Buzz

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

Elliot Levey

Thor Hanson

Polly Coles

Clive Brill

Buzz by Dr Thor Hanson: Episode 5

Buzz by Dr Thor Hanson

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Buzz by Dr Thor Hanson, Episode 5

How California's annual almond harvest is eliminating bees from the orchards.

California's Central Valley produces 81% of the world's annual almond harvest, but at what cost? Concluded by Elliot Levey.

California’s Central Valley produces 81% of the world’s annual almond harvest. 

There’s a problem though - the method of harvesting eliminates bees from the orchards. 

Bees are like oxygen - ubiquitous, essential and, for the most part, unseen. While we might overlook them, they lie at the heart of relationships that bind the human and natural worlds. Dr Thor Hanson concludes the journey that began 125 million years ago, when a wasp first dared to feed pollen to its young.

From honeybees and bumbles to lesser-known diggers, miners, leafcutters, and masons, bees have long been central to our harvests, our mythologies, and our very existence. They have given us sweetness and light, the beauty of flowers and as much as a third of the foodstuffs we eat. And, alarmingly, they are at risk of disappearing.

Concluded by Elliot Levey.

Abridged by Polly Coles.

Producer: Clive Brill

A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.

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

Buzz by Dr Thor Hanson

Episode 5

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4