

Living Planet
DW
Looking to reconnect with nature? Want to make better decisions for the health of the planet? Every Friday, Living Planet brings you the stories, facts and debates on the key environmental issues of our time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 30min
Can planting trees really offset my flight emissions?
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.

Oct 25, 2024 • 13min
What wild geese teach us about teamwork
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?

Oct 17, 2024 • 34min
How eco-friendly funerals are changing traditions
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?

Oct 11, 2024 • 35min
The battle to ban fossil fuel advertising
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.

7 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 31min
What’s better – leather or vegan leather?
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.

Sep 27, 2024 • 14min
Chirping from the crypt
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…

Sep 20, 2024 • 27min
Introducing: What on Earth
This week we are sharing an episode from What On Earth — a CBC Podcast dedicated to bringing you a world of climate solutions. “Ghosts in their fishing nets” takes us to the Yukon, where Indigenous communities are sounding the alarm over critically endangered Chinook salmon populations – and fighting to help the fish return.

Sep 13, 2024 • 36min
When ants invade
Which creatures tend their own gardens, keep livestock, wage wars and have been around since the dinosaurs? We’re talking about ants of course. Tiny but mighty, the ant universe is complex, fascinating, and mostly hidden. Ants are crucial for sustaining healthy ecosystems. But, as residents in one German town discovered, they can also wreak havoc when they invade new habitats.

Sep 6, 2024 • 33min
Suck, bury, store – Denmark wants your CO2, but why?
If you can't beat CO2 pollution, then bury it? That's basically the thought behind carbon capture and storage. Denmark wants to become a leader in these efforts, and has the geological underground to lock away billions of tons of CO2. But locals ask, will it blow up in their face? An exploration of carbon capture technology.

Aug 29, 2024 • 32min
The dirty truth about laundry
Our laundry routine impacts the environment with chemicals, microplastics, and energy use. Is our fear of being viewed as dirty making us overwash our clothes? Find out how to make smarter and greener laundry choices.