What does Chornobyl look like 40 years later?

What does Chornobyl look like 40 years later?

From The Take by Al Jazeera

April 29, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 1591

About this episode

This episode provides an inside look at Chornobyl 40 years after the disaster, exploring the current state of the exclusion zone shaped by war and the implications for nuclear safety.

An inside look at Chornobyl, 40 years after the disaster. The exclusion zone remains radioactive - now shaped by war. From deserted cities to returning wildlife and rising military risk, what’s unfolding there today raises urgent questions about nuclear danger and what the future might hold. In this episode:  Nils Adler ( @nilsadler1 ), Al Jazeera Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li, with Spencer Cline, Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Tamara Khandaker and Noor Wazwaz. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our editorial intern is Tuleen Barakat. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube

People in this episode

Host: Malika Bilal

Guest: Nils Adler

Topics covered

  • Chornobyl
  • nuclear danger
  • radioactivity
  • wildlife
  • military risk
  • disaster anniversary

Keywords

  • Chornobyl
  • nuclear disaster
  • radioactive exclusion zone
  • wildlife return
  • military risk
  • nuclear danger
  • anniversary

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Al Jazeera

Places: Chornobyl

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