Living Planet

In cities around the world, rats aren't just surviving; they're thriving. Despite decades of poison, traps and control, they keep coming back. So, what is it about modern city life that suits them so well? From Berlin to New York, this is a story about what happens when urban systems start feeding "the rat problem".

Climate change is reshaping the world - but inside many churches, it’s barely spoken about. So what’s behind the silence? One believer whose passion for God’s creation started as a kid surrounded by manatees and mangroves, is urging US churches to reconnect faith with stewardship of the land.

Brock Yordy once helped extract fossil fuels; now, he’s using the same skills to tap the Earth’s heat for clean energy. His journey from oilfields to geothermal puts a new spotlight on a big question: can the industry that drove emissions now lead the way in reducing them? And if there’s so much power beneath our feet, what’s holding geothermal back?

Chemical recycling promises to transform plastic waste, and Houston is at the center of this big experiment in the US. While industry touts it as a breakthrough, activists are finding that much of the plastic doesn't get recycled after all. Is Houston leading the way to real change - or revealing the limits of the latest recycling fad?

The four-day work week was a hot new trend not all that long ago, but amid stagnating economies, some countries are pushing for more work, not less. Even in Europe, the German chancellor is calling for an end to "lifestyle" part-time jobs. Living Planet's Jennifer Collins spoke with economists and manufacturers about the benefits of working less, both for us and the planet. Plus, could AI help?

As climate change reshapes the Arctic, Norwegian scientists are testing how far north farming can go. But is expanding Arctic agriculture a responsible answer to future food shortages, or a risky bet?

The rainforests in northeast Australia are some of the most protected in the world – they haven't been logged in nearly 40 years. But after decades of measuring these forests tree by tree, scientists have uncovered a troubling change. An unexpected shift that could force us to rethink how we calculate emissions pathways and the role forest sinks play in slowing climate change.

Do men really care less about the environment than women or is the story more complicated? We unpack the "Green Gender Gap," the politics and identity behind it, and the surprising ways men — from veterans to lumberjacks — are being drawn into climate action.

Vegan leather. Faux leather. Synthetic leather. Call it what you want - it’s everywhere, especially in the shoes on our feet. For some shoppers, it’s about saving money. For others, it’s about protecting animals or reducing their environmental footprint. But what's the real story behind this fast-growing alternative? And is vegan leather actually better for the planet?

This week, we're featuring Episode 2 of Boy Wasted, a three-part environmental true crime series by Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor, co-produced by Adnan Khan. The investigation into a boy found dead in a bale of recycled plastic in Turkey takes a shocking turn, as new witnesses come forward and the wider dangers of the global recycling trade start to come to light.

US Health Secretary RFK Jr. released new dietary guidelines that have literally turned the food pyramid upside down. Beef is, quite literally, "what's for dinner." Living Planet's Jennifer Collins spoke with health experts about what the new recommendations might mean for the health of the US, and the planet. Plus, some spicy listener comments from the episode "What we get wrong about protein."

Children today spend less time in nature than any generation before - and educators are sounding the alarm. But what if the outdoors becomes the classroom itself? In this episode, we explore the science and stories behind nature-based education, from improved wellbeing to deeper environmental awareness. We ask how learning in nature - not just about it - can change how we think, feel, and act.

Bioacoustics is pretty niche, but now thanks to AI, it could turbocharge biodiversity research. Michel André calls it “the science of the sound of life.” In this episode, we hear his recordings from the mysterious waters of Antarctica and the life-giving wetlands of the Amazon. He also explains why bioacoustics could hold the key to survival on the planet. Plus, a behind the scenes chat.

It started with a scoop of soil from an Arctic dump. Inside was a microbe scientists call a game-changer - able to live on air and pull methane, one of the planet’s most dangerous greenhouse gases, straight out of the atmosphere. Could this lucky find help reshape our fight against climate change?

Time to ring in the New Year with something a little different, and fun! Host Neil King is joined by producers Jennifer Collins, Kathleen Schuster and Charli Shield for Living Planet’s first ever quiz. How closely were you listening in 2025? Listen along and find out!

Before we say goodbye to 2025, Living Planet has some good news to share. Not only has the feedback from you, our listeners, been overwhelmingly positive, but our team has received recognition for its work in climate journalism. In this episode, we’re going to revisit those award-winning episodes along with the producers behind them.

Every year, countless animals meet their end on our roads - yet most of us barely notice. But this isn’t just a minor tragedy; the sheer scale is reshaping ecosystems across the planet. So, how can we make a difference - and could eating roadkill be part of the solution?

