BBC
The environment issues investigated by The Big Question so far have been:
Are We Too Many?
BBC
The planet remains the same size; the number of people grows. Are we heading for a disaster? Read more : Are We Too Many?
Are we the wrong age?
BBC
Medical improvements and changing birthrates could see an ever-older population relying on the support of fewer young people. Read more : Are we the wrong age?
How have rising temperatures affected our world?
BBC
The climate is shifting, and tempertaures are rising. What does that mean for us? Read more : How have rising temperatures affected our world?
What is happening to the Earth's weather?
Used with permission
A battering on hottest, driest and dampest superlatives. Has climate change transformed the weather? Read more : What is happening to the Earth's weather?
Why Does The Amazon Matter?
By Bruno Girin via Flickr under Creative Commons licence
Is the loss of the Amazon Rain Forest really something to worry about? Read more : Why Does The Amazon Matter?
How much do we need oil?
BBC
Oil is the single most important commodity traded in the world today. Almost 83 million barrels were consumed every day last year. But oil prices... Read more : How much do we need oil?
Should we worry about extinction?
BBC
Species have vanished since there was first evolution. Do only neanderthals worry about extinction? Read more : Should we worry about extinction?
You might also like...
A Land Worth Loving - trace our families as they attempt to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle - and find how to follow their lead
British Isles: A Natural History - join Alan Titchmarsh as he explores how the British Isles have been shaped by climatic change
Flooded Britain - How did the floods of 1953 change attitudes to the land?
Journeys From The Centre of the Earth - Iain Stewart explores the Med: could a major change be about to happen?
Courses
If you'd like to take your interest in this area further, the Open University might have a course for you - regardless of where you live. Many OU courses are available worldwide, making use of the web, email and electronic conferencing. The exact range of courses available to you will depend on the country in which you live.
If you're new to study in this area, a good point to start might be Breakthrough to mathematics, science and technology - you'll explore a range of environmental concerns, see how science can analyse the effects humans have on the world, and looks at calculations and units in the context of familiar examples.
A next step could be Working with our environment. It should interest students with a science or non-science background alike, and provides an introduction to how we affect the planet when we shop, travel and so on.
International development - "Challenges for a world in transition" - explores the issues arising in a world challenged by poverty and inequality, but also facing the opportunities of technology and knowledge. This is a second-level course and although no prior knowledge is assumed, it's recommended that you try a lower-level course before starting it.
The Big Question in more depth:
About The Big Question
BBC World Service
Every week, Emma Joseph and her guests go beyond the soundbites to explore the Big Questions facing the world - from celebrity to cloning, from... Read more : About The Big Question
OU on the BBC: The Big Question - The Big Question week-by-week
BBC
A full year's worth of questions investigated by the BBC World Service and The Open University Read more : OU on the BBC: The Big Question - The Big Question week-by-week
Meet Emma Joseph
Used with permission
Meet Emma Joseph, presenter of The Big Question on BBC World Service. Read more : Meet Emma Joseph
The Big Economics Questions
BBC
The "dismal science" is brought to life by Emma and the Big Question team Read more : The Big Economics Questions
The Big Health Questions
Used with permission
Keeping healthy - and getting better. Emma and the team investigate health questions. Read more : The Big Health Questions
The Big History Questions
Used with permission
Join The Big Question team as they explore the world of the past. Read more : The Big History Questions
The Big Politics Questions
Used with permission
Some countries have democracy; some have despots - but no nation is free of politics. Read more : The Big Politics Questions
The Big Religion Questions
BBC
Trust The Big Question team to find the right questions to explore the worlds of faith. Read more : The Big Religion Questions
The Big Science & Technology Questions
BBC
It's a connected world. Emma and the team work out what links where. Read more : The Big Science & Technology Questions
The Big Human Rights Questions
BBC
Emma Joseph and the team investigate some of the large issues underlying human rights. Read more : The Big Human Rights Questions
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