https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/on-the-green-fence--5105703enNatureCopyright Laurahttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/dc1513cc26cbaaf39536935517b8a27c.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/on-the-green-fence--5105703Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:24:27 +0000LauraLaurafeeds@spreaker.comOn 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...falsed49bd6d1-fbcd-5d48-a625-4da2dee551c8episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/introducing-delayland-germany-and-the-missing-magic--6877013874350970Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000LauraOnce dubbed an "economic miracle”, things don't run like they used to in Germany. This new DW original podcast endeavors to find out how Germany lost its magic and who’s got it now? Traveling beyond Germany — to India, France, Switzerland, and Denmark...143business,change,delayland,deutsche bahn,digitalization,failure,german fails,germany,megaprojects,podcast,skilled workersfalsetrailerhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/farewell-and-new-beginnings--6028326469265173Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000LauraAfter a great run, the On the Green Fence podcast is coming to a close. But we also have some good news for you.104climate,environment,nature,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-recycle-our-way-out-of-the-plastic-crisis--5617633466308794Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:38:00 +0000LauraGlobally 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?2616chemical recycling,circular economy,climate change,pollution,un global plastics treatyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-don-t-we-use-more-bioplastics--5610136366232343Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:40:00 +0000LauraSubstituting 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.2106biodegradable,compostable,pha,pla,plastics,polymersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/could-plastic-eating-enzymes-help-curb-pollution--5602701766156192Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:55:00 +0000LauraEach 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...2126 environment,plastic,recyclingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-growing-microplastics-problem-risks-and-solutions--5560397366082270Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:20:00 +0000LauraMicroplastics 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...2224climate,environment,fossil fuels,microplastics,plastic pollution,podcast,toxic,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-plastics-age-how-did-we-get-here--5483741266013671Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:45:00 +0000LauraEach 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?2540microplastics,pollution,un global plastics treatyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer-the-global-plastics-crisis-new-podcast-series--5407442965802843Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:28:00 +0000LauraGlobal 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...116climate change,fossil fuels,microplastics,recycling,unep,un global plastics treatyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/more-allergies-due-to-climate-change--5400507665730927Thu, 25 May 2023 08:47:00 +0000LauraBy 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...1490allergy,climate change,global warming,virusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-lab-grown-meat-could-help-the-climate--5392816065676692Fri, 19 May 2023 10:13:00 +0000LauraGlobal 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).2440agriculture,climate change,cultivated meat,lab-grown meatfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/climate-crisis-is-cli-fi-counterproductive--5383177465603966Fri, 12 May 2023 11:46:00 +0000LauraClimate 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?1594cli-fi, climate change,climate fiction,literaturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rise-of-climate-fiction--5375126465528811Fri, 05 May 2023 12:51:00 +0000LauraCli-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?1821cli-fi,climate change,climate crisis,climate fictionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-more-edible-cities-are-a-good-idea--5367523265459709Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:55:00 +0000LauraThe 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...1941andernach,community gardens,edible cities network,foodfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/understanding-our-food-choices--5360294865393879Fri, 21 Apr 2023 09:06:00 +0000LauraSupermarkets 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...2009advertizing,consumerism,food,marketingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-it-will-be-a-wild-ride--5353299865310106Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:26:00 +0000LauraMachines 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...2351ai,artificial intelligence,ethics,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-what-are-the-downsides-for-the-environment--5346826265247794Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:39:00 +0000LauraArtificial 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.1815artificial intelligence,environmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-ai-can-help-us-protect-the-planet--5340091965193570Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:19:00 +0000LauraThe 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.1907artificial