod… it was a superpod! Report: Emily Schwing International Youth Day: “Action for Climate”Who says young people are not interested in becoming active to protect the environment? We give you the "Climate Change College" ambassadors who carry out projects all across Europe. The UN’s International Youth Day was celebrated around the globe on August the 12th. This year, it was dedicated to combating climate change, with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling on young people around the world to become active in tackling the climate change problem. A group of young people have been doing exactly that, as "climate ambassadors" and students of the Climate Change College. This summer, they went on a field trip to Arctic Alaska earlier this summer. And their commitment to tackling climate change doesn’t stop there. Report: Irene QuaileCyprus Suffers Worst Drought in 100 YearsCyprus is suffering the worst drought in 100 years. The Mediterranean island has started rationing its water, and found an intriguing solution against empty water reservoirs.While here in Germany and other parts of northern Europe are suffering from heavy rain and frequent flooding, the sunny Mediterranean tourist island of Cyprus is grappling with the opposite problem. Cyprus is chronically short of water - some parts of the island have had no more than a brief shower for over four years. Water reserves are now at their lowest level for a century. But the Cypriots have come up with an intriguing solution. Report: Tabitha Morgan Eco-tourists Flock to Switzerland’s Entlebuch RegionSwitzerland is a popular destination with tourists. Tourism is one of the country’s most important industries. Switzerland, it seems, is an ideal destination for people looking to spend their holidays close to nature.And that’s what more and more people are interested in. There are no reliable figures on eco-tourism in Switzerland just yet, but tourism experts believe the number of eco-tourists in the country has risen sharply over the past few years. One region that was amongst the first to embrace the concept, is the Entlebuch region, between Bern and Lucerne. In 2001, it was accepted as the first Swiss UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These are pilot regions, where the emphasis is on conservation of the natural and cultural landscapes, while bolstering the economy by actively involving the locals in shaping their livelihoods and opportunities for business and recreation. Report: Veronika Meier/ Catherine Graue read less
Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
Wed August 06 2008
Red List Update: Half of World’s Primates Could Disappear Soon -- Traditional Healers Help Protect Forests in Africa -- German Initiative Turns Church Towers into Homes for Falcons -- The Other Olympics: World Records in the Animal World -- these stories and more in this edition of Living PlanetTune in via the live-stream or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Send your comments and questions to features@dw-world.de.Red List Update: Half the World's Primates Could Disappear SoonClose to half of the world’s primates are in danger of becoming extinct. That’s according to the latest update of the Red List of Endangered Species published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature or IUCN this week.It was the first comprehensive review in five years of the world’s 634 kinds of primates. In Asia, more than 70 percent of primates are classified on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered -- meaning they could disappear forever in the near future. Living Planet speaks to Jean-Christophe Vié, the Deputy Head of the IUCN Species Programme, about the main threats. Interview: Irene QuaileTraditional Healers Help Protect Forests in AfricaRwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. With over 90% of the population living on subsistence agriculture, natural resources are coming under increasing pressure.The situation is particularly bad in the over-crowded foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes – which is home not only to the famous mountain gorillas but an estimated 800 people per square kilometre. People illegally enter the park in search of meat, building materials and firewood – often damaging the forest as they go. But a study has shown that traditional healers, who also collect from the forest, are actually helping to preserve it by cultivating medicinal gardens. Report: Anna Lacey German Initiative Turns Church Towers into Homes for FalconsHabitat loss meant fewer breeding grounds for barn owls and kestrels in Germany. "Habitat church tower" is an initiative that helps the animals nest high up in church steeples.Germany is not home to great apes of any kind, but more and more of OUR endemic species are also coming under threat. Germany has some 50,000 European kestrels – often known as the "elegant bird of prey". But this species’ future was in jeopardy. The same goes for Barn Owls. Both were unable to breed successfully, because they were being shut out from their own