Category: Miniseries

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39 Ways to Save the Planet - Wood for Good

BBC Radio Four presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.

Trees soak up carbon dioxide, trees store carbon dioxide. So why not build with wood instead of concrete and steel? The usual reason is strength, but Dr Michael Ramage at Cambridge University has what he thinks is the answer- cross-laminated timber. It's strong enough to build a skyscraper and replaces lots of that carbon from conventional building. Tom Heap and Dr Tamsin Edwards take a look at the global possibilities of cities built of wood.

Producer : Alasdair Cross

Researcher: Sarah Goodman

Produced in association with the Royal Geographical Society. Special thanks for this episode to Dr Harry Kennard from University College London.

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39 Ways to Save the Planet - Super Rice

We’re resourceful, adaptable and the smartest thing this planet has ever seen. We got ourselves into this mess but we can get ourselves out of it. BBC Radio Four, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet.

From tiny solar cells to the total transformation of the Siberian landscape, Tom Heap and Dr Tamsin Edwards from Kings College, London view the fundamental problem of our age from a fresh perspective. Small things that make a big difference. Big things that make a small difference. We’re going to need every one of them.

In the first programme Tom discovers the secret of low-carbon rice with Dr Smita Kurup from Rothamsted Research.

Producer : Alasdair Cross

Researcher: Sarah Goodman

Produced in association with the Royal Geographical Society. Special thanks for this episode to Professor Vincent Gauci from the University of Birmingham.

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The Shakeout - The US-Mexico Border Has Been Closed Since March. Businesses Are Feeling The Consequence.

Along the Mexico border, like everywhere, businesses have seen a drop in foot traffic during the pandemic. Unlike other parts of the country, the loss of customers is partly due to an action by the Federal Government: The closure of the border to nonessential travel. On this episode of The Shakeout, we weigh the economic effects this policy has had for cities on both sides of the border.
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The Right to Drink - The Surprising History of Moonshine

There’s a funny thing about alcohol. Every time the government makes it hard to get, the greater the lengths humans go to get it. Throughout human history we’ve found mind-bendingly creative ways to obtain our precious hooch, and the higher the government barriers the larger the black market. But moonshining isn’t just an American Prohibition era story, it’s a modern day--and global--phenomenon. So grab your jug and listen along as we compare moonshine myths and lore with modern day reality.

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The Shakeout - How Long Can The Texas Travel Economy Survive Without Travelers?

There's a short list of things health experts have implored everyone to do: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home. On this episode of The Shakeout, we explore the ramifications of that last point. Every industry that caters to travelers is facing a huge, growing shortfall, particularly in Texas, home to two major airlines and a sprawling tourism sector. With outbreaks of the virus still rippling across the United States and the rest of the world, the public remains justifiably wary of getting on a crowded plane or checking into a hotel. That wariness translates to a deep uncertainty among workers whose jobs in those industries are on the line, while those who already lost their jobs are trying to figure out what happens next.
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The Right to Drink - Why the )@#*$ can’t I ship booze to my door?

Almost every product under the sun can be delivered to your door in two days - or sometimes two hours. Except alcohol! Live in Vermont and want to order a 12-pack of IPAs from your favorite Michigan brewery? Sorry. Resident in NYC and want to order a bottle of that new small batch Kentucky bourbon you’ve been eyeing? Sure, COVID’s changed things, but how? And how long will it last? We’ll discuss when and where you can get booze at your doorstep.

 

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Sticky Wicket - Say Hello To Life Raft, A New Podcast Exploring Everyday Questions About Living With Climate Change

If you’re like us, climate change leaves you with a lot of questions, and they’re not about the rate of ocean warming — they’re about practical things that affect our everyday lives. So, for us and for you, we created a podcast about it.array(3) { [0]=> string(84) "https://cpa.ds.npr.org/wwno/audio/2020/10/201023_life_raft_trailer_sticky_tripod.mp3" [1]=> string(0) "" [2]=> string(1) "0" }