Worldbytes on deforestation

The latest Worldbytes programme by Worldwrite is available online. I was particularly struck by the chill out desk item by Joe Kaplinsky on deforestation – a problem which obsesses the like of campaigners such as Prince Charles. Kaplinsky presents the problem as a symptom of a lack of rural development in contrast to the green view which presents economic growth as the problem. For example, the desperately poor will often collect fire wood as a way of earning a living. In contrast, more developed societies are in a better position to decide how best to manage the land, Other highlights of the programme include items on the supposed threats of hate speech, immigration, overpopulation and water shortages.