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Glaciers Crumble as Earth Warms
The devastating August 2026 flash floods in Nepal and Tibet were triggered in part by a glacial collapse, a phenomenon likely to become more frequent as the Earth continues to rapidly warm due to human caused climate change. We discuss why climate change is making mountains and glaciers more unstable, and how early warning systems and less development in floodplains could prevent future loss of life.
Climate-Resilient “Super Reefs”
As global sea temperatures rise due to climate change, coral reefs around the world are struggling through mass bleaching events. But new research has identified nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs as climate-resilient “super reefs”, three times more than was previously estimated.
Desert of Water
At the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, rock layers bear evidence of the most severe mass extinction in Earth history, some 250 million years ago. And while access to this refuge is restricted because it is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, Living on Earth Explorer in Residence Mark Seth Lender was able to visit and bring back this reflection on how today’s desert ecosystem thrives in what was once an ancient sea.
Blocking New UK Oil and Gas
Great Britain is Europe’s third largest oil and gas producer, even with a commitment to a net-zero economy by 2050. A small group of climate activists is helping the UK meet that target by winning a Supreme Court decision that’s blocking any new UK oil and gas projects that don’t assess climate impacts. Sarah Finch of Surrey, near London led the fight against proposed oil and gas drilling in the region known as the Weald, and she’s been recognized with the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for Europe.
Toad in the Desert
In parts of the Chihuahuan desert in New Mexico, the landscape can sometimes appear entirely still. Or at least until a red-spotted toad hops into view, as Living on Earth Explorer in Residence Mark Seth Lender tells it.
Terry Tempest Williams on 'The Glorians'
The Utah desert with its raw beauty has long been a muse for writer Terry Tempest Williams. In her 2026 book, The Glorians: Visitations from the Holy Ordinary, she explores miraculous moments of grace that call for our attention, even in spaces that may at first seem unremarkable. Terry joined us for an online Living on Earth Book Club event.
Highway Reborn as Public Park
The four-lane Great Highway used to run along the Pacific Ocean on the west side of San Francisco, where it was at risk of flooding from sea level rise. Now it’s been transformed into a park where visitors can bike, walk, skate, and play next to the water.
Celebrating 30 years of Living on Earth!
Host Steve Curwood in the Living on Earth studio
Join the Living on Earth Book Club on October 13th!
Bestselling science journalist Ed Yong joins us to talk about his new book. Click here to learn more and register!
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Glaciers Crumble as Earth Warms
The devastating August 2026 flash floods in Nepal and Tibet were triggered in part by a glacial collapse, a phenomenon likely to become more frequent as the Earth continues to rapidly warm due to human caused climate change. We discuss why climate change is making mountains and glaciers more unstable, and how early warning systems and less development in floodplains could prevent future loss of life.
Climate-Resilient “Super Reefs”
As global sea temperatures rise due to climate change, coral reefs around the world are struggling through mass bleaching events. But new research has identified nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs as climate-resilient “super reefs”, three times more than was previously estimated.
Fat Marmot Week and 'OnlyMarms'
Inspired by the popular Fat Bear Week, researchers with the Marmot Project launched Fat Marmot Week this year to raise awareness of these large ground squirrels, and drum up support for sustaining their decades-long research project. We talk about the winner of Fat Marmot Week, and other creative ways the team is fundraising and spreading a love of yellow-bellied marmots.
This Week’s Show
September 11, 2026
listen / download
Glaciers Crumble as Earth Warms
listen / download
The devastating August 2026 flash floods in Nepal and Tibet were triggered in part by a glacial collapse, a phenomenon likely to become more frequent as the Earth continues to rapidly warm due to human caused climate change. We discuss why climate change is making mountains and glaciers more unstable, and how early warning systems and less development in floodplains could prevent future loss of life.
Climate-Resilient “Super Reefs”
listen / download
As global sea temperatures rise due to climate change, coral reefs around the world are struggling through mass bleaching events. But new research has identified nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs as climate-resilient “super reefs”, three times more than was previously estimated.
Desert of Water
listen / download
At the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, rock layers bear evidence of the most severe mass extinction in Earth history, some 250 million years ago. And while access to this refuge is restricted because it is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, Living on Earth Explorer in Residence Mark Seth Lender was able to visit and bring back this reflection on how today’s desert ecosystem thrives in what was once an ancient sea.
Fat Marmot Week and 'OnlyMarms'
listen / download
Inspired by the popular Fat Bear Week, researchers with the Marmot Project launched Fat Marmot Week this year to raise awareness of these large ground squirrels, and drum up support for sustaining their decades-long research project. We talk about the winner of Fat Marmot Week, and other creative ways the team is fundraising and spreading a love of yellow-bellied marmots.
Special Features
Field Note: "After the Storm"
Living on Earth's Explorer-in-Residence, Mark Seth Lender, ruminates on the storm as it meets the shore.
Blog Series: Mark Seth Lender Field Notes
Field Note: "Countermeasures"
Living on Earth's Explorer-in-Residence, Mark Seth Lender, shares observations about shorebirds in flight.
Blog Series: Mark Seth Lender Field Notes
...Ultimately, if we are going prevent large parts of this Earth from becoming not only inhospitable but uninhabitable in our lifetimes, we are going to have to keep some fossil fuels in the ground rather than burn them...
-- President Barack Obama, November 6, 2015 on why he declined to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.
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