Desflurane is a common drug used for anesthesia, but it has a surprising link to climate change, because the excess gas is often vented straight into the atmosphere, where it is several thousand times more potent than carbon dioxide. As of Jan. 1 of 2026, the European Union has restricted the use of desflurane. For The Big Fix, The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Dr. Jodi Sherman about these connections.

Scientists in Cambodia are using audio recordings to track endangered gibbons in the Central Cardamom Mountains. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with scientist Ratha Sor about why the presence of these primates are an indicator of ecosystem health.

On the 10th anniversary of President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Cuba, The World takes a look back at the history of the relationship between the US and Cuban governments over the past several decades. As President Trump ramps up his rhetoric about US intervention in Cuba, Host Marco Werman speaks to Lillian Guerra, a professor of Caribbean history at the University of Florida, about how the US and Cuba arrived at the current moment.

After having three missiles directed into Turkish airspace and shot down by NATO in the last month, more eyes have turned to Turkey. Both Turkish officials and some Istanbul residents maintain the country won’t get involved.

From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Adrienne Murray reports on Denmark’s snap elections scheduled for Tuesday.