Living Planet

In the heart of Berlin, woodpeckers are turning the city into their playground. From drumming on trees to carving out homes, these master carpenters are thriving in the most unlikely of places. But why are they drawn to the bustling streets and towering buildings?

Not long ago, energy analysts noticed something weird in the data they were tracking. The anomaly centered on Pakistan. All of a sudden, the country seemed to be using far, far less electricity than before. What the analysts would discover baffled them – it was a different kind of power surge brewing right under their noses. One that could have ripple effects far and wide. If it isn't halted.

Thousands of ships loaded with oil were sunk during the fierce sea battles of the Second World War. That means they’ve been sitting underwater for eight decades, with no maintenance or protection. Scientists fear many of these wrecks are now close to collapse — and that a spike in catastrophic oil spills may be on the horizon.

This week we are sharing an episode from Up From Dust – a podcast from the NPR stations of Kansas. "Healing the ground we broke" takes us to the majestic prairies of Kansas to the get the dirt on why soil health is so important to maintaining our food systems and protecting the land from climate disaster.

Elias Airy, co-founder of Rynoster and expert in carbon markets, teams up with climate economist Danny Cullenward to unravel the truth about carbon offsets. They discuss the complexities of using tree planting as a means to offset flight emissions, highlighting issues with transparency and the legitimacy of many offset programs. The duo critically examines the distinction between voluntary and compliance carbon markets, emphasizing the need for better regulations. Listen in for insights on navigating this tricky landscape and the importance of authentic emission reductions.

Wild geese migrate with remarkable success. They navigate thousands of miles thanks to their unique social structure and provide valuable lessons on teamwork and resilience. But how do these birds know exactly when to embark on their epic migration?

As traditional funerals take a toll on the environment, a new wave of eco-friendly options is emerging. This episode reveals the surprising choices for sustainable farewells. Are you ready to rethink your final act?

Ben Parker, Councillor for Edinburgh, discusses his pioneering campaign to ban ads for high-carbon products. Matt Halliday reflects on how advertising has evolved from informative to deeply emotional, influencing consumer behavior. Peter Dietsch emphasizes the ethical issues tied to fossil fuel ads, while Naomi Oreskes draws parallels between fossil fuel and tobacco advertising, advocating for stricter regulations. Together, they unveil the deceptive power of marketing in delaying climate action and its potential impact on public health.

In this enlightening discussion, Kerry Senior, an environmental scientist and Director of the UK Leather Federation, teams up with Michael Meyer, a professor in additive manufacturing and CEO of the Freiburg Institute. They dive into the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding leather and vegan leather alternatives. The conversation reveals the unexpected complexities of vegan leather, including hidden ingredients and plastic pollution. They also challenge consumer perceptions of luxury and sustainability while encouraging listeners to rethink their footwear choices.

There are an estimated 50 to 430 billion birds worldwide. They're everywhere, but few of us take the time to listen. In this episode, our reporter Ben Restle joins a nocturnal Berlin birdwatching workshop in a rather eerie location. It’s perfect for witnessing the magical dawn chorus - you just need to make it through the night…