Green matters. Episode 26

Description

Eco surfboard- Surfers have a unique link with nature and many are fervent environmentalists. But in actual fact, most of them are riding some of the most toxic pieces of sports equipment on the planet. Nearly a million surfboards a year are produced worldwide--almost all of them fibreglass and petrochemical based. Amazon Forestry- For almost three years, deforestation of the Amazon slowed. But in 2007, high commodity prices led to an unprecedented rate of illegal logging and clearing for farmland. The government struggles to enforce the law in the vast rainforest, which covers an area almost as large as Australia. But offering some hope is the move towards managed forest areas. One project on the Jari River in northern Brazil is being hailed as a conservation model. Whale Sharks- Deep, deep down in the oceans, live the world's largest fish. Measuring up to 20 metres, the Whale Sharks are yet another species on the red list, marked as vulnerable. Each September these magnificent animals migrate to an area north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, where they feed at the surface. 2007's gathering was unusually large. Coco Nets- Every year the islands of the Philippines are devastated as mudslides inevitably follow heavy storms. People are left homeless, their houses totally destroyed. Now a clever idea using a simple material is making a big difference. Waterfall- We know global warming causes extreme weather. But sometimes a freak event can bring a pleasant surprise. In the north east of Estonia is the country's highest waterfall. It's a spectacular sight at any time, but in February 2008 the 25 metre high Valaste Waterfall was transformed into a magical wonderland. Tibet Glaciers- Mount Kawagebo is one of Tibetan Buddhism's eight sacred peaks. It's Mingyong glacier--China's lowest--is one of the world's fastest receding glaciers. Since the late 1800s it has receded 2.7 kilometres up the mountain, and over the last four years retreated 200 metres.

Runtime

23 min

Series

Subjects

Genre

Date of Publication

2009

Database

Alexander Street

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