On The Green Fence: Recent Episodes
DW
On the Green Fence lives up to its name in looking at complex, often divisive environmental issues from multiple angles. It’s not about greenism, but about delving into the major concerns of our time in an engaging and human way. DW reporter Neil King sits on the fence and explores the role business, society and science play in our transition to a more environmentally friendly world. In so doing, he aims to make sense of issues that affect us all, but which are often over-simplified or convoluted by ideology and lobbyism. On the Green Fence stands for an open-minded, relevant and entertaining approach to the environment.
After a great run, the On the Green Fence podcast is coming to a close. But we also have some good news for you.
Globally only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled. But why are mechanical recycling rates so low? And could chemical recycling help achieve our targets or is this the wrong approach to the plastic waste problem?
Substituting fossil-based plastics with compostable ones could help address plastic pollution. But not all bioplastics are eco-friendly or biodegradable. A startup from the UK says seaweed is the answer.
Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste ends up in the environment where it can last for centuries. But the discovery of plastic-gobbling enzymes has raised hopes of solving this mounting problem. Some scientists have called these tiny plastic eaters a game changer. But is this really a scalable solution? And does it make economic sense?
Microplastics have been found everywhere — from the deepest parts of the ocean to the heights of Mount Everest. A problem that is set to intensify as we produce over 400 million tons of new plastics every year. But just how dangerous are microplastics? And what can we do about them?
Each year, the world produces 430 million tons of plastics – and that figure is set to triple by 2060. How did plastics become such a big part of our lives? And what needs to be done to limit their environmental impact?
Global plastics production has doubled over the past two decades. Despite rising consumer awareness, there is more single-use plastic waste than ever before. Pollutive plastic waste is set to triple by 2060. Microplastics are in our food and water and even entering our bodies. How did we get here and what can we do about it? This series launches on 16 June.
By 2050, half the world's population could be affected by at least one allergy. Is global warming to blame? Find out more about rising pollen levels and one of the most allergenic plants in the world that is now also spreading in Germany. (This episode has been republished and updated).
Global demand for meat is growing, but animal agriculture has a significant carbon footprint. Could cultivating steaks, nuggets and sushi in a lab be a solution? (This episode has been republished and updated).
Climate fiction has become a significant cultural phenomenon, reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for creative responses to this global challenge. But how does it affect the consumer and is it doing more harm than good?
Cli-fi is growing increasingly popular as the climate crisis deepens. But could this mainly dystopian genre play a constructive role in tackling the challenge of global warming?
The German town of Andernach uses its public spaces to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that anyone can pick free of charge. It's also a social project that has given some residents a new purpose in life. So what would it take to turn your home town into an edible one? (This episode has been republished and updated)
Supermarkets stock thousands of food products flown in from all over the world. And we've become used to this bounty of choice, often at the cost of the environment. But what is driving this excessive food consumption and how can we make better food choices? (This episode has been republished and updated).
Machines that can outsmart humans are the stuff of sci-fi novels. But some in the tech industry believe that if rapid advances in AI continue, there could someday be systems that attain — or surpass — human intelligence. Philosopher Nick Bostrom shares his thoughts on what that would mean for our species and some of the ethical questions that should be settled before we reach that threshold.
Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the technology itself has a big carbon footprint, and in some cases it's being used to accelerate activities that make climate change worse.
The field of artificial intelligence is growing fast. Not only is it bringing profound changes to the way we live and work, it's also proving to be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
The impacts of climate change are making us sick and claiming the lives of 13 million people every year. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the single biggest health threat humanity faces. So what does it mean for our health if we fail to meet our climate goals and what can we do about it? (This episode has been republished and updated).
Ahead of World Water Day, we look at how the Rhine was transformed from a heavily polluted and stinking river into a clean waterway. Today, it supplies over 30 million people with high quality drinking water. But new threats are emerging for Germany's longest artery. (This episode has been republished and updated).
Imagine your work week is reduced from five to four days without a pay cut. That's precisely what some companies in the UK did over a six-month trial period. Apparently, this is good for workers, business and the environment. Is the four-day work week overdue?
Most Germans choose to be cremated when they die. But this process has many environmental downsides. A green funeral startup from Berlin wants to make human composting the new normal. But just how eco-friendly is this and why hasn't it taken off in Germany yet?
Rationing could be an effective way of reducing carbon emissions rapidly and fairly, according to a recent study by UK scientists. But just how would this work and would people really go along with it?
