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World Wildlife Fund
Chief scientist and Vice President of Science for the World Wildlife Fund
PROFILE
Jon Hoekstra
Guest
FROM Jon Hoekstra
To the Point
World Wildlife Population in Steep Decline In the past 40 years, some populations of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals have been on the increase. That’s the good news. On the other hand, half the world’s wildlife has disappeared during that same period—and it’s not due to climate change. In its tenth survey of creatures around the globe, the World Wildlife Fund reports that 52% have disappeared in the past 40 years. Jon Hoekstra is the Chief Scientist.
Which Way, L.A.?
Global Warming Reveals Oil, Gas and Rare Metals in the Arctic The rapid melting of Arctic ice has triggered political and economic competition among the world's great powers. Even China is getting into the act. Is the US holding its own? Can a remote and massive part of the world be preserved as well as developed?
To the Point
Developing the Last Frontier without Destroying It With Arctic ice melting at a record pace and faster than scientists ever expected, outposts once thought of as barren wastelands are becoming new arenas for superpower competition for oil, gas, and minerals needed for high technology. Northern shipping lanes will be cutting traffic through the Panama Canal, and there's concern that the US is falling behind. But the Arctic will still be one of the most delicate, unpredictable regions on Earth, vulnerable to minor mistakes that can turn into major catastrophes. Can efforts at preservation keep up with development? We get a progress report.
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To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.