Living Planet | Deutsche Welle

Although oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth, we don't often hear what goes on beneath the surface. This week: How playing sound underwater could be used to help revive coral reefs — and the ways human noise pollution is muddying the marine soundscape. Also, South Africa’s humpback whales make a stunning comeback.

Today on the show we examine personal choice in relation to CO2 emissions and other environmental issues. What changes have we made in our homes and lives to reduce our impacts on the Earth? And how much do these decisions actually matter amidst the global realities of climate change?

We take a closer look at our relationship with animals. How are wild and domesticated animals managing in Madrid during lockdown? What alternatives are there to eating meat? Why are India's holy cows suffering? And, should we be cloning our pets?

The tiny nation of Guyana is pinning development hopes on oil despite the price crash, Germany's renewables hit a new record, and projects to boost biogas and solar in Africa.

Villagers in the Kendeng mountains of Java are fighting for their livelihoods as a growing number of cement factories threaten their water supply. Resistance against those in power has a long tradition in the region, which is home to the country's oldest social movement. Thomas Kruchem met up with some of the modern leaders of this movement for this in-depth documentary.

As parts of the world begin to carefully navigate their way out of the crisis, a few surprising consequences of the COVID-19 shutdown are coming to light. From a clear reduction in air pollution levels to reigniting important discussions about the future of renewable energy amid the oil price crash, the environmental effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come.

Cobalt is one of the most important raw materials used to make batteries for smartphones, tablets and e-cars. About two thirds of cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the big industrial mines, there are many small makeshift mines where even children source the raw material, risking their lives. Linda Staude went to explore.

All around the world right now, everyone is feeling the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic — and that goes for our environment, too. From finding ways to still get out into nature in times of social distancing to maintaining the agricultural supply chain, we explore how this virus is changing the way we interact with the world around us.

Today on the show, we're taking a look at our plastic world — from the oceans, to its place in our homes, to its original source. What can we do now about our plastic problems and what do we still need to figure out?

This week we hear stories about different species in the animal kingdom: nutria, pangolins, the golden lancehead pit viper. According to the United Nations, one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within the coming decades. But as famed primatologist and conservation advocate Jane Goodall explains, animals aren't so different from us humans.