The trade in frogs legs is thriving. Every year, millions of tons of the delicacy are exported from Asia to the European Union, the world’s biggest customer by far. But scientists warn the trade is unsustainable, and that Europe’s insatiable taste for the amphibian’s limbs could cause some species to die out altogether.
From the suffragettes to US civil rights campaigners, there are many examples from history of social movements using direct action to push for change. It's a tactic climate activists in the West are increasingly resorting to today. But do radical acts still work with a challenge as immense as climate change? And how are such protests viewed in other parts of the world?
Disruptive climate protests are encouraging the authorities in some democracies to push for harsher anti-protest measures and new legislation. Civil rights groups fear the right to peaceful protest could come under threat. In Germany, for instance, climate activists from 'The Last Generation' have already been placed in preventive detention. Is more escalation on the horizon?
Just Stop Oil activist Lora Johnson has been arrested several times for disruptive climate protests in the United Kingdom. She has no intention of stopping, even if it means being separated from her son. But just how far is she prepared to go to achieve her goals?
Exposure to loud noise can lead to health issues in humans. But it can also be harmful for wildlife. The problem is only going to get worse as cities expand. So what can we do about it?
Locally produced biogas could help reduce Germany's dependence on natural gas imports. So why doesn't it play a bigger role? German farmer Henning Varnholt knows all the stumbling blocks. He's been producing biogas since 2009 despite criticsm from neighbors. Today, he and his community are self-sufficient and the critics have fallen silent. But is biogas really all it's cracked up to be?
Germany is firing up old coal plants to ensure energy supply this winter. What does this mean for the country's coal phaseout and climate targets?
Germany's government wants to install thousands of new wind turbines as part of its plan to phase out fossil fuels. But finding a place to put all these windmills is proving controversial - even within green circles. Some critics argue wind is far too volatile a power source, while others warn these massive structures will harm vulnerable ecosystems. So when does this technology make sense?
The energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced Germany to delay its long awaited nuclear phaseout. How likely is a renaissance of nuclear power amid blackout fears and increased energy prices? What role can "green" nuclear power play in the climate crisis? And why is there no embargo on Russian uranium?
For years, Germany has relied on gas imports from Russia to power its industry. But Moscow's war in Ukraine has left Berlin scrambling to find alternatives. In episode one of DW's new series about the energy crisis, how will Europe's biggest economy replace Russian gas while staying on track to meet its climate goals?
Germany's energy policy has been turned upside down by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But what does this mean for energy security and climate targets? And how are Germans preparing for the winter amid rising energy prices? Join DW reporters Kristie Pladson and Neil King on the road as they explore Germany in crisis mode. This podcast series launches on 28 October.
In Germany, buildings are responsible for around 40 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions. Making housing more sustainable can help save money in times of rising energy costs. But where to start? (This episode has been republished and updated).
Co-housing projects are growing in popularity thanks, in part, to increasing awareness about the impact of our homes on the planet. But how difficult is it to share your living space with strangers? (This episode has been republished and updated).
The living space of people in Western countries has been expanding for decades. But tackling housing shortages and the climate crisis may require a rethink of how much room we really need. (This episode has been republished and updated).
Reducing the number of cars in urban areas can bring down pollution and traffic accidents. But the idea of shifting away from cars and designing cities around pedestrians and cyclists instead often meets with fierce resistance. (This episode has been republished and updated).
While major businesses depending on Rhine shipments are backing a government plan to deepen the river in key sections, towns on the Middle Rhine are fighting an uphill battle to stop it. But why is this project so controversial?
The river Rhine has played a crucial role in Europe's history and development, shaping the people and towns along its banks. But just what makes this river so special and how is old Father Rhine's role developing amid climate change?
A historic drought is drying out the few remaining wetland areas along Germany's Rhine river, putting native wildlife under stress. Conservationists hope restoring these delicate ecosystems will make them more resilient in the face of future extremes.
Climate change is transforming the Rhine. Scant rainfall and above average summer temperatures have caused its water level to drop to near-record lows. Weather extremes are expected to become more frequent, so what does this mean for the iconic river?
Demand for air conditioning is growing as the planet gets hotter. But there are other solutions besides these carbon-intensive appliances to keep our homes and cities cool. (This episode has been republished and updated).
The tourism industry has been consistently growing for decades thanks to the human desire to visit faraway places and explore. But our globetrotting ways are having a negative impact on the environment. Are we capable of change? (This episode has been republished and updated).