intelligence,on the green fencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/climate-change-the-biggest-health-threat-to-humanity--5332138565092602Fri, 24 Mar 2023 08:41:00 +0000LauraThe 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...1115environment,global warming,health,on the green fence,podcast,whofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rhine-protecting-a-precious-water-source--5323507165015676Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:05:00 +0000LauraAhead 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...1853on the green fence,rhine riverfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-benefits-of-a-four-day-work-week--5315923264949970Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:40:00 +0000LauraImagine 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...1327 climate change,emissions,four-day work week,global warming,work-life balancefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/human-composting-the-push-for-greener-burials--5308240164876416Fri, 03 Mar 2023 11:45:00 +0000LauraMost 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...1581burial,carbon footprint,death,environment,human composting,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rationing-carbon-a-fairer-way-to-fight-global-warming--5302440864809396Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:43:00 +0000LauraRationing 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?1851carbon budget, climate change,co2 emissions,global warming,rationingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/europe-s-appetite-for-frogs-legs-puts-species-at-risk--5302660464742507Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:57:00 +0000LauraThe 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...1566biodiversity,conservation,environmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/civil-disobedience-in-environmentalism-past-present-future--5302661564665232Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:34:00 +0000LauraFrom 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...2059civil disobedience,climate protests,environmentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-turning-point-for-disruptive-climate-protests--5302621764602959Fri, 03 Feb 2023 12:34:00 +0000LauraDisruptive 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,...1993civil rights,climate activism,climate protests,last generation,letzte generation,podcast,preventive detentionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/climate-activist-i-m-doing-this-for-my-son--5302608564535960Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:25:00 +0000LauraJust 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...1319activism,climate activism,climate activist,climate crisis,climate protesters,extinction rebellion,fridays for future,greta thunberg,just stop oil,letzte generation,lora johnson,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/noise-pollution-the-underestimated-threat--5302441164326786Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:29:00 +0000LauraExposure 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?1577biodiversity,environment,health,noise pollution,wildlifefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-german-farmer-who-s-keeping-his-village-warm--5302534064122206Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:39:00 +0000LauraLocally 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 criticism from...1542biogas,emissions,energy, environment,germany,methane,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/energy-crisis-the-comeback-of-coal-in-germany--5302630164047500Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:22:00 +0000LauraGermany 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?3523climate,coal,emissions,energy,germany,lützerath,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/winds-of-change-how-germany-s-renewables-push-is-causing-division--5302616063883809Fri, 25 Nov 2022 13:13:00 +0000LauraGermany'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...4002blackout,climate,emissions,energy crisis,renewables,wind powerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/energy-fears-rekindle-nuclear-debate-in-germany--5302448463708279Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:32:00 +0000LauraThe 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...3990blackout,climate change,energy crisis,nuclear waste,on the green fence,podcast,radiationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-germany-is-preparing-for-a-future-without-russian-gas--5302623863576813Fri, 28 Oct 2022 13:57:00 +0000LauraFor 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...3660energy crisis, environment,nord stream,on the green fence,qatar,russian gas,ukraine warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer-germany-s-energy-crisis-new-podcast-series--5302658963520482Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:16:00 +0000LauraGermany'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...237blackout,emissions,energy security,fossil fuels,nordstream,powerfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-isn-t-greener-housing-the-new-normal--5302541763337832Wed, 05 Oct 2022 07:30:00 +0000LauraIn 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).1994emissions,energy,heating,home,housing,passive house,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-sustainably-with-strangers--5302609663296211Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:55:00 +0000LauraCo-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).2306architecture,climate,co-housing,on