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A turtle is seen at Quebec's Biodiversity Museum in Becancour, Canada
Image: Lian Yi/Xinhua News Agency/picture allianceImage: Lian Yi/Xinhua News Agency/picture alliance

Biodiversity

The UN is holding a biodiversity summit known as COP 16 in Colombia. It will assess the planet's plummeting biodiversity levels and countries' commitments to protect plants, animals and habitats.

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All Content on this topic

Environmental activists, from around the world, gathered outside the COP16 conference

UN summit ends without agreement on biodiversity funding

The main goal of the COP16 summit had been to lay out a detailed funding plan for species protection.
Nature and EnvironmentNovember 2, 2024
A male village weaver bird builds a nest

The art of animal architecture

Animals are remarkable architects. Their constructions are meticulously thought out, some even thousands of years old.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 30, 2024
An adult female hedgehog follwed by a hoglet in underbrush

Hedgehogs being decimated by human behavior: report

The latest Red List of Threatened Species paints a grim picture of alarming rates of plant and animal extinction.
ScienceOctober 29, 2024
Ants carrying leaves

Biodiversity: The bizarre world of ants

Ants are capable of some amazing feats. Did you know some species can carry 50 times their own weight? Or tend gardens?
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 28, 2024
Mushrooms on a bench during checking session in a forest in western Switzerland

Switzerland's new regulations for mushroom foragers

New measures to protect biodiversity in Switzerland are restricting the country's avid mushroom foragers.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 27, 20248 images
DW "Eco Africa" Sendungslogo mit Partnerlogos (Composite)

Eco Africa — The Environment Magazine

Threats to Gambia's blue economy, Tunisian olive farming in crisis and an eco hospital in Ghana.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 24, 202426:06 min
An orangutan leans against a tree branch

What is biodiversity and why does it matter?

A diverse array of interconnected living organisms is the foundation of healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 22, 2024
A picture split in two. One side shows the Rine widened with an sand island in the middle of it. The other shows the narrow Rhine.

Alpine Rhine project aims for flood protection, biodiversity

On the border of Austria and Switzerland, the Rhine River will be restored to prevent floods and support biodiversity.
ClimateOctober 21, 202402:37 min
A bronze-winged jacana looks for food surrounded by blooming white water lily flowers

UN biodiversity talks: Is the world at a tipping point?

Species are vanishing at an alarming rate, threatening human food supply, health and security.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 21, 2024
Kolumbien Insel Malpelo | Umweltschützer kämpfen für die Rettung von Haien

Colombia: Saving sharks from illegal fishermen near Malpelo

Since 2018, a team of environmentalists has been on the move to save sharks from illegal fishermen in a nature reserve.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 19, 20249 images
Closeup of the face of a cotton top tamarin monkey, critically endangered animal specie

Hong Kong zoo seeks answers after 9 monkeys mysteriously die

The Hong Kong zoo has closed off part of its grounds as it scrambles to solve the mysterious monkey deaths.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 15, 2024
Close-up of a predominantly grey butterfly feeding on nectar from a bright pink flower

N. Macedonia: Europe's most endangered butterfly sold online

The poaching and sale of the Macedonian Grayling butterfly is a threat to biodiversity in North Macedonia.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 12, 2024
DW Sendung Tomorrow Today | Dürre im Amazonas

Brazil: Drought threatens Amazon communities and ecosystem

The Amazon basin has been facing severe drought, leaving communities cut off and the regional ecosystem in jeopardy.
ScienceOctober 11, 202406:38 min
A stand of dead spruce trees against a cloudy sky

Why Germany's dying forests could be good news

Germany is losing its forests because of climate change and pests. But there may be a silver lining to the losses.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 10, 2024
A red-capped cardinal in Ecuador

WWF: Wildlife populations have plummeted by 73% since 1970

In some areas, the WWF's Living Planet report noted that wildlife populations had fallen by up to 95%.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 10, 2024
River in the floodplain forest

