Deutsche Welle Living Planet

Living Planet

As humans' impact on the planet becomes more evident, there is a need for independent reporting. Living Planet looks at new technologies, visits innovative projects and keeps you up-to-date on the state of the earth.
Weekly English Germany Society & Culture · Health & Fitness
49 Episodes
1 – 20

Deep Dive: Advertising - the battle to ban fossil fuel ads

It’s so common it’s easy to overlook. But what if advertising has more power to shape our choices, our world and our climate than we realize? For decades, the fossil fuel industry has used marketing to buy our support and delay climate action – with remarkable success. Now some cities…
11 Oct 35 min

What’s better: leather vs vegan leather?

Vegan leather, synthetic leather, faux leather. Whatever you want to call it, demand for this non-animal-based leather alternative is on the rise, especially when it comes to shoes. Some consumers don’t want to pay leather prices, others want a clean conscience when it comes to the environment and animal cruelty…
4 Oct 30 min

Naturally Connected: 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…
27 Sep 13 min

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…
20 Sep 26 min

Deep Dive: Ants – warriors, engineers, farmers

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. All around the world, ants are hard at work helping sustain healthy ecosystems. But, as…
13 Sep 35 min

Deep Dive: Suck, bury and 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?…
6 Sep 32 min

Deep Dive: 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.
30 Aug 32 min

What’s Better: Dairy vs plant-based milk

Whether you're an almond or soy milk enthusiast, or just curious about the latest trend in plant-based alternatives, find out which milk is the best choice for your health and the environment.
23 Aug 23 min

Naturally connected: The fox's tale

Foxes have thrived alongside us for centuries. Despite facing numerous threats, they continue to adapt and survive in our ever-changing world. But how are these clever animals finding their place in urban areas?
16 Aug 13 min

Naturally Connected: Finding humanity beneath the Arches

America's iconic national parks are a great place to reconnect with nature. But are the crowds killing the vibe? Among the red rocks and tourists of Arches National Park in Southern Utah, reporter Sam Baker asks: Do we need solitude to find serenity in nature?
9 Aug 32 min

Naturally Connected: The lost art of foraging

An urban park in the heart of Berlin might not seem like an ideal place to forage for hidden food treasures. But it's actually blessed with richer biodiversity than the sprawling countryside that wraps around it. And, if you lean in close enough, you'll find an astonishing diversity of plants…
2 Aug 15 min

What's better - the 4 or 5 day workweek?

Scrapping the classic five-day workweek sounds great when it comes to a better work-life balance. But could less time at work also benefit the environment?
19 Jul 33 min

Deep Dive: Why you’d better check the sunscreen you use

Hawaii and other tourist hot spots have banned some UV filters found in sunscreen, in part thanks to a fateful snack run for Oreos that put one ecotoxicologist on the trail of unsuspected coral killer in the ocean. Twenty years later, his search continues amid a cacophony of misinformation about…
12 Jul 26 min

Deep Dive: Euro 2024 – can soccer go green?

With over 2 billion dollars in expected revenue and a projected carbon footprint of 500,000 tons of CO2, we're diving into whether this "most sustainable European Championship" is hitting its eco-friendly targets. From discounted train rides to plant-based snacks, discover the real impact of this soccer fest as business interests…
5 Jul 17 min

Deep Dive: Are we blind to our pets’ climate crimes?

We're obsessed with our pooches, our kitty cats and our cockatiels – how could we not be? They're cute as heck! So, it's easy to turn off to news of how they might be hurting the environment and putting their own health in danger. But don't worry, pets can help…
28 Jun 32 min

Deep dive: The true cost of sugar

Sugar has changed the world. In this episode, we hear how this ubiquitous commodity reshaped economies, fueled the slave trade and influenced global health trends. And our desire for sugary foods has also left a mark on the environment. Is it time to question the sustainability of our sweet tooth?…
21 Jun 39 min

Deep Dive: Could ocean viruses be used for carbon capture?

A handful of sea water contains more than 50 million viruses. But they’re nothing to be afraid of, at least where human health is concerned. In fact, some scientists wonder if they can be geoengineered into a weapon against climate change.
14 Jun 31 min

Deep Dive: Where do all the flowers come from?

Roses are red, cornflowers are blue. Most flowers are grown on a different continent, what's it to you? There’s nothing quite like the gift of cut flowers – a special little piece of nature’s bounty in your hands. But the thing about flowers is, they've gotta be fresh and we…
7 Jun 31 min
1 – 20