Living Planet

This week we have stories of activists. In one case, fighting against hydropower, despite the fact that it has helped Montenegro reduce its dependence on coal. We hear how environmental activists in certain parts of the world often face much more perilous consequences for their work. We'll also look at threats faced by journalists covering the environment.

East Africa is dealing with the worst locust infestation in decades. No one knows why millions of fruit bats descend on one particular spot in Zambia every year — but they are actually helping our environment. We also hear how South Africa's Black Mambas are keeping rhinos safe by stopping the invasion of poachers.

One year after the Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil that killed 270 people and wreaked havoc on the environment, we talk about how to avoid similar tragedies in the future. We also hear how development is pitted against our environment in India's metropolis Mumbai and visit peatlands in the Democratic Republic of Congo that store massive amounts of CO2.

Active war zones don't just leave scars on the people involved in them or civilians in their path, conflict also affects the land people depend on for their livelihoods, as well as the wildlife that inhabits it. What impact does war have on the environment? How do environmental problems increase the likelihood of conflicts flaring up? And how is wildlife affected by human combat?

This week we've got trees on the brain in light of devastating wildfires raging across Australia. We look at trees' role in fighting climate change and how we can help trees adapt to a changing climate. On a more seasonal note, we'll also look at how New Yorkers are getting rid of their Christmas trees.

We're easing you into the New Year with a gorgeous listen on this week’s Living Planet - a trip to New Zealand's Waipoua Forest. It's one of the oldest forests on this planet and has a deep place within the hearts and souls of the indigenous Polynesian people of the country – The Māori. In this beautifully rich soundscape, we are taken on their spiritual journey.

From natural sounds to artificial ones and even something in-between — this week's show is all about the indelible link between sound and the environment. We hear how plastic waste can be used to make a new kind of noise, and how kids in Colombia are learning to record animal sounds for conservation. And we meet a Polish composer who has created a unique soundwalk through Berlin's botanic gardens.

As the year draws to a close, we bring you our favorite reports and look back at some of the big news stories of 2019. We'll meet young climate activists in Germany, travel to communities devastated by wildfires in the Bolivian Amazon, and find out how global warming is altering natural patterns in Alaska. Plus, legendary primatologist Jane Goodall on why she still has hope for the planet.

On the show this week, we discuss the environmental situation in the world's most populated country. From air pollution to greenhouse gas emissions, what's going on in China and how will it affect the rest of the world? We also hear about climate negotiations at COP25 and we take a look at the fastest growing continent and what growth in its cities means for the environment.

How good are you at recycling? While it's good to reduce how much we consume, and reuse what we can, most of us do have to dispose of items and packaging, usually on a daily basis. But what happens to all of our containers and bottles and cardboard after we take them to the curb? Today on the show, we'll be diving into the realities of recycling.