Severe drought and wildfires are wreaking havoc with Germany's forests, leading to dieback on a large scale. Indian-born scientist Somidh Saha is working to make them more resilient. (This episode has been republished and updated).
The relationship between humans and trees has changed considerably in the course of history. Now climate change is forcing both forests and humans to adapt fast. What does this mean for our identity and future relationship with forests?
Agriculture needs to adapt to climate change to ensure food security. Agroforestry systems could help make farms more resilient, but they only constitute a fraction of farming in Europe. Is it time for change?
Staff shortages and flight cancellations have thrown airlines into turmoil at the start of a busy summer holiday season. But that's just one challenge confronting the aviation industry. It's also under growing pressure to shrink its carbon footprint in the face of a much bigger crisis: climate change. (This episode has been republished and updated).
Expanding forests can help bring down the amount of CO2 trapped in the atmosphere. But restoring these invaluable ecosystems is a complex business, and planting new trees can sometimes do more harm than good.
Climate change and monoculture plantations are rendering Germany's forests more vulnerable to forest fires. One solution could be the creation of forests that don't burn so easily. But how is this done and what does this mean for ecosystems and timber production?
Global CO2 emissions continue to rise despite the urgent need to decarbonize. What does this failure to tackle climate change mean for climate activism? Is radicalization the next step?
Trees are connected to each other by a huge underground network through which they can exchange information. But why is this crucial for the survival of forests and how is climate change affecting connectivity?
Forests cover 30% of the Earth's land area and are home to 80% of its biodiversity. Forests are our lungs and can help mitigate climate change by storing carbon. But things are changing as temperatures rise and the global population grows. What does this mean for our trees?
The town of Andernach uses its public spaces to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that anyone can pick free of charge. The project has been a resounding hit with locals keen to learn more about growing food sustainably. For some, it's even been life-changing.
Supermarkets stock thousands of food products flown in from all over the world. And we've become used to this bounty of choice, often at the cost of the environment. Is it time to scale back?
Lab-grown meat could help us decarbonize agriculture and abolish factory farming along with all its environmental and ethical downsides. So why the holdup?
The world is going to need about 50% more food by 2050. Has the time come to roll out genetically modified crops that promise higher yields, are more resilient to climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of farming?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is threatening global food security and supply chains. The shocks to food systems are set to intensify amid climate change. Is greener farming the answer?
The way we currently produce food isn't sustainable. So what needs to change? Introducing On The Green Fence's new season: The Future of Food.
This week On the Green Fence brings you an episode from our friends at Outside/In. Antler tissue is the fastest growing animal tissue on the planet. Listen in to find out how antlers grow so fast, meet a collector who covers hundreds of miles searching for them, and find out why scientists hope antlers could unlock new treatments for osteoporosis.
Water scarcity already affects about 40% of the world's population and droughts could put up to 700 million people at risk of displacement by the year 2030. Are we entering a new era of violent conflict over water?
Water covers over 70% of the world’s surface, but only 0.5% of the earth’s water is available as fresh water. Water pollutants are causing irreversible damage to ecosystems and global warming is adding to the burden. Are we too late to clean up this mess?
The Rhine used to be a heavily polluted and stinking river. Today, it supplies over 30 million people with high quality drinking water. How was this achieved? And which new threats are emerging for Germany's longest waterway?
As global demand for water continues to rise, safeguarding the water supply will likely grow more challenging and costly. Is more privatization the answer?
Of all the world's water-stressed countries, India has the highest population at risk. But despite shrinking water reservoirs and dire warnings that the country could soon run dry, not all Indians are taking this existential threat seriously. Why not?
Climate change and population growth are taking their toll on the world's freshwater supplies. We need to save water, but where to start?
The psychological impact of climate change is growing across the globe. But how do you know whether you have eco-anxiety and what can you do to keep it at bay?
By 2050, half the world's population could be affected by at least one allergy. Is climate change to blame?
Disease-spreading mosquitoes kill more humans than any other animal. They are responsible for 1 million deaths per year. Global heating will expose half the world's population to dangerous mosquitoes by 2050. Time for drastic measures?
The health care sector is responsible for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is contributing to climate change, which will create more patients and yet more emissions. Meet the German doctor who's trying to break this vicious circle by decarbonizing health care and convincing his patients of the health benefits of a greener lifestyle.
The impacts of climate change are making us sick and claiming the lives of 13 million people every year. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the single biggest health threat humanity faces. So what would it mean for our health if we fail to meet our climate goals?
