During this time of great turmoil and opportunity in our world, the National Radio Project is revitalizing its Environmental Desk as a key strategy to create a platform for the voices of environmental justice.

This Desk prioritizes the voices and stories of women, immigrants, people of color, and low-income communities most affected by environmental degradation, resource extraction, food security, and climate change.

Due to the increased power of multinational corporations, and because environmental issues know no political boundaries, the Environmental Desk works closely with the Globalization Desk. The Desk also provides training opportunities for independent journalists and individuals involved in community building activities.

Supported by independent funding sources, the Environmental Desk is free to explore and expose government and corporate roles in environmental problems. Please support the Environmental Desk.

Read more about how to get involved with this and other desks.

Programs from this desk are listed below. Click through for audio, full description, and guest contact information.

Heavy Weather (Part II) (May 4th, 2010) We’ll hear part two of a documentary called Heavy Weather, produced by freelancer Barbara Bernstein. She’ll look at how climate change is creating new challenges in urban communities as they recognize the need to think and act sustainably.

Heavy Weather (Part I) (April 20th, 2010) We’ll hear part one of a documentary called Heavy Weather, produced by freelancer Barbara Bernstein. She’ll explore the connections between the increase in extreme weather and our changing climate and landscapes.

Back from Copenhagen: Moving Climate Justice Forward (March 16th, 2010) The climate talks at Copenhagen closed in 2009 with no binding agreements or timetables for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. On this edition, we hear from climate justice activists who went to Copenhagen and say we need a system change, not climate change.

Trade Shifts: Reflections on the Seattle WTO Protests (December 2nd, 2009) Ten years ago this week, thousands of people shook the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organization. On this edition, we revisit the voices from that week and find out how global economic forces have shifted in the past decade.

Native Harvest in a Modern World (November 25th, 2009) An agricultural renaissance has taken root among the Taos Pueblo people in New Mexico. Sustainable agriculture is returning, after years of unhealthy food, poor health and obesity. Rita Daniels brings us a story of rebirth and renewal.

Tapped Out: Clean Water in Peril (September 30th, 2009) From a grassroots toxic canal clean up to a long-standing watershed war, we'll hear from U.S. water stewards across the country. They're people working to protect and restore our valuable fresh waterways and to keep water resources part of a shared global commons.

Swimming Upstream: Can Our Rivers Be Saved? (August 19th, 2009) Freshwater is our most vital natural resource. It’s a finite one too, although we don’t always treat it that way. So how do we protect our water supply? Many say start at the source––take care of the rivers.

The Greening of America: A New Deal for Everyone? (June 24th, 2009) President Obama wants a New Deal–– only this one is green. Obama plans to create more than two-and-half million “green” jobs over the next two years. But will these jobs be as plentiful and equitable as the new administration will have us believe?

The War Dance of the Winnemem Wintu (May 13th, 2009) A small tribe in Northen California tell the story of their struggle to prevent the flooding of the sacred land they have called home for centuries.

A Report Back from the World Water Forum (May 6th, 2009) One billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and at least 31 countries face water scarcity. We hear from organizers working for the right to water on a global level, about the failures of private water management, and alternatives to corporate control.

Green Jobs, Race and Economic "Recovery" (April 29th, 2009) The Obama Administration is spending billions to create so-called green jobs. But what are these jobs and who will get them? We hear from community advocates who are working to make sure the green jobs money benefits those who need it the most.

Exxon's Oil to Tennessee's Coal (March 25th, 2009) Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, we hear from Alaskans who saw their homes forever altered, and have been fighting Exxon in court ever since. And we go to Tennessee, where a 2008 coal sludge flood is being called the new Exxon Valdez.

Erica Fernandez vs. BHP Billiton Petroleum (February 25th, 2009) Erica Fernandez successfully helped her community defy a multi-national billion-dollar corporation from building a liquefied natural gas facility near her home town.

Food for Thought (November 26th, 2008) Solutions for our ongoing food crisis are explored, from food production in a skyscraper to urban farms and food banks.

Whatcha Gonna Do When The Well Runs Dry? (September 24th, 2008) From Australia to Arizona, we take a look at three growing communities facing water shortages along with the pressure to grow. We’ll hear their different approaches to finding solutions — including denial.

Paradise Lost: Military Training in Makua Valley (encore edition) (July 23rd, 2008) Native Hawaiian and Making Contact intern Samson Reiny reports on what happens when the military takes over Makua Valley, a historically sacred land, and on how people are fighting back to reclaim this once pristine area.

