Call 9-1-1

For the past nine years, Hans-Peter Plag has taken on the perspective of an alien ecologist coming to Earth. And when he looks at Earth, he sees a crisis of overgrowth. Humans, he says, have become a virus. If we don’t learn to do more with less, he fears that we will irreparably disrupt the planetary system that keeps us alive. And: America is one of the largest donors to global humanitarian aid. But the sheer size and red tape involved in the emergency response can inadvertently undermine the goal to help people in need. Daniel Beers says there’s a global movement towards working more with local organizations where these humanitarian crises happen because the people closest to the crisis are uniquely aware of how to create efficient solutions. Later in the show: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights allows states to suspend certain rights during emergencies, but only if necessary. Evan Criddle says that in the past 25 years, American presidents have invoked emergency powers with increasing frequency. And those measures have been deeply controversial. Plus: It's reassuring to know that wherever we are across the country, we can rely on a warm and comforting voice to get us the help we need just by dialing 9-1-1. Liz Ellcessor says that 9-1-1 is an intricate national media network of hyperlocal dispatch centers.