the green fence,sustainable livingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-we-really-need-such-big-homes--5302666363216290Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:37:00 +0000LauraThe 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).2435carbon footprint,construction,environment,housing,on the green fence,tiny housesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-case-for-a-car-free-city--5302631763146528Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000LauraReducing 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...1297cars, climate change,emissions,environment,new zealand,psychologyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/low-water-levels-is-deepening-the-rhine-a-good-idea--5302544663071831Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:11:00 +0000LauraWhile 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?1804dredging,drought,environment,podcast,rhine,river,shipping,trade,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rhine-as-a-symbol-of-identity--5302621163002464Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:51:00 +0000LauraThe 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?2095alps,drought,environment,flooding,loreley,north sea,podcast,rhine romanticism,shipping,tradefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reviving-the-rhine-s-wetlands-amid-drought--5302623662939838Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:24:00 +0000LauraA historic drought is drying out the few remaining wetland areas along Germany's Rhine river, putting native wildlife under stress. Conservationists hope that restoring these delicate ecosystems will make them more resilient in the face of future...2069biodiversity,drought,environment,nabu,on the green fence,rhine river,wetlandsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mighty-rhine-a-shrinking-river--5302667362868225Fri, 19 Aug 2022 12:39:00 +0000LauraClimate 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?1901drought,ecosystem,germany,on the green fence,podcast,rhine river,shipping,waterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/boosting-climate-resilience-with-agroforestry--5695638962476760Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:31:00 +0000LauraAgriculture 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?2252agriculture,agroforestry,climate change,food,harvest,onthegreenfence,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-it-time-to-rethink-air-travel--5695639062407445Fri, 08 Jul 2022 10:56:00 +0000LauraStaff 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...1797airlines,aviation,climate change,fossil fuels,kerosene,on the green fence, tourism,travelfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/climate-change-why-planting-more-trees-won-t-save-us--5695639262312736Fri, 01 Jul 2022 08:42:00 +0000LauraExpanding 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.1637biodiversity,co2,forests,global heating,monoculture,on the green fence,plantation,podcast,reforestation,timberfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/germany-s-forests-rising-from-the-ashes--5695639862247671Fri, 24 Jun 2022 10:08:00 +0000LauraClimate 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...2583climate change,forestry,german forests,on the green fence,pierre l. ibisch,wildfiresfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/has-climate-activism-failed--5695639762142225Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000LauraGlobal 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?2557carbon emissions,climate crisis,environment,global heating,on the green fence,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wood-wide-web-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work--5695639362088263Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:21:00 +0000LauraTrees 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?1696biodiversity,carbon,drought,environment,forestry,funghi,global heating,podcast,resiliencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer-forests-and-climate-change--5695639662023694Fri, 03 Jun 2022 11:20:00 +0000LauraForests 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...134agroforestry,global heating,plants,reforestation,seeds,timber,wildfires,wood wide webfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-a-german-edible-city-is-teaching-locals-about-food--5695639461952689Fri, 27 May 2022 10:56:00 +0000LauraThe 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...2156andernach,anneli karlsson,edible cities network,on the green fence,sustainability,urban agriculturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/food-choices-why-are-we-so-greedy--5695639561877973Fri, 20 May 2022 11:21:00 +0000LauraSupermarkets 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?2025climate change,climate crisis,consumerism,food marketing,on the green fencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-lab-grown-meat-a-good-idea--5695640661791564Fri, 13 May 2022 15:25:00 +0000LauraLab-grown meat could help us decarbonize agriculture and abolish factory farming along with all its environmental and ethical downsides. So why the holdup?2513co2,cultured meat,deforestation,environment,food,food systems,global heating,greenhouse gas emissions,podcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-gm-crops-the-answer-to-feeding-the-world--5695641661711596Fri, 06 May 2022 12:48:00 +0000LauraThe 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?2424crispr,environment,farming,food security,gene editing,genetically