The Climate Question Q&A: Beavers, solar panels in the Sahara and nuclear waste
Mar 15, 2026
Caroline Steele, BBC CrowdScience presenter who explains ecology and tech; Akshat Rathi, Bloomberg Green reporter on climate and energy; Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor and analyst. They discuss beavers shaping wetlands and flood/fire risks. They debate Sahara-scale solar vs rooftops, grid and climate effects. They examine long-term nuclear waste storage, recycling and next-gen reactor ideas.
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Beavers Creating Wetlands That Shield From Wildfires
- Caroline Steel stayed with the Klamath tribe in Northern California and observed beavers creating dams, ponds and canal networks that act as wildfire breaks.
- The tribe planted trees and pre-built simple dams to attract beavers, which then expanded and created wetlands that shelter wildlife and slow fires.
Beaver Wetlands Can Accelerate Carbon Release In Some Places
- Justin Rowlatt warns beaver-created wetlands can increase methane emissions and sometimes act as net carbon sources because of increased plant decomposition.
- In permafrost regions beaver ponds warm soils, accelerate thaw, and can release large methane and CO2 stores when dams fail or ponds drain.
1948 Beavers Dropped From Planes Survived Relocation
- Caroline Steel recounts a 1948 Idaho relocation where 76 beavers were dropped from planes using World War II parachutes to move them without overheating in vehicles.
- According to a 1950 paper, 75 of 76 beavers survived, settled and built dams at their new sites.