People Fixing the World

Join reporters Claire Bates, Craig Langran, and Claire Bowes as they discuss innovative solutions making a real impact. Claire Bates shines a light on beavers' role in rewilding and kelp forest restoration. Craig Langran tantalizes with culinary innovations transforming pesky sea urchins into gourmet dishes. Claire Bowes highlights sustainable fashion initiatives in collaboration with indigenous communities. Together, they explore revolutionary healthcare solutions in Kenya, including drone deliveries and mental health support in barbershops, showcasing hope and creativity in tackling global challenges.

Craig Langran, a dynamic reporter and producer, discusses the rising threat of wildfires and the innovative solutions being implemented in Spain and England. He reveals how trained cows are being utilized to manage vegetation and prevent fires, showcasing a natural approach to a growing crisis. Additionally, Langran dives into groundbreaking technologies like infrared flame detection and drone deployment, highlighting their effectiveness in early fire detection. This blend of wildlife collaboration and tech innovation offers hope in an increasingly challenging environmental landscape.

Gun violence impacts nations worldwide, sparking innovative solutions. A company in the US has developed a smart gun using facial recognition and fingerprints, ensuring only the owner can fire it. In the UK, one woman is linking police and partners of gun license applicants to enhance safety measures. Jamaica's strategy focuses on using hospital data to tackle firearm-related crimes in challenged neighborhoods. The shift towards treating gun violence as a public health issue emphasizes education, community involvement, and data-driven responses.

Chhavi Sachdev, a dedicated producer and reporter, takes us through India's innovative approaches to combat plastic waste. She highlights the eco-social company Recharkha, which empowers village women by transforming plastic packaging into stylish products. There's a fascinating look at a project in Noida that recycles millions of cigarette butts into soft materials for toys, merging creativity with sustainability. This insightful discussion reveals how upcycling not only tackles pollution but also uplifts local communities.

Coconuts are more than just a tasty snack; they hold the potential to fix real-world problems. Entrepreneurs are transforming coconut husks into sustainable alternatives to charcoal, benefiting forests and community health. Innovative cooling solutions made from coconuts help keep perishables fresh without plastic. From tackling deforestation to revolutionizing wastewater treatment, these eco-friendly initiatives are changing lives and promoting sustainability in Sierra Leone and beyond.

We rely on space for our communications, weather monitoring and security. Yet rising levels of space junk increase the risk of collisions, putting these things at risk.This week we are heading to a space lab in the UK to meet the scientists building a special waste collector that will clean up defunct satellites. We’ll also be heading to the Himalayas to see how an innovative project is training sherpas in Nepal to clear trash off the mountains using drones.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Claire Bates Sound mix: Annie Gardiner Voiceovers: Diwakar Pyakurel at BBC Nepali, Hikmat Khadka Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Myra Anubi and Anna Nash from Astroscale, BBC)

Powered chairs offer people with limited mobility the chance to be independent, since they can be controlled with an array of switches and pads. For some people though, unpredictable muscle spasms mean that driving can be time-consuming, stressful or dangerous. We try out a new device from Belgium that uses artificial intelligence to quickly learn a user’s profile, filtering out unintentional movements to provide a smooth experience, meaning more people than ever can steer their chairs and live more comfortably. And we find out how clothing can help autistic people communicate their feelings more easily.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: William Kremer Reporter: Ben Morris Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Levi Rijsbrack and Ben Morris, William Kremer/BBC)

Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world, similar in size to France or Texas. Lying off the coast of southern Africa, it’s home to nearly 30 million people and is a real biodiversity hotspot. Nearly 90 percent of its plants and animal species are endemic, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But much of the habitat they depend on is being destroyed, both on land and at sea. On this programme we look at how local communities are fighting to protect their forests and the marine life that that surrounds this unique place.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter: Sira Thierij Sound Mix: Hal Haines Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Diver off the Barren Isles, Madagascar, credit Sira Thierij)This podcast was partially funded by the European Journalism Centre, through the Solutions Journalism Accelerator.

In this engaging discussion, reporter Ben Wyatt shares insights from his investigation into the 'Little Scandinavia' initiative in Philadelphia. He explains how the prison's humane model, reminiscent of Scandinavian practices, promotes rehabilitation by allowing inmates to order groceries and cook meals. Wyatt also highlights a unique recycling project in Panama, where inmates engage in waste management, gaining skills for their reintegration. These innovative approaches challenge traditional incarceration methods and aim to transform lives behind bars.

2024 has been called a record breaking year for elections, with billions of people eligible to take part in all types of votes. But how can we make sure people can vote safely and securely?We visit Australia's Northern Territory to see how voting takes place in incredibly remote communities. We also find out how a group of eminent women in Uganda is combating violence and intimidation during elections. And we hear how Estonia operates one of the most high-tech elections in the world.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producers: Katie Solleveld, Richard Kenny Australia reporter: Laetitia Lemke Sound mix: Hal Haines Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Illustration of voter putting ballot in box, Getty Images)