Germany's new agriculture minister Cem Özdemir has caused a stir after speaking out against junk prices in supermarkets, especially for meat - the biggest driver of food-related greenhouse gas emissions. But why is this so problematic in Germany and would higher meat prices really solve the problem?
Buying a family home is a major life milestone in many countries. But a lack of affordable housing and a desire to curb carbon footprints has led to the rise of alternative forms of accommodation, including "co-housing." Just how does this model work? And how difficult is it to get people to share their living space?
The average living space in western countries has increased dramatically over the past decades. In Germany, urban sprawl and construction projects are eating away at nature at a rate of 50 soccer pitches per day. At the same time, people here are struggling to find affordable accommodation. How can we break this trend and are tiny houses really the answer?
Climate change is expected to make heat waves longer and more severe, with catastrophic consequences for our health and economies. The International Energy Agency predicts that energy demand from air conditioners will triple by 2050. But ironically, the more we use these carbon-intensive machines, the more we contribute to global heating. So how do we break that cycle?
In Germany, nearly 40% of national greenhouse gas emissions are caused by buildings. The housing and construction sector will need to change dramatically if there is to be any hope of achieving climate neutrality by 2045. But where to start? Listen in to find out more about passive houses, sustainable construction materials and the carbon footprint of building a family home from scratch.
Three months after deadly flash floods tore through Germany's Ahr Valley, residents in the village of Dernau are looking to the future. For many, that means rebuilding homes destroyed in the deluge. But how do you build back in a sustainable way? What needs to change to make buildings more flood-resilient? And when does it make sense to move away altogether?
This time On the Green Fence is bringing you an episode from our friends at Outside/In, an American podcast about the natural world and how we use it. In their episode "Scents and Sensibility" the Outside/In team explore the origins, role and transformation of potpourri. Listen in for a unique take on this "old school" air freshener.
Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in western Germany, environmental issues had never really played a role for brothers Adnan and Burak Arslan. But when Adnan was selected to be a part of a citizens' assembly on climate change, his view began to shift — to the surprise of his friends and family.
Climate change and severe droughts have weakened forests around the globe. In Germany, where many forests are planted monocultures, about 80% of trees are considered unhealthy. What's even more alarming is that the forest dieback is also affecting younger trees now. So what happens if we lose our forests? And is there anything we can do to stop it?
Germany's demographic setup favors the older generation in this year's crunch election. More than half the eligible voters are above the age of 50 and only 15% are below the age of 30. What does this mean for intergenerational dialogue and future environmental policy? Are older people in Germany really less interested in the environment than the Friday For Futures generation?
This week, On the Green Fence brings you another environment podcast we think you'll enjoy: Fireline. Wildfires across the United States are getting bigger, hotter and more devastating. But what does all this fire really mean — for the West, for firefighters and for everyday folks? And what's it really like to fight fire on the ground?
Germany's car industry is among the most competitive in the world. But Aachen-based engineering professor Günther Schuh believes he can carve out a space for his electric car startup: e.Go Mobile. He says his small e-vehicles are among the most sustainable models around, and have a role to play in the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Most urban centers around the world are designed for cars, with significant chunks of space dedicated to roads and parking spaces. But what if our infrastructure was geared towards pedestrians and cyclists instead? Advocates say shifting away from car-centric cities could bring huge benefits to our health and climate.
Lithium is a critical component of e-car batteries. As demand for electric cars soars, this raw material could be heading for severe bottlenecks very soon if lithium production isn't ramped up dramatically. But what does this mean for the environment and just how far can we get with the 86 million tons of lithium resources currently identified globally?
If Germany wants to meet its target of getting 10 million electric cars on the road by the end of the decade, the country's car industry needs to change gears fast. Faced with ever stricter EU regulation and CO2 limits, Volkswagen Group has announced plans to roll out 70% of the core brand in Europe as e-cars by 2030. But just how sustainable is their new e-car strategy?
There are 1.5 billion cars in the world today. These combustion engine vehicles are major polluters, and governments are hoping to meet their climate targets by replacing them with lower-emission alternatives, such as electric cars. But this transformation is going to be a massive challenge, and it's already proving to be extremely divisive in Germany — one of the world's leading car producers.
Humans have long been driven by a desire to explore the planet and visit faraway places. But with tourism's toll on the environment now calling our globetrotting habits into question, some say it's time for change. But just how realistic is this given that people are itching to travel freely again once the Covid-19 pandemic is over?