nests. Two thirds of mating kestrel pairs in Germany choose to nest in church steeples – but that’s no easy task, as churches across the country have been closing off the entry points in their steeples, to keep out unwanted guests: pigeons. Then the environmental conservation organisation, NABU, decided to join forces with Churches across Germany to rectify the situation. Report: Catherine Graue The Other Olympics – World Records in the Animal WorldFaster, higher, deeper -- the Olympics are starting on August 8th. But if animals were allowed to some of the competitions, there would hardly be any medals left for human athletes. Did you know that falcons can fly at a speed of up to 400 kilometres? That’s been measured in the United States. Now, with the Olympics starting this week in Beijing, China, the news will be all about speed, weight, and height records once again. We take this as an opportunity to bring you a medal count with a difference. Living Planet looks into what global conservation group WWF calls the Animal Olympics. Report: Nina Haase read less
Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the Globe
Wed July 30 2008
Tidal currents supply energy to the UK -- WWF project encourages a sustainable future -- Passing the "Eco-Driving" test -- Eco-friendly outdoor dining in New York -- these stories and more in this edition of Living Planet.Tune in via the live-stream or download the programme as a podcast. Send your comments and questions to features@dw-world.de. Tidal Currents Supply Energy to the UKMost people have heard of wind energy or solar energy, but what about electricity created by the ebbing and rising of the tides? A firm in the UK is testing new tidal energy generators.Lying in the North Atlantic, the British Mainland and Northern Ireland are well known for their changeable weather and windswept coastlines. In fact, the UK has some of the strongest tidal currents in the world, making it an ideal place to develop tidal electricity. The world’s first commercial-scale tidal power turbine has just supplied the British grid with its first surge of tidal electricity. The turbine, known as SeaGen, is being tested with a view to launching full commercial operations in a few weeks time. Report: Stephen BeardWWF Project Motivates Young PeopleWe all know that we should do everything we can to help stop climate change. Well now there is a network that hopes to aid in that task. It encourages young entrepreneurs to come up with viable technologies to reduce emissions and combat global warming.Encouraging people to develop and implement new technologies on a large scale to reduce emissions and combat global warming is the aim of a network called Global Focus. The project was initiated by the international conservation group WWF, with the aim of motivating young people to come up with new technologies and ideas for a sustainable future, while they are still students. But it’s rapidly developing into a self-sustaining project with its own momentum. Jakob Rutqvist from Sweden is one of the global project leaders behind Global Focus. Living Planet met Rutqvist at an event organised by the Climate Change College and asked him how he came to be involved. Interview: Irene QuaileEco-Driving in SwedenWith the price of petrol these days, getting the most out of a car's engine is on every driver's mind. Eco-driving is always a good thing to learn, but now Sweden is making it a requirement to get a driver's license.Even if we don’t all have really fuel-efficient cars, you can still reduce your fuel-consumption, just by driving differently. In its continuing efforts to achieve the targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions set by the European Union, Sweden is targeting drivers. A new law makes fuel-efficient driving part of the test to get a licence. “Eco-driving”, as it’s called, has become part of the Swedish social contract. Report: Alison HawkesEating Organically al FrescoA lot of people who choose to spend their summer days eating in the great outdoors won't bother to be eco-friendly about it. Most will use non-biodegradable plates and silverware, and toss them out when they're finished. One cafe in New York is hoping to show people that there are other options.For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, it’s summer, and time for outdoor eating, either on your own patio or at one of your favourite restaurants or bistros. There’s often a strong temptation to use throwaway cutlery or crockery and forget some of your established ecological principles. But if you happen to live in New York City, you can actually do the very opposite. The Habana Outpost is New York City’s first solar-powered, organic eatery, located in one of the trendiest areas of Brooklyn. It has an ambience all of its own - but the restaurant’s winning ingredient is its hard-core environmental convictions and practices. Going Green, it seems, is all the rage in New York. But is it simply the city’s latest trend, or the start of something that will have a lasting impact? Report: Leah McDonnell read less
