World in Progress

After a year of so many lives lost, people around the world have found new, creative ways to deal with the effects of the coronavirus crisis, from a Brazilian man dressed as the Grim Reaper in Berlin to Polish salt mines that can help with respiratory problems. Plus, a look at how technology is changing music in the Atlanta hip-hop scene and for South Korean sound engineers.

The Mekong River flows 5,000 kilometers from China to Vietnam. China's construction of large hydropower dams along the river to feed the country's growing energy needs is causing problems downriver — having devastating impacts on water availability and the fertile soil that feeds hundreds of millions of people in Southeast Asia.

On this week’s show, we’re looking at how COVID-19 is impacting the world’s most vulnerable. More and more Italians are falling into poverty. One initiative is working to get rid of the stigma of accepting help. Plus, a look at how inequality is deepening, what COVID has meant for coffee production, and a look at the Yuqui of Bolivia.

Traveling without a passport - just by being scanned at an airport? Projects to test this kind of digital identity have already started. For some, that sounds great. Others fear the dangers posed by the possible abuse of data collected by companies and governments. Thomas Kruchem explores the possibilities and dangers of digital identities. The presenter is Natalie Muller.

In South Korea, there's a big push to get people with disabilities out of care facilities after coronavirus deaths were recorded in such institutions. It's also a call for inclusion. We also hear from travel nurses in the US who move from hospital to hospital to help out. Many nurses have been pushed to the brink of exhaustion during the pandemic.

Fukushima in Japan, March 11, 2011. An earthquake, a tsunami and three nuclear meltdowns. Much has happened since then: Cities have been rebuilt, protective walls erected, work continued on the damaged nuclear power plant. Export restrictions for many products have been largely lifted. But only a few people who had to flee their homes ten years ago have actually returned to the region.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed regions and entire countries. In the US, people have been fleeing cities like New York and Boston for greener pastures in Vermont. Many businesses are faltering because tourists have been staying away. Some young Iranian hostel owners are trying to stay afloat by moving things online. And a robot in Nairobi is doing its bit in the fight against COVID-19.

Censorship comes in many forms. You might have heard that Facebook blocked news coverage in Australia last week, because Australia's government wanted the tech giant to pay for journalism. In Venezuela, censorship has gotten so bad that people have to get creative to get informed. And the Indian government ordered Twitter to block accounts commenting on farmers' protests.

We hear the inspiring stories of female judges in Guatemala who are risking their lives for justice. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, the number of suicide cases involving women has been rising sharply in Japan. One student wants to stop people from taking their own lives and show them it's worth living. We also hear how dogs can help detect urine that's infected with the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world on its head, particularly in countries already grappling with crises. On this week's show, we'll hear about a food bank in Texas reeling from America's spiraling hunger crisis. We'll also hear from young men and women in Tripoli about how the current situation has made them think of leaving for good. Plus, Mexico's healthcare workers demand vaccinations.