Experts discuss reviving abandoned places - from genetic adaptations in Chernobyl wolves to creating green jobs in circular cities and innovative conservation practices for polar bears. Learn how communities are reclaiming spaces in Detroit and supporting small businesses with tailored insurance solutions.
Studying Chernobyl wolves reveals genetic adaptations to radiation, offering insights into cancer resilience.
Detroit Future City project transforms vacant lots into green spaces, attracting families and addressing environmental issues.
Deep dives
Surviving in Chernobyl: How Wolves Adapt to Radiation Exposure
In the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, gray wolves have thrived in the exclusion zone, exposed to significant radiation levels. Evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton and integrative biologist Kara Love study these wolves to understand how they have genetically adapted to survive high radiation exposure, with potential insights into cancer resilience in humans. Their research shows rapid genetic changes in the wolves related to immunity and tumor response, offering new perspectives on cancer treatment.
Promoting Sustainability in Detroit: Revitalizing Abandoned Lots
Anika Goss of Detroit Future City is transforming vacant lots into green spaces in Detroit neighborhoods impacted by economic decline and population loss. With a focus on urban forests and sustainable gardens, the project aims to attract middle-class families of color while addressing environmental issues. By restoring greenery and offering a catalogue of landscaping options, the initiative envisions a greener and healthier future for Detroit residents.
Addressing Human-Bear Conflict in Polar Bear Habitats
Conservationist Alyssa McCall discusses the challenges faced by polar bears as melting ice forces them onto land, increasing encounters with humans. To mitigate conflicts, initiatives like GPS tracking, indoor waste management, and non-lethal tools are crucial. The collaboration with 3M for fur-tagging technology is a promising solution to track bears and prevent negative interactions, highlighting the importance of education and carbon emission reduction to protect both species.
Innovative Solutions for Circular Economy and Waste Management
Gary Cooper's company, Reaply, focuses on creating a circular economy by facilitating reuse and redistribution of resources, reducing waste and carbon emissions. By cataloging and sharing unused items among businesses, Reaply promotes sustainable practices and job creation. Through initiatives like indoor waste management and localized reuse networks, cities like San Francisco are transitioning towards circular economies, aiming to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2040.
Lots left vacant, offices full of equipment but devoid of people, entire villages literally left to the wolves--this hour, TED speakers share stories about bringing new life to abandoned places. Guests include evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton, entrepreneur Garry Cooper, urban renewal expert Anika Goss, and conservationist Alysa McCall. Original broadcast date: September 8, 2023.
TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted