The World

Evolution of the Azores

The Azores is a volcanic archipelago which sits in the Atlantic Ocean atop three tectonic plates. Island residents have had to learn to cope with natural catastrophes, including earthquakes and volcanoes. But now, Azoreans are making geology their friend.

The Azores islands are transforming from a poor, underdeveloped island chain to one of Europe’s most technologically and ecologically innovative regions. Azoreans are using the region’s ample geothermal, hydro and wind resources to make the islands energy independent. But can the nine-island archipelago survive its own success, including an increase in population that threatens to strain its resources? Producer Ken Shulman has our story.