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This week, Focus Earth reports from Washington where the First Family has broken ground on a White House kitchen garden while debate rages over the extension of offshore drilling. Then, the World Water Forum convenes in Turkey and Bob Woodruff reports from Kenya, where drought is causing a humanitarian crisis. Finally, a look at a simple solution to the water shortage in the Kibera slums of Kenya.
First, Rick Klein reports from Washington, where the president's energy policy proposal is bringing an old debate between environmentalists and oil companies back into the foreground. During the campaign, Barack Obama indicated that offshore drilling could be expanded under his administration. Now, with consumption declining and gas prices dropping, the motivation for such a move has vanished. Still, oil companies are pressing the president on the issue and the Secretary of the Interior has announced drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will not be permitted. Where will the drills land?
Then, Mike Lee reports from Turkey, where leaders from around the world are meeting to discuss the increasingly serious problem of water. Climate change, drought, and increasing populations are combining to make access to clean water one of the biggest global challenges. Will the group of 20,000 environmentalists and experts from more than 120 countries be able to find a solution?
Meanwhile, back in the United States, First Lady Michelle Obama is helping the first family go local by planting a kitchen garden at the White House. Yunji DeNies reports from the presidential vegetable garden.
Then, the authors of Earth: the Sequel join Focus Earth for a roundtable discussion on the planet's energy future. New technologies are bringing us to the brink of an energy revolution, one that will allow us to power the planet without polluting it. But which are the most realistic, given the dire condition of the climate, the increasing global demand for energy, and the current economic situation?
Bob Woodruff reports from Kenya, where drought and limited access to water is causing a serious humanitarian emergency. More than three and a half million people in Kenya face starvation, and the government expects the number to rise close to 10 million. Find out what you can do to help, then take an eco-quiz.
Finally, Bob Woodruff looks at a novel solution to the water shortage in Kibera, Kenya, made from simple materials.
Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.
Don't miss Focus on Focus Earth: FLOTUS Garden and Focus on Focus Earth: World Water Forum.
Read more about water:
How to Go Green: Water
The Only Bottled Water Worth Buying Costs $20
Conserve Water Before You Even Start Planting Your Garden for Spring
Focus on Focus Earth: Running the Sahara
Use Sand Filters to Make Rain Water Drinkable
How to Protect Your Yard During a Drought
Adopt a Watershed
