Living Planet
As humans' impact on the planet becomes more evident, there is a need for independent reporting. Living Planet looks at new technologies, visits innovative projects and keeps you up-to-date on the state of the earth.
What the economy gets wrong about nature
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's been ignoring - from vanishing carbon sinks to collapsing food systems…
Heatstroke economy: the rising cost of extreme heat
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…
How should we finance climate action?
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 on The Cost of Climate Change, we explore who's really footing the…
Can we afford a transition to clean energy?
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…
Who's paying for the next hurricane?
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…
Coming soon: The true cost of climate change
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…
Are PFAS affecting you? What you should know
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?
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)
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…
How far will governments go to stop climate protests?
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?
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…
Water, AI & the craic – Your questions answered
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?
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
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?
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?
As Ireland's capital faces a growing water crisis, a controversial multi-billion-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
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…
Naturally connected: Telling landscapes
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…
Naturally Connected: The winter secrets of bees
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.
Naturally Connected: The call of the sea
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.