Main content

North Korean Nuclear Bombs

What we know and don’t know about North Korea’s nuclear programme. Also aquaponics - and clever ways to turn household waste into biodegradable plastic.

What we know and don’t know about North Korea’s nuclear programme. Last week North Korea tested their sixth nuclear warhead since 2006. The bomb they detonated in an underground cave was the biggest one yet. North Korean state media claimed they have developed a hydrogen bomb. Scientists from all over the world are looking for signs and signals to help determine exactly what’s going on in the secretive state and to see how developed their nuclear weapons programme actually is. The trouble is, they don’t have much to go on. Seismic shaking and possible radioactive elements released into the atmosphere coupled with pictures put out by Korean media are adding up to a worrying picture of a possible 100 kiloton thermonuclear weapon.

Aquaponics
Roland Pease visits Benz Kotzen at the EU Aquaponics Hub to learn how a contained system of growing fish and plants can provide a sustainable way of feeding people in developing nations.

Recycling
Waste disposal is a growing concern as nations run out of space and ecosystems are increasingly polluted. How do we safely get rid of non-biodegradable plastics? Microorganisms may hold the key for turning household waste into biodegradable plastic and perhaps one day even into food.

Picture: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un looking at a metal casing with two bulges at an undisclosed location, Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 10 Sep 2017 00:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 7 Sep 2017 19:32GMT
  • Fri 8 Sep 2017 02:32GMT
  • Fri 8 Sep 2017 04:32GMT
  • Fri 8 Sep 2017 06:32GMT
  • Fri 8 Sep 2017 13:32GMT
  • Sun 10 Sep 2017 00:32GMT

Podcast