Living Planet podcast

Living Planet

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  DW  

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.

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.

 

#100

Deep Dive: Bright lights, big, LED cities

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. ... Read more

06 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:53

06 Dec 2024


#99

Naturally Connected: Why woodpeckers are choosing the city over the forest

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? ... Read more

29 Nov 2024

12 MINS

12:16

29 Nov 2024


#98

Deep Dive: The hidden solar revolution that stumped experts

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 – a different kind of power surge brewing elsewhere, right under their noses. One that could have ripple effects far and wide. If it isn't halted. ... Read more

22 Nov 2024

24 MINS

24:38

22 Nov 2024


#97

Deep Dive: The oil that is waiting for its great escape

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. ... Read more

15 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:11

15 Nov 2024


#96

Introducing: Up from Dust

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. ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

34 MINS

34:05

07 Nov 2024


#95

Deep Dive: Can planting trees really offset my flight emissions?

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. ... Read more

01 Nov 2024

30 MINS

30:25

01 Nov 2024


#94

Naturally Connected: What wild geese teach us about teamwork

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? ... Read more

25 Oct 2024

13 MINS

13:09

25 Oct 2024


#93

Deep Dive: How eco-friendly funerals are changing traditions

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? ... Read more

18 Oct 2024

33 MINS

33:41

18 Oct 2024


#92

Deep Dive: The battle to ban fossil fuel advertising

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. ... Read more

11 Oct 2024

35 MINS

35:05

11 Oct 2024


#91

What’s better: leather vs vegan leather?

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? ... Read more

04 Oct 2024

30 MINS

30:46

04 Oct 2024


#90

Naturally Connected: Chirping from the crypt

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… ... Read more

27 Sep 2024

13 MINS

13:41

27 Sep 2024


#89

Introducing: What on Earth

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. ... Read more

20 Sep 2024

26 MINS

26:47

20 Sep 2024


#88

Deep Dive: What happens when ants invade?

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. ... Read more

13 Sep 2024

35 MINS

35:49

13 Sep 2024


#87

Deep Dive: Suck, bury and store – Denmark wants your CO2, but why?

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. ... Read more

06 Sep 2024

32 MINS

32:32

06 Sep 2024


#86

Deep Dive: The dirty truth about laundry

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. ... Read more

30 Aug 2024

32 MINS

32:22

30 Aug 2024


#85

What’s better: dairy vs plant-based milk

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. ... Read more

23 Aug 2024

23 MINS

23:59

23 Aug 2024


#84

Naturally Connected: The fox's tale

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? ... Read more

16 Aug 2024

13 MINS

13:54

16 Aug 2024


#83

Naturally Connected: Finding humanity beneath the Arches

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? ... Read more

09 Aug 2024

32 MINS

32:48

09 Aug 2024


#82

Naturally Connected: The lost art of foraging

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. ... Read more

02 Aug 2024

15 MINS

15:05

02 Aug 2024


#81

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

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. ... Read more

26 Jul 2024

32 MINS

32:29

26 Jul 2024