modified,glyphosate,gmo,health,pesticides,podcast,riskfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/war-in-ukraine-exposes-food-system-flaws--5695737761637590Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:06:00 +0000LauraRussia'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?1884agriculture,biofuel,crop,famine,farming,food security,hunger,podcast,wheatfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-climate-change-lead-to-water-wars--5695740761259075Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:31:00 +0000LauraWater 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?2415dams,desert,drought,freshwater,future,global warming,irrigation,podcast,shortage,warfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-clean-is-your-river--5695740061176768Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000LauraThe 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?1924chemicals,contamination,fish,groundwater,industry,toxic,water filter,water treatment,world water dayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-with-the-existential-threat-of-water-scarcity--5695737961013908Fri, 04 Mar 2022 11:06:00 +0000LauraOf 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?1239agriculture,dam,drought,freshwater,groundwater,rivers,sanitation,scarcity,shortage,thirst,world water dayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-can-we-save-our-dying-forests--4653329759144515Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:27:00 +0000LauraClimate 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...1683bark beetle,co2,drought,forest,monoculture,pine,timber,woodfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-young-and-old-see-the-climate-crisis--4653332759005589Fri, 27 Aug 2021 15:15:00 +0000LauraGermany'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...1819climate change,co2,election,fridays for future,global heating,on the green fence,pollsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/introducing-fireline--4653331258852094Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:49:00 +0000LauraThis 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...1776climate change,fireline,on the green fence,wildfiresfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-does-an-e-car-startup-crack-germany-s-auto-market--4653329858608329Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000LauraGermany'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...2295e.go life,e.go mobile,electric cars,e-mobility,günther schuh,on the green fencefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-benefits-of-a-car-free-future--4653333158277042Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000LauraMost 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...2054car industry,electric cars,environment,new zealand,on the green fence,oslofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/could-lithium-shortages-derail-germany-s-e-mobility-drive--4653333658134192Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:24:00 +0000LauraLithium 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...1536battery,brine,co2 emissions,electric cars,environment,geothermal,lithium,raw materialsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-volkswagen-s-accelerated-e-car-strategy-a-game-changer--4653333757950050Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:48:00 +0000LauraIf 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...2304co2,e-cars,electric car,emissions,e-mobility,green,volkswagenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-is-germany-s-road-map-for-climate-friendly-cars--4653333457778718Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:12:00 +0000LauraThere 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...2344cars,climate change,decarbonization,e-cars,electric cars,germany,on the green fence,transportfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-cruises-kick-start-the-decarbonization-of-shipping--4653333857016833Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:08:00 +0000LauraCruises are among the most carbon-intensive ways to travel, and the sector is growing fast. Cruise ships are also a testing ground for new technologies and alternative fuels, and could help drive change in the shipping industry as a whole. Neil visits...2123carbon emissions,co2,lucienne damm,on the green fence,shipping,tourism,tui cruisesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/overcoming-our-meat-addiction--4653333255672311Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:03:00 +0000LauraGlobal meat production is predicted to grow 85% by 2050. If this happens, it will have a cataclysmic effect on the environment. So how are we going to feed 10 billion people - who desire meat - without using more land and increasing atmospheric...2558co2,emissions,environment,european union,factory farming,lobbyism,meat,plant-based,podcast,regulation,subsidiesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-be-a-good-christian-and-eat-meat--4653333955445878Fri, 30 Oct 2020 11:30:00 +0000LauraAs the proverb goes, man is at the top of the food chain. Does that give us the right to kill animals? Rainer Hagencord, a vegetarian priest located in the Silicon Valley of German meat production, preaches against this. His exegesis of the Bible is...2273animals,bible,christian,factory farming,guilt,meat,priest,structural sin,vegetarian,world vegan dayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/prologue-breaking-down-the-meat-machine--4653332155368851Fri, 23 Oct 2020 08:04:00 +0000LauraGermany's meat industry slaughters over 750 million