Why has Canada declared a national emergency? What can we do to clean up Britain’s rivers? And what did Ross and Rachel do to upset Beijing? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Holden Frith, Leaf Arbuthnot and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

#264 Truckers, sewage and Friends in China

Have you missed the biggest news of the week? Olly Mann and The Week’s writers and editors talk about under-reported stories with long-term consequences

News

Politics

News Commentary

This week the Vatican is playing host to an international conference on climate change, at which many of the world's mayors and governors will discuss how we can adapt to the challenges of global warming. Could religious leaders help to win over some people who wouldn't listen to politicians?Plus: ultra-long mortgages and Swiftonomics.Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Jessica Hullinger, Guy Anker and Cindy Yu.

380. What has the Pope got to do with climate change?

Each year tens of thousands of children, some as young as 10, are married in a handful of American states, including California, which have no lower age limit for marriage. Most of these weddings involve a young girl marrying a man who is over 18. Will a new campaign bring the practice to an end? Plus: Black maternal health and the price of olive oil.Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Sorcha Bradley, Rebekah Evans and Emma Smith.

379. Will the US end child marriage?

In Britain and beyond, health services are desperately seeking blood donors. But could science help ease the crisis? This week scientists have taken a step closer to being able to convert blood from one type to another, which would allow donations to be used more efficiently and effectively. Plus an immersive D-Day simulation, and analysing a weight-loss faux pas.Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Arion McNicoll and Suchandrika Chakrabarti

378. Why is the world running low on blood?

Scientists are arguing that octopuses – and many other animals – experience consciousness. What does that mean for how humans treat them? Plus the size of the electric car market, and Morocco's controversial football kitOlly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Jessica Hullinger and Emma Smith

377. What does an Octopus feel?

What is happening in Sudan? Could London really end rough sleeping? And why has Joe Lycett been making up stories? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Mariana Vieira, Rebekah Evans and Jamie Timson

#264 Truckers, sewage and Friends in China

Download our free app to listen on your phone