Protein obsession is reshaping our diets — and our planet. We lift the lid on the protein craze, what we truly need for good health, why animal protein carries such a heavy climate footprint, and what choices could cut emissions without sacrificing strength and health. And we hear from one powerlifter's surprising shift from meat-lover to vegan butcher, against the backdrop of online culture wars.

For 40 years, environmentalist and author Bill McKibben has chronicled the worsening climate crisis and politicians' failure to stop it. But now, for the first time, he says he can actually see a path forward. In the third and final part of our special miniseries, The Switch, we ask him what that path looks like – and what still threatens to derail it.

We're generating more solar and wind power than ever before, but somewhere between where it's made and where it's needed, the energy system can't keep up. From Spain's blackout to bottlenecks across Europe, the way we move electricity is in desperate need of some updates. In Part 2 of The Switch, we reveal the power grid cracks halting climate progress.

Some of the places hardest hit by climate change are also home to one of the future's most powerful gifts: superabundant sunshine. If solar is now cheaper than ever, what’s stopping the clean energy revolution from taking off where the sun shines the brightest? In Part 1 of our special miniseries, The Switch, we head to Morocco in search of the promise, and the politics, of desert power.

Solar power is the cheapest energy source in history – and wind isn’t far behind. So why isn't the clean energy transition moving faster? In a new three-part miniseries, we’re digging into why the switch is so damn hard. From solar mega-farms in Morocco to European bottlenecks to climate writer Bill McKibben’s office, we're asking what the holdup is – and where to from here. Starting November 21.

When mercury pollution makes headlines, it's often linked to fish and human health. But there's another big source of mercury pollution that's affecting millions of people across the world - artisanal and small-scale gold mining. This episode looks at efforts in South America to reduce mercury use in mining - and what that means for people's health and the future of the Amazon.

Your thrifted shirt might not be as green as you think. From Ghana's "dead white man's clothes" to the rise of resale, we uncover fashion's hidden impact - and a way forward that could change it all.

This week on Living Planet, we're sharing Boy Wasted - a gripping three-part environmental true crime series by Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor and co-produced by Adnan Khan. It begins with a shocking find: a boy's body hidden in a bale of recycled plastic in Turkey, leading to a dangerous, cross-border investigation into a global recycling scandal.

The harm of plastics on human health is well known, but what about their impact on the people living near the plants that produce them? In this episode, we hear from the women on the frontlines of the fight against petrochemical companies in one of the US’s most toxic strips of land known as “Cancer Alley.”

In classrooms across the US, fossil fuel interests and political pressure are shaping the science - and leaving key facts out. Meet two teachers fighting to keep climate education honest, local, and alive.

Think fungi are just mushrooms and mold? Think again. Over 90% of fungal species are still unknown, and scientists are discovering new ones all the time. This World Fungus Day, dive into the hidden, fascinating world of fungi with us.

Hydropower, heat pumps and EVs made Norway a climate darling. Oil and gas exports made it rich. When one Norwegian started to question his role in this story, he came up against the paradox shaping this country's future – and the world’s energy transition.

Louisiana loses a football field’s worth of land every 100 minutes to coastal erosion. Franziska Trautmann, co-founder of Glass of Full, tells the story of how she and her boyfriend stumbled upon a genius solution to save the region's natural barrier against hurricanes – by tapping into New Orleans’ party culture.

What happens when science collides with conspiracy? When a weather forecast sparks hate mail and even death threats? In this episode, we follow the journey of a meteorologist who risked his career - and peace of mind - to bring climate truth to the airwaves, and explore how misinformation is fueling hostility against those on the frontlines of communication.

Long-distance trips make up just a fraction of our journeys - yet they drive most of our travel emissions. Trains can cut that footprint by up to 75%, but planes still dominate. What will it take to shift how we move across countries and continents?

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, leaving behind a deadly path of destruction. It was the costliest disaster in US history. As E'jaaz Mason can attest, many kids like himself didn't talk about their experiences for years after the storm. It wasn't until working on the award-winning documentary "Katrina Babies" that he heard those stories — and began reflecting back on his own.

Tea and coffee. Millennia-old drinks that fuel our mornings and shape our cultures. But behind every steaming cup lies a journey across continents, a web of farms and workers, and a pretty hefty environmental tab. Which one leaves the bigger footprint, and how can we shrink it? We trace their histories, their impact, and some things we can do to brew a better future.

