Inside Europe The magical world of fungi
Dec 25, 2025
Neil King, an environment reporter and editor for DW's Living Planet, dives into the fascinating world of fungi, exploring their critical role in ecosystems and innovative uses like plastic digestion. Former geologist Daniel Solien shares his dramatic shift from the oil industry to climate activism, detailing protests with Greta Thunberg and the personal toll of his decision. The discussion highlights Norway's conflicting image as a climate leader while expanding oil production, raising essential questions about sustainability and responsibility.
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Fungi Built Terrestrial Life
- Mycorrhizal fungi enabled plants to colonize land by digesting rocks and trading nutrients with plants.
- That partnership transformed Earth's atmosphere, reducing CO2 by ~90% and enabling terrestrial life.
Cave Fungus That Eats Styrofoam
- Peter Mortimer found a new fungal species in a Chinese cave growing on styrofoam and discovered it digested the plastic.
- That discovery shows unexplored habitats yield species with industry-changing potential.
Yunnan's Mushroom Fever
- Peter Mortimer described Yunnan as extremely fungal-rich, with over a thousand new species described and intense local mushroom economies.
- Some mushrooms like caterpillar fungus and Matsutake fetch extremely high prices and shape local livelihoods.