People Fixing the World

Australia used to be one of the most linguistically diverse places, with over 200 languages. Today, many of Australia’s indigenous languages are considered “highly endangered”. Inspired by his native language, Hebrew, Ghil’ad Zuckermann is a linguistics professor who is on a mission to revive Australia’s dead and endangered languages, painstakingly piecing them back together from historical documents. We speak to Ghil’ad and Shania Richards from the Barngarla community, whose language is being brought back from the brink. Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter/producer: Josephine Casserly Producers: Claire Bates & Craig Langran Series producer: Tom Colls Sound mix: Annie Gardiner Editor: Penny Murphy Email: peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk Image: Shania Richards, in the uniform of the Youth Governor of South Australia

Exploring innovative solutions for elderly residents in Barcelona unable to navigate stairs, utilizing specialized wheelchairs for mobility. Highlighting a university-based retirement community in the US offering a college lifestyle experience for senior citizens. Emphasizing the importance of social interaction and engagement for the well-being of older individuals.

On this edition of People Fixing The World we meet people who’ve helped overcome long-standing cultural biases to create better outcomes for everyone. In India we hear about the social media campaigns which have helped city dwellers in Bengaluru see those who pick waste from rubbish dumps not as dangerous and dirty but as invaluable recyclers. In Nigeria we meet a traditional healer and a health worker who are collaborating to help improve the treatment of psychosis and break down some of the unhelpful attitudes towards severe mental health problems.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter/producer: Makuochi Okafor, Claire Bowes Series producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Penny Murphy Sound Mix: Andrew Mills(Image: Chief Mukaila Yusuf, BBC)

This podcast explores rewilding and the reintroduction of lost species to restore ecosystems. It discusses the benefits of rewilding, challenges of legislation and farmer engagement, and successful projects in Europe and Argentina.

The Amazon is the largest forest in the world, spread across nine countries in South America and home to 47 million people. It’s crucial for the planet’s biodiversity and in the fight against climate change. But vast numbers of trees have been cut down for logging, construction, mining and farming. On this edition of People Fixing The World we meet those who are making a living from the Amazon while keeping the trees standing - through rubber tapping and fruit picking - as well as big companies looking to make more of the fruits, nuts and other natural products. Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter: Julia Carneiro Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Bridget Harney Sound mix: Andrew Mills (Image: Brazilian entrepreneur Francisco Samonek, BBC/Julia Carneiro)

Scientists use fake birds to encourage sea birds to nest in safer locations. Decoys and audio lures are used to attract and protect various bird species. Japanese knotweed is turned into paper, offering a resource for the community. A small-scale project sells recycled paper and a dog-sharing service brings companionship to older individuals. Matching dog owners with sitters improves community connection and physical health.

Guest Myra Anubi discusses the repurposing of landfill sites into green spaces, focusing on Singapore's landfill island made from incinerated waste. The podcast also explores how a French company converts landfill methane into biomethane for energy use. Other topics include the purification process of landfill gas and efforts to reduce methane emissions from landfill sites.

Loneliness affects millions of people around the world and can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health.In the Netherlands, they are taking the problem seriously, with a national coalition of organisations all trying to bring people together and build connections.We visit a youth club teaching teenagers how to overcome shyness and social anxiety. Plus, we drop in on a soup-making session that's bringing the generations together, and breaking down stereotypes.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter/producer: Claire Bates Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Bridget Harney Sound mix: Gareth Jonesemail: peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk(Image:Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Oma's Soup)

In the Indonesian part of Borneo, a clinic was built to stop people from chopping the rainforest by offering affordable healthcare. The clinic used seedlings as payment for medical treatment. The link between healthcare and conservation efforts is explored, with a research paper showing a decline in logging activities. Researchers found a 70% decrease in forest loss in a National Park after intervention. In Nigeria and Turkey, incentives for health insurance and community service improved health outcomes.

French company Carbios is using enzymes to break plastic down into its chemical building blocks, potentially revolutionizing plastic recycling. The episode also explores the discovery of enzymes from waxworm larvae that degrade polyethylene, and highlights the challenges of plastic pollution and the limited recycling rates.