Women Rising XVII: Climate Change and Water (July 9th, 2008) We profile two women activists taking on the global water crisis, warning us about the link between climate change and the loss of one of our most basic human requirements.

Paradise Lost: Military Training in Makua Valley (January 23rd, 2008) Native Hawaiian and Making Contact intern Samson Reiny reports on what happens when the military takes over Makua Valley, a historically sacred land, and on how people are fighting back to reclaim this once pristine area.

Invaders From Another Ecosystem (January 16th, 2008) On this edition, U.C. Berkeley Journalism student producer Eric Simons takes a closer look at the control of one of San Francisco Bay’s invaders from another ecosystem, by visiting the wetlands around the San Francisco Bay, where scientists are waging a scorched-marsh campaign against a devastating kind of East Coast grass.

Water Rights: No Clear Solution (October 31st, 2007) Water is often referred to as the “new” blue gold of the 21st century. With untold profits to be made in controlling this vital resource, private entrepreneurs and corporations are vying to manage the world’s water. But is it a good idea?

Dirty Harry: When the American Dream Became a Nightmare, Part 2 (October 17th, 2007) For more than two decades, the United States tested nuclear weapons in Southern Nevada. A total of 928 nuclear detonations affected the people working at, and living nearby the test site. We’ll hear their stories on part two of “Dirty Harry”.

Dirty Harry: When the American Dream Became a Nightmare, Part 1 (October 10th, 2007) In 1951, the first Atom bomb was detonated over a section of desert called Frenchman Flat, about ninety miles northwest of Las Vegas. We’ll hear the stories of the early years of testing, and how it affected people working at, and living nearby the test site.

Two Years After Katrina: Still Weathering the Storm (August 29th, 2007) It’s been two years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast. Two years since the levees broke and changed the face of an entire city, state and region. And despite hopeful signs of renewal, New Orleans and many parts of the Gulf Coast are still in disrepair. So how much has really changed? How much has stayed the same?

Catch of the Day: Mercury (encore edition) (August 15th, 2007) On this edition, we go to the San Francisco Bay. Joined by a public health analyst, we'll talk to local fisherman, new moms, restaurant-goers and the E.P.A. about mercury.

"Gulf Coast Reconstruction in the Post-Katrina Era," U.S. Social Forum Atlanta (July 18th, 2007) On this edition, we will hear from four people speaking at the U.S. Social Forum. They are working to rebuild and strengthen their damaged communities.

New Orleans Now: Rebuilding and Defending the Versailles Vietnamese Community (April 25th, 2007) On this edition, correspondent Ngoc Nguyen takes us to Versailles. As the community struggles to rebuild, they face yet another threat to their homes, history and way of life.

Catch of the Day: Mercury (March 21st, 2007) On this edition, we go to the San Francisco Bay, joined by a public health analyst, we'll talk to local fisherman, new moms, restaurant-goers and the E.P.A. about mercury.

Women Rising IX: International Changemakers - Honoring Elder Women Activists (November 22nd, 2006) Women are gaining influence as leaders throughout the world fighting for peace, justice, the environment and civil society. In this program we profile three courageous women elders honoring their lives of dedication to far reaching social movements.

David Korten and the Great Turning (October 18th, 2006) David Korten new book, "The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community" examines how current economic models are producing devastating consequences for people and planet. In this edition, Korten speaks about being on the cusp of a major shift from a world dominated by economic values to one that embraces human values.

Waves of Change, Rivers of Doubt: Global Water Issues and Solutions (August 23rd, 2006) In this edition, we look at some core water issues affecting people around the world, including privatization, access to clean water, desalination technology, bottled water debates, and non-point source pollution.

Nuclear Ambitions and Double Standards (May 24th, 2006) On this edition, we'll look at the recent nuclear power deal between the United States and India, which critics say could spark a nuclear arms race in South Asia.

Katrina Uncovers: Exploited Workers and Endangered Wetlands (April 26th, 2006) On this edition, we hear from migrant workers helping to clean up and rebuild New Orleans, and about their struggle for better wages and working conditions.

Cow Heaven: Saving Agricultural Land (April 19th, 2006) In this edition of Making Contact, we learn how West Marin was permanently preserved as farms and agricultural open space.

The New Green Revolution (February 1st, 2006) On this edition, we take a look at the challenges rural people face, and the growing international movement to gain land rights.

