How to save the Amazon part two: the magic and mystery

Science Weekly

The Guardian

Science

4.2 • 938 Ratings

🗓️ 11 June 2025

⏱️ 27 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

As a companion to the Guardian’s Missing in the Amazon, Jon Watts, global environment editor, goes in search of answers to the question Dom Phillips was investigating when he was murdered: how can we save the Amazon? In episode two, Jon meets the people trying to make sure the rainforest is worth more standing than cut down – from a government minister attempting to establish Brazil’s ‘bioeconomy’ to a startup founder creating superfood supplements and a scientist organising night-time tours hunting for bioluminescent fungi. Jon explores new ways of finding value in the forest and asks whether they will be enough to secure its future survival. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is The Guardian.
0:10.0	Hey, it's Babberton de Ileshi here.
0:12.5	I've just got back from an epic road trip around the island of Ireland.
0:17.0	From exploring natural wonders and stunning coastal views to chilling in a seaweed bath.
0:22.5	It's a vibe.
0:24.7	Best of all, you don't have to pick between the Causeway coastal routes and the Wild Atlantic Way.
0:29.9	You can experience both iconic routes in one unforgettable trip.
0:34.5	Explore everything Ireland has to offer at the Guardian.com forward slash
0:38.6	tourism island. This message was paid for by Tourism Island. Riga is a city that has it all.
0:47.8	Start your day in the charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Art Nouveau buildings
0:54.0	rub shoulders with ancient landmarks.
0:56.7	From there, stop at the vast central market to stock up on local delicacies before heading to the pristine white sands of Vitzaki Beach.
1:06.0	Fly with British airways and discover Latvia's lively capital for yourself.
1:10.7	To start planning your trip, visit
1:12.2	b.com forward slash Riga. This message was paid for by British Airways.
1:22.4	Towards the end of the rainy season in the Brazilian Amazon, what would be the start of spring in the
1:28.6	northern hemisphere? I went on a rainforest ramble with a group of students and a scientist named
1:35.0	Celia. It was about 8pm. Above us, the sky was full of stars and lightning occasionally flashed
1:43.2	in the distance.
1:47.8	Our group met at the side of a road.
1:52.2	In our ears, the magnificent cacophony of the rainforest,
1:54.9	which comes to life after dark.
	...

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