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The Dry Lands of Texas

Texas suffers its worst drought ever, plus conservative conservation and renewable layoffs.

The state of Texas in the southern United States is experiencing the worst drought in its history.

There are arguments over the causes - natural variation, La Nina, climate change - but the reality on the ground remains: more than 95% of the state is affected, half a billion trees have died, and the cost of lost agricultural output is already running into billions of dollars.

We speak to the cattle ranchers and farmers threatened by the drought, and the planners and politicians trying to combat it.

Also in the US, we talk conservation and conservatism with David Jenkins of Republicans for Environmental Protection.

As the Republican primary race heats up, we discuss why so many of the candidates are so hostile to environmental issues - and whether environmentalism is compatible with conservative values.

Plus, we hear from Denmark, where the world's biggest manufacturers of wind turbines has just announced large layoffs.

As ever, tune in, have a listen and let us know what you think.

Email us at oneplanet@bbc.com, or join the team on our Facebook page - the link's below.

Available now

18 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Jan 2012 12:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 20 Jan 2012 19:32GMT
  • Sat 21 Jan 2012 04:32GMT
  • Sat 21 Jan 2012 18:32GMT
  • Mon 23 Jan 2012 12:32GMT

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Archive

This programme was restored as part of the World Service archive project