We love the smell of fresh laundry – but at what cost? In Episode Four of our Greener Living series, we unpack how our quest for "clean" has been shaped by marketing, not necessity – and how it’s filling our air, water, and bodies with microplastics and nasty chemicals. The good news? A few simple changes can lighten the load.

Who's a good boy? We love our pets (how could we not?) – and they love us back. But the way we care for our furry companions says a lot about how we consume, what we value, and the systems we're part of. In Episode Three, we reveal the environmental pawprint of having pets and what it can teach us about ourselves. Not to worry though – we're still allowed to have nice things, including pets.

Decipher the back of your sunscreen bottle with the help of an ecotoxicologist in Episode Two of our Greener Living series. Craig Downs helps us understand, and if we're honest, pronounce, the chemicals that have become the norm for protecting ourselves from skin cancer. But what exactly are they doing to the marine life at our favorite beaches?

Summer is here, vacation is calling, and Living Planet is out of the office. But not to worry, we’ve lined up five great episodes of our favorite tips for living a greener life. Take a spin with us in Episode One as we weigh the pros and cons of driving an EV versus hanging on to an older car. The experts we spoke with had some surprising answers.

Summer is here and the living is easy. Well, maybe not so easy when it comes to making environmentally friendly choices! From sunscreen to your next car, your pet's diet to your morning caffeine fix, our Greener Living series shares useful tips to make better decisions for yourself and the planet. Download this series for some easy listening on your next family road trip or day at the beach.

By day Matt Winning works on climate policy. By night, he’s turning scientific data into jokes. Fusing razor-sharp research with dry Scottish wit, Matt uses stand-up to make the climate crisis feel less distant, more human, and a lot harder to ignore.

Nuclear power is making a comeback in Japan. But in Hokkaido, indigenous Ainu communities are being sidelined as their ancestral land is eyed for nuclear waste storage. The Ainu musician Oki Kano leads a quiet resistance - raising questions about justice and who gets a say in the race to decarbonize.

Even in five episodes, we couldn’t cover everything. So in this bonus epilogue, Neil and Kathleen sit down with reporters Sam Baker and Charli Shield to unpack some questions we left on the cutting room floor – from the messy consequences of outdated US flood maps to why helping poorer countries leapfrog fossil fuels matters to us all – plus your comments, a few laughs, and final reflections.

It's the trip of a lifetime. A journey to the end of the Earth, where icebergs groan and penguins shuffle. More tourists are flocking to Antarctica than ever before, drawn by a sense of urgency as climate change melts its ice caps. But what happens when we turn the last wild places into destinations? And what can Antarctica teach us about our role as visitors in a changing world?

This week we are sharing an episode from Boiling Point, a podcast by L.A. Times Studios that looks at the climate challenges facing California and the American West, and the solutions to fix them. "Breaking Down Plastics" features an interview with journalist Susanne Rust about why plastics are unavoidable, what that means for our health and what lawsuits can achieve.

How does a person in advertising go from perpetuating consumerism one day to championing environment citizenship the next? In this episode, we explore the story of one ad man whose job was quite literally making him sick and the unexpected connection he made with a climate-anxious teen.

In the past 20 years more than a fifth of our oceans have been growing darker. What is causing this and how worried should we be? In this episode we take you beneath the Baltic Sea to explore how ocean darkening is changing the marine ecosystem, plus the steps we need to take to protect our oceans.

After cancer treatment, Suzanne was persuaded to join an animal-assisted therapy session with horses. She was skeptical at first, but the experience changed her life. This episode explores how equine therapy is helping cancer patients process grief, reconnect with themselves, and find strength in nature. Plus, what researchers are beginning to uncover about animal-assisted therapy.

When Kelly Ramsey joined an elite unit of wildland firefighters called the "hotshots" in Northern California, she thought she knew what she was signing up for. But climate change has flipped a switch, transforming wildfires from a natural occurrence into an unstoppable force. We’ll hear her story and check in with firefighters in Canada and Australia about what it now takes to put out the flames.

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 losing nature 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.

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.

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 follow the money and ask: Who should foot the bill — consumers, taxpayers, or polluters?

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 on The Cost of Climate Change, we head to outback Australia to meet an accidental ally in the race to ditch fossil fuels.

In the first episode of our series on The Cost of Climate Change, 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 picks up the tab for extreme weather, and how do we keep from going broke? One new Florida community might hold some of the answers.

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 on The Cost of Climate Change will be exploring, starting April 18. Here's a taste of what to expect.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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!

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?