Down to Earth

00:04:54

Engineers are imitating beavers to prevent flooding

Down to Earth ·

2026/04/07

What do beavers have to do with preventing flooding? The aquatic rodents have become a source of inspiration for engineers looking to flood–proof rural areas. Beaver dams are one of the nature-based solutions being considered by the European Union in a €15 million project. The Lèze valley in the south of France is putting them to the test.

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00:03:45

Climate change is making homes shrink and crack

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/31

Periods of intense heat followed by extreme rainfall could cause structural damage to 12 million homes across France, or one in two detached houses, according to the French environment ministry. As homes deteriorate, some owners can lean on insurance for expensive repairs, but many are left with hefty bills. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:04:40

Planet is storing more heat than it can release, UN...

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/23

The amount of heat trapped by the Earth has reached record levels. According to the UN's annual State of the Climate report, published this Monday, the last 11 years have been the warmest ever recorded. For the first time, the World Meteorological Organization is warning of a growing "energy imbalance", driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists also fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño could soon bring further heat records. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe

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00:05:37

Flights, petrol cars and cruise ships: Amsterdam bans...

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/20

Cities around the world are clearing their billboards of ads for flights, cruise ships and petrol cars in an effort to reduce planet-warming gases. Amsterdam is the latest city to join the movement, becoming the first capital in the world to approve a legal ban on fossil fuel advertising. Dutch activists are now calling for restrictions to be enforced on a national level. Our Down to Earth team reports.

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00:02:31

Scientists discover entire ecosystem hidden under ice...

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/18

An Antarctic mission is shining a light into the depths of the waters of the South Pole. Conservation group Under the Pole have been conducting marine research and raising awareness for almost 20 years. They've recently made some stunning discoveries by diving deep under the ice. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:05:15

Tehran shrouded in toxic cloud after US-Israeli...

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/09

Huge fires broke out in Tehran after Israeli strikes targeted Iranian oil infrastructure. Residents reported the smell of burning lingering in the air, with many saying the sky remained dark even as the sun rose and rain fell over the city. FRANCE 24's Valérie Dekimpe tells us more about the strikes and their consequences for the population.

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00:06:13

What the war in Iran means for global energy security

Down to Earth ·

2026/03/02

Qatar's state-run energy firm says it has halted Liquefied Natural Gas production following Iranian attacks on facilities at two of its main gas processing bases. This is only the latest consequence of the Middle East conflict on global markets. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe looks at the ripple effects of a war that's igniting fears of a major energy crisis.

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00:03:35

Can surfboards, handbags and coffins be made from...

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/27

Can mushrooms replace leather and plastic? Thanks to mycelium derived from fungi, companies can now make 100 percent biodegradable products such as shoes and furniture that look exactly like leather. Major brands are already trying to make the shift. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:06:01

Can forest schools teach children how to care for the...

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/20

According to recent research, three-quarters of children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. Around the world, forest schools are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional classrooms within four walls. Down to Earth visited one such school in Switzerland, where children learn through outdoor play and exploration.

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00:05:28

Can the Winter Olympics survive the climate crisis?

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/16

This year, the Winter Olympics are taking place in the north of Italy, against a backdrop of climate change and rising temperatures, which are casting a shadow over the future of the Games. Like many of its predecessors, Milan Cortina is relying on artificial snow, pumping 50,000 cubic metres of water, or the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized pools. Our environment editor Valérie Dekimpe tells us more.

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00:02:07

Lost shipping containers: Onions, plastic pellets and...

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/13

Every year, 250 million containers travel across the oceans. But some never make it to port. Many are lost in storms, falling off cargo ships and polluting our shores. Just a few weeks ago, beaches in southern England were covered in thousands of onions and frozen French fries from cargo loads. Nearly 30 tons of plastic pellets also spilled onto Spanish beaches after six containers fell off a Norwegian ship. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:09:34

Frozen mysteries: The scientific race to document...

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/09

Glaciers are vital to Earth's water supplies, yet they are being pushed to the brink of collapse. Half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. A French mountain climber is putting her experience to use by helping scientists collect ice samples from major glaciers around the world. Living and dormant species found within them could provide vital clues in the fight against global warming. The Down to Earth team has the story.

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00:06:10

Could ancient 'qanats' be the answer to Iran's water...

Down to Earth ·

2026/02/02

Recent protests in Iran erupted over economic collapse and political repression. But beneath the discontent, analysts also point to a deeper ecological crisis. The country has been gripped by a severe drought for six consecutive years, and many cities including its capital Tehran are on the verge of "water bankruptcy". FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe explains.

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00:03:09

Solar desert power: Inside China's mega farm

Down to Earth ·

2026/01/30

China may be the world's number one polluter in real time, but Beijing is also driving the world's most ambitious renewables rollout, at breakneck speed. China is now home to nearly a third of the world's total installed solar and wind capacity, although it's yet to kick the coal habit. Our colleagues at France 2 visited some of the country’s flagship projects.

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00:02:11

Freezing cold? This town in Finland is keeping warm...

Down to Earth ·

2026/01/23

Keeping warm in the winter isn't easy in Finland, one of Europe's coldest countries. But in one Finnish town, residents are kept toasty warm thanks to cheap, efficient and renewable heat stored in a so-called "sand battery". Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:03:59

Predators under threat: Brazil's jaguars find shelter...

Down to Earth ·

2026/01/16

In Brazil, where cattle ranching is a major industry, jaguars are seen as a threat and are hunted to prevent attacks on livestock. Along with habitat loss, the illegal killing of jaguars has pushed the species to the brink of extinction. According to the World Wild Fund (WWF), there are only about 173,000 jaguars left in the wild. But one Brazilian nature reserve is giving these big cats a place to recover and thrive. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:05:10

From trash to fine dining: The French startup...

Down to Earth ·

2025/12/19

Oysters are a Christmas staple in France, but thousands of empty shells are bound for trash bins once the festivities are over. One French company is rescuing waste shells and using them to make porcelain and paving stones. Our Down to Earth team reports.

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00:03:18

Shipping is one of the world's dirtiest industries....

Down to Earth ·

2025/12/16

International shipping accounts for 3 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. But a new path is emerging: starting in 2026, sailing cargo ships will set off from France to the United States, some flying the French flag. The big question is whether this innovation can succeed in convincing industry giants. Our France 2 colleagues report.

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00:05:09

French-American chemist makes major breakthrough in...

Down to Earth ·

2025/12/08

Rare earth elements, which are crucial for the defence, auto and electronic industries, have become a geopolitical battleground. On Wednesday, the EU unveiled a €3 billion plan to curb its dependence on China for rare earths, since Beijing controls 95 percent of the world's supply. But a young French-American scientist has developed a groundbreaking process for recovering rare earths from neon light bulbs and potentially other electronic appliances, paving the way for the recycling of these

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00:02:37

The cow of the future? France introduces smaller,...

Down to Earth ·

2025/11/28

How can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions? In the wake of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, attention is turning to cattle. A single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year. So could genetics lessen their impact? FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam reports on what's being called the "cow of tomorrow".

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