Global Us: What connects us all

Usually the subject of petroleum production centers on resource-rich giants such as Nigeria and Angola. But Ghana, too, has focused its hopes on black gold for years, and hoped for a long-awaited growth spurt for the economy. The first successful drilling in 2007 gave rise to great expectations: hundreds of thousands of new jobs were to be created. But now little is left of that euphoria.

Ivan Semenyuk and his wife were evacuated from the area around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. The authorities resettled them, but they never felt at home there. They have returned, like 150 others, to the 30-kilometer exclusion zone.

The island's forests are disappearing fast. And with them their most iconic inhabitants. Scientists are trying to save the severely endangered primates and their habitat.

Lemurs only exist in Madagascar but they are at risk of extinction. Almost 94 percent of all lemur species are endangered. Professor Peter Kappeler from the German Primate Center and his team conduct research into the primates in the Kirindy reserve. They have also set up an association to help improve the lemurs' chances of survival...

Ivan Semenyuk and his wife were evacuated from the area around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. The Soviet authorities resettled them so that they could build up a new life. But they never felt comfortable in their new location. Like about 150 others, mainly older people, they returned to the 30-kilometer exclusion zone.They came back illegally but are now being tolerated. They say that they returned voluntarily to the exclusion zone...

In order to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Mergui Archipelago in southern Myanmar, scientists are examining the health of the coral reefs with a view to finding solutions that will ensure sustainable development in the region.

Synthetic cannabinoids or new-generation amphetamines, disguised as "incense" or "bath salts", can be purchased easily online. The market for these highly dangerous drugs has exploded in recent years.

At the end of 2013, Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize the production and sale of cannabis. Uruguay's government is convinced the liberal drug policy is the most effective way of stamping out the illegal trade in cannabis.

For nearly 50 years, the Mergui Archipelago in the far south of Myanmar was cut off from the rest of the world under the country's former military dictatorship. But following the political transition that has taken place in the country, scientists are now seeking to establish the health of the coral reefs in this region - to find ways of protecting the area's biodiversity and solutions for sustainable development...

At the end of 2013, Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize the production and sale of cannabis. Those wanting to take cannabis now have a number of options: either they can become a member of a so-called cannabis club or they can grow their own plants for personal consumption. And soon there will be a third option of buying up to 10 grams of cannabis a week at the chemist.The only condition is that users have to register and be at least 18 years old...