The Climate Question26 Juni 2022

How can we save the world’s tropical peatland?

Scientists estimate that peatlands around the world hold about 350 billion tonnes of carbon. The tropical peatland of the Congo Basin – known as Cuvette Centrale - are thought to store the equivalent of 20 years of US fossil fuels emissions.

BBC Africa Correspondent Andrew Harding has been up to his neck in it, witnessing the work being done by scientists to protect it and what might threaten its future. He also hears a warning from Environment Minister, Arlette Soudan-Nonault, about the choices the Republic of Congo faces between preserving the peatlands and making use of its resources to provide a living for its population.

We find out how one simple lesson learned in Indonesia is being shared with countries in Africa and South America to help keep a global promise to protect tropical peatlands. It’s not just about promises though – financial experts explain why persuading richer countries to pay cash for “wasteland” could be good for all of us.

Presenters Kate Lamble and Neal Razzell are joined by: Dr Daniel Murdiyarso, Principal Scientist with the Centre for International Forestry Research, Indonesia Prof Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist, African Development Bank Sara Jane Ahmed, finance advisor to the V20 Group of climate vulnerable countries.

Reporter: Andrew Harding, BBC Africa Correspondent in Cuvette Centrale, Republic of Congo Producer: Alex Murray Researchers: Natasha Fernandes, Mai Kanaaneh, Kirsteen Knight Series Producer: Alex Lewis Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill, Siobhan Reed Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(302)

Is climate change ruining our sleep?

Parts of India have been facing extreme heat - with temperatures soaring past 46 degrees Celsius. But a less familiar story unfolds after dark. When temperatures stay high after sunset, an essential h...

21 Juni 25min

How will climate change affect insects?

Insects play a crucial role in food production and the spread of disease, as well as being keystone species in many ecosystems. What does a warmer world mean for them?Climate Question hosts Graihagh J...

14 Juni 23min

Can the World Cup cope with extreme heat?

Scorching temperatures are expected at this year’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. How will players and fans cope? And how will it affect the action on the pitch? Scientists are concerned ab...

7 Juni 26min

Can we save the world's coral?

Corals protect humans and sustain 25% of all marine life. But reefs are under threat from climate change, and mass bleaching events mean that some scientists estimate they could disappear by 2100.In t...

31 Maj 26min

Should we mine the deep ocean?

In the global race for critical minerals - could the seabed provide solutions? Or should we leave these metal-rich environments undisturbed? Governments and mining companies around the world are on ...

24 Maj 22min

The electric car boom in South East Asia

Electric vehicle sales are soaring in Thailand and Vietnam. What’s behind the boom? And will it help the climate? Thais and Vietnamese are switching to electric cars in huge numbers – attracted by gov...

17 Maj 26min

Q+A: The carbon footprint of your tech and AI

What’s the carbon footprint of streaming your favourite shows or doing an AI search? How vulnerable are river estuaries to climate change? Plus, are you a climate optimist or pessimist? Graihagh Jac...

10 Maj 26min

Is this climate change or just crazy weather?

It’s one of the most commonly debated questions in the climate world: Is this weather we’re experiencing natural, or is it linked to man-made climate change? In this episode of The Climate Question, H...

3 Maj 26min