How floodplain forests protect against damage

Floodplain forests provide protection against flooding and they are climate friendly too.
BusinessSeptember 30, 202412:36 min
DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

Resistance and change — Global Us

With many US states passing anti-trans laws, Minnesota has become a safe haven. Also: floodplains and clean air.
BusinessSeptember 30, 202426:04 min
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How women are solving Ghana's water hyacinth scourge

Women in Ghana are turning invasive water hyacinths into stunning sustainable clothing and household products.
SocietySeptember 25, 202404:43 min
A motorcyclist pictured in front of campaign posters

Swiss voters reject biodiversity, pension reforms

Voters in Switzerland have so far voted "no" to biodiversity preservation and pension reforms.
PoliticsSeptember 22, 2024
Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Introducing: What on Earth

Chinook salmon populations are declining fast in Canada. But why? And what can be done to save this keystone species?
Nature and EnvironmentSeptember 20, 202426:47 min
Früchte des Brotnussbaums

Rediscovering the breadnut tree in Colombia

The seeds of the breadnut tree have high nutritional value. And other parts of the plant are used as remedies.
ScienceSeptember 16, 202407:27 min
Moo Deng, a two-month-old female pygmy hippo, follows her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand.

Baby hippo attracts huge crowds to zoo in Thailand

Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo, is drawing large crowds at a zoo in Thailand and has become a huge sensation online.
SocietySeptember 15, 202401:41 min
Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Deep Dive: What happens when ants invade?

Ants have been around since the dinosaurs. They can keep livestock and farm. But what do you know about their dark side?
Nature and EnvironmentSeptember 13, 202435:49 min
Eco India 06.09.24 - Umwelt

India's Supreme Court upholds right to climate justice

India has recognized the constitutional right of individuals to be free from the adverse effects of climate change.
Nature and EnvironmentSeptember 12, 202406:00 min
DW Tomorrow Today Sendungslogo Composite

Tomorrow Today – The Science Show

Forests play a key role in climate. But around the world, they face mounting pressure and challenges.
ClimateAugust 24, 202426:04 min
A zoo employee measures two new born giant pandas at the Berlin Zoo, in Berlin, Germany, on August 22, 2024

Germany: Berlin Zoo panda Meng Meng gives birth to twins

The German zoo said although both cubs are doing well, the first few days are critical for their survival.
Nature and EnvironmentAugust 23, 2024
Two fire fighters beside roaring orange flames

Wildfires: Is Europe doing enough to prevent them?

Climate change is fueling more frequent and intense fires across Europe. What is being done to prepare the continent?
Nature and EnvironmentAugust 12, 2024
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Protecting fish and seafood - and preserving underwater ecosystems

How can we protect precious aquatic life? An initiative in West Bengal is trying to clean up the Ichamati River. In Tamil Nadu, a collective is promoting sustainable seafood. And a Spanish retirees who records water temperatures in the Mediterranean.
Nature and EnvironmentAugust 8, 202426:04 min
Schools of fish and dolphins pass by a reef

Deep-sea metals: Vital resource or environmental disaster?

Mining the valuable metals and rare earths found in the ocean floor could permanently damage fragile marine systems.
Nature and EnvironmentAugust 2, 2024
A hamster peeks out of its hole in a farmer's field

Should bulldozers make way for hamsters?

Germany has strict laws when construction clashes with wildlife. But should we spend millions to protect a few animals?
Nature and EnvironmentAugust 1, 2024
River landscape close to Leipzig from above

Reviving Germany's river landscapes

A region in Germany's east has been training local forests to absorb more water.
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 31, 2024
Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Deep Dive: What's stealing the light from our oceans?

Coastal waters are darkening, with drastic consequences for marine life. We explore the cause and possible solutions.
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 26, 202432:29 min
Hands holding a sunscreen spray bottle

How safe is sunscreen for people and planet?

