Down to Earth

FRANCE 24 English

We meet the people behind fascinating environmental, health and technological innovations in a bid for sustainable solutions to our changing world. 

  1. 5D AGO · VIDEO

    Could ancient 'qanats' be the answer to Iran's water crisis?

    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.

    6 min

  2. JAN 30 · VIDEO

    Solar desert power: Inside China's mega farm

    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.

    3 min

  3. JAN 23 · VIDEO

    Freezing cold? This town in Finland is keeping warm with sand

    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.

    2 min

  4. JAN 16 · VIDEO

    Predators under threat: Brazil's jaguars find shelter in nature reserve

    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.

    4 min

  5. 12/19/2025 · VIDEO

    From trash to fine dining: The French startup recycling oysters into porcelain

    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.

    5 min

  6. 12/16/2025 · VIDEO

    Shipping is one of the world's dirtiest industries. Could sailing cargo ships be the answer?

    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.

    3 min

  7. 12/08/2025 · VIDEO

    French-American chemist makes major breakthrough in recycling of rare earths

    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 essential metals. Our Down to Earth team reports.

    5 min

  8. 11/28/2025 · VIDEO

    The cow of the future? France introduces smaller, low-emission livestock

    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? Our France 2 colleagues report on what's being called the "cow of tomorrow", with FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam.

    3 min
See All (24)

About

We meet the people behind fascinating environmental, health and technological innovations in a bid for sustainable solutions to our changing world. 

Information

  • Channel
    FRANCE 24 English
  • Creator
    FRANCE 24 English
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © France Médias Monde
  • Show Website
    Down to Earth

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