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Down to Earth

World

Scientists begin tests on human composting, an eco-friendly alternative to burials and cremation

Humans have caused irreversible changes to our planet in their time on Earth, pollution that continues even in death. Cremation relies heavily on fossil fuels, while traditional burials take up land. So is there a more eco-friendly way to honour our loved ones? French scientists are exploring the possibility of composting human bodies, a process that returns those who have died to the earth. Our Down to Earth team reports.

Politics

Lula's re-election brings hope for the Amazon as deforestation drops to record low

Climate activists in Brazil and beyond are celebrating President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's election victory as good news for the Amazon rainforest. His last four years in power saw a record decrease in deforestation in the world's largest rainforest, appropriately nicknamed the planet's lungs. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

World

70% of water produced in Guadeloupe never reaches homes

In the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, a water crisis is a daily reality, with some residents going without water for weeks. The network is being repaired, but at the current pace, France's Court of Auditors says replacing all of it would take 208 years. Now, a judicial investigation has been opened in Paris into the crisis, following a citizen-led legal action. Our France 2 colleagues report.

World

Indonesia continues to battle wildfires, with nearly 2 million hectares burned

Fires in Indonesia have burned through more than 1.9 million hectares of land, according to new data, as the country battles its worst wildfire season in a decade. The blazes have sent toxic smoke across much of Southeast Asia, forcing schools to close and fuelling a rise in respiratory illnesses. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

World

Old jeans could shield your home from the next heatwave

We all have that one pair of old jeans in the back of our wardrobe – don’t throw them out! A French company says denim fibres make for great insulation against the cold and heat. Millions of jeans are already being recycled in a factory in north of the country. Their insulating panels have even found their way into some of France's most iconic buildings. Our Down to Earth team reports.

World

Frenchwoman buys elephants from abusive owners in Laos

Once known as "The Land of a Million Elephants", only an estimated 800 elephants remain in Laos, as deforestation and exploitation push the species closer than ever to the brink of extinction. Despite the dwindling numbers, a Frenchwoman has made it her mission to give ageing elephants a new home, buying them from their abusive owners. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar.

World

French farmers turn to tropical crops amid rising temperatures

In the south of France, climate change is reshaping the region’s fruit production. Rather than fighting against it, a growing number of farmers are learning how to work with it – turning to tropical crops, now well-suited to the local climate. Bananas, papaya and even dragon fruit are being grown in greenhouses but also in open fields, without heating or pesticides. Our Down to Earth team reports.

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