Droughts in many parts of Europe are the worst in 500 years. Even as temperatures begin to cool and some rain begins to fall, it may be a long time till we’re out of the woods. The team explores the impact droughts are having on things like food production, energy and transport, and wildlife.

Plus: Monkeys use sex toys too - who knew? Radiation exposure is one of the biggest issues we’re going to face if we want to get people to Mars. Quantum computer experts want to build a brain-like computer out of giant atoms. And Rowan is delighted to chat with BAFTA-winning sound artist and founding member of Caberet Voltaire, Chris Watson, who's gorgeous soundscapes recorded in three threatened ecosystems, bring to life Michael Gordon’s cult work ‘Weather’.

And finally, stay till the end to hear the sound of saiga antelopes on the steppe grasslands of Kazakhstan, where they have rebounded after being on the brink of extinction.

On the pod are Rowan Hooper, Penny Sarchet, Michael Le Page, Karmela Padavic-Callaghan and Alice Klein. To read about these stories and much more, subscribe at newscientist.com/podcasts.

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