Background Briefing

Retired colonel in the US army and historian of international relations, Professor Andrew Bacevich argues that the US should get out of Afghanistan. Producer: Kirsten Garrett

There are debates and discussion about who should foot the bill if we get sick with something we could have prevented if we had lived a better lifestyle - smoking, drinking while driving, eating too much. It's tricky territory. Reporter Ian Townsend.

They have become both critic and chef in the big financial kitchens, but they say they're really journalists and take no responsibility for their advice. CRAs are probably beyond the law, yet governments have said their advice is mandatory. Weird. Reporter: Stanley Correy.

The parlous state of music in public schools means not only are our children missing an important dimension in life, but they miss out on something that promotes brain function and social skills. China and Venezuela understand the value of music very well, and so do Australian parents, but our politicians are tone deaf. Reporter: Stephen Crittenden

Over the decades psychiatrists are finding and re-defining more of the constellation of emotions, reactions, and ups and down of life as mental illness. No surprise, there are pills to make everyone fit the normal template, even some for shyness. Reporter Hagar Cohen.

The rich are deserting the old city of Cairo and moving to luxurious, Hollywood style, gated communities in the desert, with lush golf courses and artificial lakes. Water is a big issue, as old Cairo is left to the poor and the tourists. Reporter, Hagar Cohen. (This program was originally broadcast on 1st February 2009).

Our ocean territory is greater than our landmass, and one of the biggest in the world. Yet our capacity to explore the deep ocean is smaller than landlocked Bolivia; at a time when the oceans hold the key to climate change. Reporter, Di Martin.

Not only can we create new life forms, but our own genes are starting to show us all the diseases we're likely to get during our lives. Do we want to know and what are the costs? Reporter: Ian Townsend

Paul Gilding has been an activist for sustainability for 35 years, working for NGOs, business and government. He explains why physics and biology have determined that our current model for economic growth is finished, and how the human race will face its biggest challenge ever.

The Chancellor of Oxford, Lord Patten of Barnes, draws on his experience as a public official – including his time as the last governor of Hong Kong – to talk about politics, public health and the importance of pubs. Recorded at Oxford University. Photograph by Rob Judges.