People Fixing the World

Exploring innovative water-saving solutions worldwide, from underground rain devices in India to clay liquids for desert farming in the US. Learn about projects in Cyprus for eco-friendly wastewater reuse and how farmers are tackling water scarcity challenges.

Exploring the decline of US shopping malls and the innovative repurposing solutions such as a school in a former department store and a mall turned healthcare center. Global perspective on empty malls in India, China, and Brazil.

What we wear helps us express ourselves and communicate to others in the most immediate way. But the tools we frequently use to do that, such as clothing and haircare are not available to everyone equally.One in six of us has a disability of some sort - according to the World Health Organisation - but most clothing and beauty brands don’t take account of that. From making shops accessible to catering for differences in design and size, few companies address these particular needs.This week on People Fixing The World we’re talking to people trying to change that. Hair and Care is a London-based hairstyling workshop which helps people with visual impairments take better care of their hair.Plus, we bring together two entrepreneurs who’ve brought adaptive clothing to Africa and Asia allowing people with disabilities to fully express themselves in the way they dress. We also meet the UK-based adaptive clothing company that could affect the way we all dress – by working with technology companies to develop a scanner that will help in tailoring for all body shapes.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporters: Emma Tracey, Claire Bowes Producer: Claire Bowes Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Hal Haines(Image: Wearapy model photoshoot)

The podcast discusses Mexico City's water crisis due to a growing population and climate change. Scientists are using plants to clean sewage water, urban planners are redesigning the city's relationship with water, and an architect has created a park to absorb excess rainwater

Exploring climate change initiatives in El Salvador, from preserving mangrove forests to protecting endangered sea turtles. Community engagement, conservation efforts, and innovative strategies play a crucial role in combating the global impacts of climate change.

If you could invent a new kind of school what would it look like? What skills would you teach children, and how would the school be run?On this edition of People Fixing The World we visit the Mechai Pattana School in Thailand which was founded by the campaigner Mechai Viravaidya in 2008, on principals of charity and leadership. Children are responsible for every aspect of running the school, from buying food for the kitchens to disciplining fellow students and even recruiting new staff.The children also run their own businesses, and perform several hours of community service every week. Many of the students come from underprivileged backgrounds, but their school fees are “paid” by planting 800 trees a year, together with their families.The idea is for the school to produce “change-makers” – could it be a model for others to follow?Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: William Kremer Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Annie Gardiner

Across the world millions of women and girls face discrimination and worse because of their gender. On this edition of People Fixing The World we look at projects designed to change attitudes. In India we visit workshops aimed at recruiting younger men as allies in the fight against sexism and gender inequality. And we speak to the founder of Chalk Back, a street art initiative that encourages women to write sexist remarks they’ve been the target of onto pavements in chalk to highlight the problem of street harassment.Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporter: Chhavi Sachdev Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Hal Haines

Often described as underwater rainforests and the “lungs of the ocean”, kelp forests line as much as 25% of the world’s coastlines. They provide important shelter and food for fish and other marine life, and are vital for our oceans’ ecosystems. However kelp is under severe threat because of climate change, warming seas and overfishing. We look at projects in California aimed at stemming the decline of kelp including how scientists are growing it in a laboratory to be planted at sea as well as tackling a key cause of kelp degradation - sea urchins.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: Craig Langran Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Frank McWeeny

Doctors in Colombia are teaching mothers Kangaroo care for premature babies to enhance survival rates. The skin-to-skin method has spread globally, saving lives and helping babies thrive. Kangaroo care proves to be a cost-effective and emotional approach to nurturing premature infants.

Discover how innovators are reshaping the fashion industry by using old fire hoses to create stylish accessories and introducing yak hair as a sustainable alternative to cashmere. Explore the nomadic life in Mongolia and learn about the challenges of transitioning from traditional to city life. Witness the creative journey of transforming waste materials into luxury fashion items.