大象传媒

India has experienced some of the worse monsoon weather in years, but despite the extreme rainfall climate models suggest a drought may be on the way, with higher than average temperatures predicted for the months following the monsoon season.

We also hear warnings over the state of the world鈥檚 aquifers, with water levels in many places already low enough to affect ecosystems.

We examine the consequences of two historic eruptions. How Indonesian volcano Tambora changed global weather and why papyrus scrolls blackened by Italy鈥檚 Vesuvius can now be read again.

Trees and plants have been quietly growing in the background of our everyday lives for as long as we鈥檝e existed. Now, as millions of us move into densely populated cities for work, school and healthcare, our green neighbours have been replaced by brick, concrete, steel and glass. We know that plants are vital for absorbing our waste carbon dioxide and providing us with oxygen. Would remote rural forests do that job for us, or is there more to living alongside greenery?

We visit Milan鈥檚 innovative Bosco Verticale - a vertical forest planted on two tower blocks and discovers that research is showing that greener cities could help those living there by providing spaces for daily physical activity. It鈥檚 hoped they could also provide cooling microclimates to reduce the dangers of summer heat, and improve our mental health.

(Photo: Commuters make their way on a waterlogged road following heavy rainfalls in Patna. Credit: Getty Images)