Harvesting Justice (January 25th, 2006) On this edition, we'll hear from speakers working on behalf of farm workers in the U.S. today, and we'll hear from some of the farm workers themselves. Their message is clear: America's farming community deserves our recognition and our support.

Salmonlands (encore edition) (January 18th, 2006) On this edition, producer Barbara Bernstein takes us on a journey into the land of salmon. Why are they so significant and what will it take to keep them from disappearing?

What's Up with the Weather? The Politics of Climate Change (encore edition) (October 5th, 2005) On this edition, we'll hear about whom climate is affecting, industry and government cover-ups, and those calling for action before it's too late.

Katrina Uncovers: Activism, Racism and Environmental Justice (September 21st, 2005) On this second part of a special series, we'll talk about grass roots organizations mobilizing to do the work the U.S. government cannot or will not do. And we'll take a look at the issue of environmental justice - how much does race and poverty play a role in where Americans live?

Water Woes (August 10th, 2005) On this edition, we'll hear about the problem of water domestically and abroad, and the community organizers who are creating solutions. People in cities ranging from Manilla in the Philippines to Felton, California are thirsting for change.

The Past, Present and Future of Nuclear Weapons (August 3rd, 2005) On this edition, we look at the past, present and possible future of nuclear weapons, from the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to the War on Terror.

What's Up with the Weather? The Politics of Climate Change (July 20th, 2005) On this edition, we'll hear about whom climate is affecting, industry and government cover-ups, and those calling for action before it's too late.

Salmonlands (June 1st, 2005) On this edition, producer Barbara Bernstein takes us on a journey into the land of salmon. Why are they so significant and what will it take to keep them from disappearing?

Land for Those Who Work It (March 23rd, 2005) On this edition Associate Producer Pauline Bartolone guides us through the daily lives of those seeking agrarian reform in southern Brazil.

Who Owns Our Water? Profits vs. Public Interest (January 5th, 2005) On this edition, we'll take a look at water as a basic human right. We'll hear about a plan to privatize water services in Lagos, Nigeria, and we'll hear about how activists in Maui, Hawaii are working to recover the island's water sources for public use.

From Cradle to Grave: The Impact of Electronics (encore edition) (December 22nd, 2004) On this week's edition we take a closer look at what our gadgets are doing to our environment.

The Chemical Industry's Toxic Toll (December 15th, 2004) On this edition, we'll look at the 20th anniversary of one of the world's worst chemical disasters, at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, India, where we'll hear about Occidental Petroleum's toxic legacy at Love Canal and examine how corporate polluters are ignoring environmental causes of breast cancer.

Patagonian Winds of Resistance (encore edition) (August 18th, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact Pauline Bartolone traveled to the small town of Esquel in Southern Argentina, where the residents successfully halted the gold mining venture as part of a larger movement of social transformation in Argentina.

From Cradle to Grave: The Impact of Electronics (June 16th, 2004) On this week's edition we take a closer look at what our gadgets are doing to our environment.

Chemical Soup: Pollutants in the Body (encore edition) (May 19th, 2004) On this edition, we'll take a look at these everyday chemicals found in our air, water, dust, and food coming from everyday products like detergents, cookware, and cosmetics, and how they're being regulated.

Refugees of Development: India and Multinationals (April 28th, 2004) On this edition, we take a close-up look at a small town in Southern India and their struggle against Coca Cola, as well as hear from an Indian journalist and activist Nityanand Jayaraman, who has been following the impact of multi-national corporations in India.

Deadly Extractions: Oil and Mining Interests in Africa (encore edition) (April 21st, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at some examples of multinational corporate interests and their effects on people in African nations: In Tanzania a Canadian-based corporation is accused of burying alive artisan miners in order to acquire control of a gold mine; and, the drive for oil has sparked political and social upheavals in Sudan and Angola.

Trouble at Sea: The State of the World's Oceans (encore edition) (March 24th, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact, we'll take a look at the over-all health of the ocean today, along with a close-up of the impact of cruise ships and shrimp farming.

Patagonian Winds of Resistance (March 17th, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact Pauline Bartolone traveled to the small town of Esquel in Southern Argentina, where the residents successfully halted the gold mining venture as part of a larger movement of social transformation in Argentina.

Legacies of War (February 25th, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact, we'll take a look at the Legacies of War - the aftermath of military conflicts, which take a toll on people worldwide.

