Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Costing the Earth

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet

BBC Radio 4 FM

Costing the Earth: Black Gold in Paradise

Black Gold in Paradise

21/02/2017

BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth, Black Gold in Paradise

Oil exploration has begun in the most biodiverse place on earth. Tom Heap investigates.

Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is known as the most biodiverse place on earth yet the Ecuadorian government is allowing drilling for oil there. Tom Heap finds out what is at stake.

Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is widely recognised as the most biodiverse place on earth. Around 10% of all known life forms can be found within a few hundred acres of this part of the Amazon rainforest. Yet the forest sits on top of thousands of barrels of crude oil and the Ecuadorian government has now given the go-ahead for drilling. Tom Heap finds out what is at stake and asks why the Ecuadorian government which has one of the greenest constitutions in the world has decided to exploit the reserves.

Producer: Helen Lennard.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Costing the Earth

Black Gold in Paradise

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4