animals per year, with dire consequences for the environment. After Neil and Gabe's requests to visit meat packing plants are blocked, they talk to both a former food inspector as well as an animal...1410animal rights,climate change,co2,emissions,environment,meat,meat industry,slaughter,world vegan dayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/change-is-only-possible-with-the-crowd--5695742353434498Thu, 14 May 2020 10:19:00 +0000LauraBritish social psychologist Steve Reicher believes that all social change happens through the collective. Human beings all over the planet endured a serious infringement of their private rights when governments made the decision to lock down amid the...1153climate change,coronavirus,covid-19,crowd dynamics,environment,podcast,social psychology,steve reicherfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-green-transformation-of-our-world--5695744253432055Thu, 14 May 2020 07:55:00 +0000LauraGermany’s leading transformation researcher Maja Göpel explains in this podcast episode how to change our world for the better of all. The coronavirus crisis has proved to us that radical change is possible in a short period of time. But can we...1221climate change,coronavirus,covid-19,environment,maja goepel,podcast,utopiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-philosopher-on-the-existential-threat-of-climate-change--5695741353432043Thu, 14 May 2020 07:55:00 +0000LauraWhy can't we just change? Germany's leading philosopher Peter Sloterdijk believes that question is at the heart of the climate change conundrum. When the coronavirus pandemic spread across the world, the response by governments was immediate. So there...1316climate change,coronavirus,covid-19,mass extinction,peter sloterdijk,philosopherfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/could-climate-change-fuel-eco-terrorism--5695741253432054Thu, 14 May 2020 07:55:00 +0000LauraSome radical eco-activists would like to see the collapse of civilization to restore the balance of nature. But how far are they prepared to go to achieve this?1097apocalypse,climate change,covid-19,deep green resistance,derrick jensen,dystopia,eco terrorismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-build-a-sustainable-global-economy--5695738453432045Thu, 14 May 2020 07:55:00 +0000LauraThe global economy has been badly shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. Indian environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev explains in this podcast why our interconnectedness with wildlife needs to be factored in when rebuilding our economies and businesses....1274business,coronavirus,covid-19,green economy,pavan sukhdev,recession,stagflationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-matter-of-survival--5695741050596073Thu, 26 Sep 2019 13:04:00 +0000LauraWhen Neil and Gabe start exploring why Germany's insect population has suffered a 75% decline in recent decades, they meet organic farmers, entymologists and lots of mosquitoes, and discover that even tiny things can make a big difference to the...2009biodiversity,crops,food security,insect decline,mass extinction,organic farming,pesticides,sixth mass extinctionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-we-waste-so-much-food--5695738950410854Fri, 13 Sep 2019 06:56:00 +0000LauraGermany generates 9 million tons of unnecessary food waste per year, Neil and Gabe visit a supermarket to gauge their role in the overall tally. They also team up with two dumpster diving sisters. But the actual root of the food waste problem runs a...1916dumpster diving,food sharing,food waste,nutrition,retail,supermarketfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/forever-chemicals-the-hidden-toxins-in-your-water--5695745350327276Fri, 06 Sep 2019 11:32:00 +0000LauraHow would you feel if the water you've been drinking from your tap for years was tainted with a dangerous toxin? Neil and Gabe visit the Bavarian town of Altötting to hear from locals whose blood is filled with PFOA, a persistent chemical that is...16283m,blood,contamination,forever chemicals,pfas,pfoa,teflon,toxicfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-divisive-is-the-return-of-the-wolf-in-germany--5695743950232189Fri, 30 Aug 2019 15:08:00 +0000LauraDecades after having been wiped off the face of the German landscape, wolves are back. The return of the legendary predator — which enjoys legal protection in Germany — has triggered fierce public debate and stirred emotions up and down the country....1998attacks,danger,livestock,shepherd,wildlife,wolvesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-the-green-fence-audio-trailer--5695742749787245Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:36:00 +0000Laura‘On the Green Fence’ looks at some of the most divisive and pressing environmental topics of our time. Two regular guys with no set environmental views — DW reporters Neil King and Gabe Borrud — explore complex and highly controversial issues, talking...61biodiversity,climate change,environment podcast,food,on the green fence,pollution,wolffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/not-having-children-to-save-the-planet--5695739250134301Fri, 23 Aug 2019 07:46:00 +0000LauraWould you give up having kids to help save the planet? In this episode Neil and Gabe talk about kids and the climate crisis, attend a Fridays for Future rally in Cologne and visit a German high school class to find out which sacrificies teenagers are...1942anti-natalists,birth rates,carbon footprint,fridays for future,one-child policy,overpopulationfalsefull