Chemical Soup: Pollutants in the Body (February 18th, 2004) On this edition, we'll take a look at these everyday chemicals in our air, water, dust, and food coming from everyday products like detergents, cookware, and cosmetics and how they're being regulated.

Empty Promises? NAFTA at 10 (January 28th, 2004) On this edition of Making Contact, we hear from people who are working on the front lines of so-called free trade-farmers and a fisherman-and get their perspectives on corporate-led economic globalization.

ElectionWatch '04 The Texas Two-Step: Bush, Corporate Cash, and Environmental Rollbacks (December 3rd, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact - the second of our monthly ElectionWatch '04 series- we take a look at how the oil, gas, mining and electric utilities industries have influenced the Bush Administration's environmental policies and the impact on communities located near industrial facilities.

The Intimate Ecology of Motherhood (November 19th, 2003) On this Women's Desk edition of Making Contact, we'll hear Steingraber's speech at the Women's Environmental Health and Justice Bay Area Summit in San Francisco in October of 2003.

Trouble at Sea: The State of the World's Oceans (October 8th, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact, we'll take a look at the over-all health of the ocean today, along with a close-up of the impact of cruise ships and shrimp farming.

Before the Rains: The Struggle for Montes Azules (encore edition) (September 24th, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact, we go to Montes Azules and hear about threats by the Mexican government to forcibly remove dozens of communities from land that indigenous people and campesinos claim is rightly theirs.

Mine Your Own Business: The Coal Industry and Government Oversight (August 20th, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact, we shed light on this issue through an investigative story on regulatory responses to the Martin County Coal slurry spill of October 2000.

Unwrapping Plastic: A Look at Food and Beverage Containers (encore edition) (June 25th, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the production, use, and disposal of plastic food and beverage containers.

Global Assault: Environmental Consequences of U.S Military Actions (April 16th, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact we take a look at the environmental record of the U.S. military.

Warnings from the Coal Fields (encore edition) (January 1st, 2003) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the impacts of a common practice in the coal industry known as "mountain top removal." We also hear about alleged collusion between an Alabama-based coal company and paramilitaries in Colombia against union organizers.

Oil and Outrage Flare: An Audio Journey Through the Niger Delta (encore edition) (November 27th, 2002) On this program, we hear from people who are taking risks, and demanding control over resources in their communities.

Unwrapping Plastic: A Look at Food and Beverage Containers (October 9th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the production, use, and disposal of plastic food and beverage containers.

Growing Doubts: Corporate Control of Agriculture (September 25th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the plight of family farmers.

Warnings from the Coal Fields (September 4th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the impacts of a common practice in the coal industry known as "mountain top removal."

Tapping the Market: Privatizing the World's Water Supply (August 28th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at water privatization in South Africa, Ghana, Bolivia, and the United States.

The Soul of Corn: Transgenics and the Cradle of Maize (July 24th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look at the controversy over GMO contamination of corn crops in Mexico, a fundamental issue as the public considers the consequences of genetically engineered crops.

Trashed: Waste Management and Environmental Impact (June 19th, 2002) On this edition of Making Contact, we take a look behind the scenes of common practices in the garbage industry. We also sift through some positive developments in Canada where municipalities are reducing the amount of landfill disposals by heading closer and closer toward zero-waste.

Preserving Songs: Oral Histories and Land Protection (encore edition) (May 22nd, 2002) On this program, we take a look at indigenous oral histories and land preservation.

Collateral Damage? The Toxic Legacy of War (May 8th, 2002) On this program we take a look at the toxic legacy of war and some impacts of war on the environment and human health.

Going Hungry in a World of Plenty (April 24th, 2002) On this program, we take a look at the role multinational corporations play in perpetuating the cycle of hunger. We also hear how so-called free trade and food aid contributes to starvation.

Toxic Sprawl: Pollution in the U.S. (April 10th, 2002) On this program we take a look at the environmental and social impacts of polluting industries. We also examine how unregulated and unlimited suburban sprawl locates these industries in communities of color.

Unnecessary Evil? Animal Testing and Human Health (March 27th, 2002) On this program, we take a look at the Animal Welfare Act, and current debates about whether animal tests are necessary and reliable enough to ensure human health.

Biowars: First, Do No Harm (February 6th, 2002) On this program, we investigate the threats of a new biological arms race and the international efforts to stop it.

Oil and Outrage Flare: An Audio Journey Through the Niger Delta (January 30th, 2002) On this program, we hear from people who are taking risks, and demanding control over resources in their communities.

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