Sunscreen is packed with unpronounceable chemicals. Here are five things to know about their safety.
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 17, 2024
A group of urban foragers reconnecting with nature at a cemetary in London.

Urban foragers reconnecting with nature

More and more people are combing green spaces in London in search of edible plants – with multiple benefits.
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 16, 202402:38 min
DW Eco India (Sendungslogo Composite)

Adapting to changing ecosystems - Eco India

As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, how can we adapt to the changes and thrive?
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 11, 202405:56 min
DW "Eco Africa" Sendungslogo mit Partnerlogos (Composite)

Helping nature to help ourselves

From cleaning up a river in Uganda to rehousing turtles in Tunisia - the positive effects of helping nature.
Food SecurityJuly 4, 202426:04 min
Deforestation in the Brasilian Amazon

Can Europe really preserve global forests?

A new EU deforestation law has met with resistance from the US. But could it reduce emissions and biodiversity loss?
Nature and EnvironmentJuly 2, 2024
Living Planet 210318 Podcast Picture Teaser

Deep Dive: Are we blind to our pets’ climate crimes?

It's easy to turn off to news of how pets harm the environment. But don't worry, pets can help us too – if we let them.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 28, 202432:22 min
A large linden tree with some mountains in the background

Trees: nature’s AC and mental health boosters

From clean water and air, to food and furniture, our leafy friends have long helped us survive.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 28, 2024
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Native fish species returns to Sweden

Researchers in Sweden have reintroduced the Atlantic sturgeon, not seen in local rivers for over a century.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 23, 202402:22 min
Video Still Eco Africa

A butterfly forest encourages conservation work

A museum in Italy has recreated a living forest ecosystem in Tanzania to understand why it's under threat.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 20, 202402:34 min
Cooked frog#s legs are piled in the center of a white plate into which someone is pouring a green sauce.

France's love of frog's legs has a high environmental cost

The French consider frog's legs a delicacy. But their love of the traditional dish is threatening frogs in Asia.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 18, 202405:00 min
Why Europe and America’s dying forests could be good news

Why Europe and America's dying forests could be good news

Germany's forests are rapidly declining, but a more resilient and diverse ecosystem is emerging.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 14, 202413:29 min
DW "Eco Africa" Sendungslogo mit Partnerlogos (Composite)

Eco Africa — The Environment Magazine

Harvesting water from the air, recreating a Tanzanian butterfly forest in Italy, and protecting vultures to save lions.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 13, 202426:04 min
A group of light brown horses runs through a gray-green, barren landscape.

Kazakhstan sees return of wild horses

Przewalski's horses were almost extinct. Now, animals from European zoos are being released into the wild in Kazakhstan.
OffbeatJune 11, 20247 images
DW "Eco Africa" Sendungslogo mit Partnerlogos (Composite)

Eco Africa — The Environment Magazine

Ghana's huge floating solar panels, the Cameroon petro-engineer turned eco hero, and Berlin's ice-age sand dunes.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 10, 202426:04 min
A group of volunteers meets at the 10,000-year-old sand dune in Berlin.

Protecting Berlin's sand dunes

Dating back to the ice age, these sand dunes are now protected areas – home to increasingly rare flora and fauna.
Nature and EnvironmentJune 10, 202402:50 min
A person wearing protective gear examines a tube with the words Bird Flu written on it

Fight against avian flu involves vaccinating birds in zoos

Avian flu continues to spread worldwide. In Switzerland, birds in zoos are now being vaccinated against the virus.
ScienceJune 6, 202405:21 min
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A Quick Update: Living Planet gets a refresh

We've been busy tweaking the Living Planet podcast and we're finally ready to let you in on a few of our secrets!
Nature and EnvironmentJune 5, 202409:26 min
A reindeer standing on a road in Sweden

How busy roads are driving some species to extinction

The global roadkill toll is so high it's threatening whole species and warping the planet's ecology.
Nature and EnvironmentMay 14, 2024