Costing the Earth (Series 21-30)

Series 21

Britain Disconnected

Tom Heap reports on whether the Victorian infrastructure in parts of the UK need significant updating and improvement as severe weather cuts off Cumbria, hundreds of ferries are cancelled, and bridges are downed in Yorkshire.

Requiem for a King

As coal continues its die off, this episode tells the story of the rise of coal usage through the Industrial Revolution. However, it continues to power many developing countries, and some people question whether it is too early to write its obituary just yet.

The City That Fell into the Earth

Kiruna, a Swedish town in the Arctic Circle is sliding into the ground. The nearby quarry on which the town relies has expanded significantly over the years, which has caused the subsidence problem for the town and requires a large portion of it to be rebuilt two miles away.

Acoustic Ecology

Peter Gibbs explores whether sound can allow us to understand the environment better, and aid efforts in conservation. With new technology, sound can also be used to monitor animals to analyse interactions between animals and the environments they live in.

New York's Big Green Clean

Tom Heap travels to New York to find out how the city plans to climate-proof one of the most populous cities in the world. He also looks at the ongoing work to clean its waterways and bring oysters back to the harbour.

The Environment After Exit

The European Union has a wide range of legislation which affects the British landscape and its wildlife, from Great Crested Newts, Roman snails and wind turbines. Tom Heap examines the potential impacts after Brexit.

Litter

Chris Ledgard reports on England's new anti-litter strategy, and looks at those which have already been enacted in places such as Switzerland and Texas. However, the question remains about whether a throw-away society can changes its bad habits.

Beasts of the Border

In Croatia, borders are going up to stem the flow of migrants. Tom Heap travels to examine the impact on wildlife including Lynx split between Slovenia and Croatia, and Red Deer dying after being tangled up in razor wire.

From Iceland with Love

The Ice Link interconnector would provide the UK with green hydro and geothermal energy. However, campaigners fear that its construction could severely impact the pristine wilderness of Iceland's highlands.

Digging Climate Change

Professor Alice Roberts asks whether findings from archaeological digs can teach us about climate change and its effects.

The Mars of the Mid-Atlantic

Ascension Island is the tip of a volcano rising out of the mid-Atlantic, and up until one hundred and fifty years ago, was almost completely barren. However, species have since colonised and invasive ones are threatening to take over. Peter Gubbs looks at the task of saving the native flora.

After Chernobyl

Julian Rush presents and meets Usula Sladek, founder of EWS Energy who is a key person in Germany's abandoning of nuclear energy which was spurred after the Chernobyl disaster.

Four Menus to Save the Planet

Tom Heap chairs a debate at the Bristol Food Connections festival with four experts to find out how we can reduce our carbon footprint. This includes questions such as changing diet and considering food miles.

The Sun King of China

Peter Hadfield meets Huang Ming, a Chinese inventor who runs a museum dedicated to solar energy. His business also employs thousands of people in solar energy research, development and manufacturing as he aims to persuade his nation to turn its back on coal and oil.

Series 22

Big Oil Big Trouble

Big oil companies have been accused of everything from climate change denial to incompetence. Tom Heap examines whether companies likes BP and Shell knew about climate change, how much they lobbied against action, and whether they can change to invest in renewable energy.

Cities Without Cars

Chris Ledgard visits Paris and Barcelona to discover whether they can move to a car-less future, and what the cities plans are. In Paris, the aim is to ban the most polluting cars and encourage people to use electric car-sharing schemes, while in Barcelona they are moving to pedestrianised streets with large gaps between car-accessible streets.

Fruits of the Forest

Peter Hadfield meets people in Brazil who are trying to use the fruits of the Amazon in a bid to prevent it being destroyed. The rainforest has seen vast tracts removed with the wood used for furniture, and the land converted to pasture. However, the question remains whether this new method may leave to over-exploitation.

The Growing Season

With a warming climate, the growing season in Britain has been extended with bulbs and flowers now appearing one month earlier than in the 1960's. Peter Gibbs discovers what opportunities there are for growers in northern locations.

Spiritual Greens

Tom Heap attends the fiftieth anniversary party of Resurgence, a green magazine. The magazine has championed the spiritual side of the ecological movement, Tom talks to some of the magazines contributors where he discovers what activism has and hasn't been achieved.

Wildlife-Friendly Motorways

Tom Heap looks at whether the number of deaths to animals on the UK motorway network can be reduced. Looking at bat flyovers, green bridges, and badger tunnels, he looks at the Gwent Levels and the Netherlands to find out whether these schemes can really work.

The British Countryside After Brexit

Tom Heap chairs a four person panel including George Monbiot and Baroness Young to learn what may happen with the British countryside once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

Forests of the Orangutan

Peter Hadfield reports on how some of the last remaining refuges for Orangutans are under threat as food manufacturers demand more palm oil. The destruction of the forest also has climate implications with the carbon-capturing peat also being destroyed.

Nuclear Futures

Matthew Hill looks at the future of nuclear power in the United Kingdom, with plants being pushed to run past their original projected life-spans. He questions whether this may be putting us all in danger.

Putting the Fizz Back into Planet Earth

Tom Heap questions whether carbon dioxide can be put to use and allow us to slow down the rate of climate change. He meets a German engineering team in Lyon which aims to turn CO2 into fuel while French researchers are trying to mimic nature's photosynthesis process.

Cruising: A Dirty Secret

A new cruise ship terminal is planned for Greenwich, however the location is already a pollution blackspot due to heavy road traffic in the area. Adding a cruise ship to the area may further exacerbate the problem, so Tom Heap heads to Southampton to find out how bad ships are for air pollution.

America's Energy Independence

Donald Trump is a climate change denier, and there are questions over what his stint in the White House means for the environment as he has pledged to return to burning fossil fuels in a bid to achieve ‘energy independence'.

Series 23

Fighting Fire

Climate change is being blamed for an increased number of wildfires which now burn an area the size of India each year. Tom Heap visits Fort McMurray which burned in 2017, and meets scientists who are trying to implement methods to prevent a disaster occurring again.

Rig Retirement

As oil rigs in the North Sea approach retirement age, part of the decommissioning cost falls on the tax payer due to subsidies offered. However, alternatives may be available which benefit the environment in the long run and help save money.

Black Gold in Paradise

Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is recognised as one of the most biodiverse locations on Earth, however the forest sits atop thousands of gallons of crude oil. The Ecuadorian government has given the go-ahead to begin drilling. Tom Heap sets out to find what the implications may be.

Soil Saviours

Soil can play a part in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with the French government initiating a programme to improve organic carbon matter in soil. Tom Heap speaks to farmers about how they can go about putting carbon back beneath our feet.

Delivering Clean Air

As shopping online continues to rise around the world, the delivery vans have brought increase pollution to our urban areas. This programme looks at innovative ideas which can speed up delivery times and reduce the environmental impact.

Heroines of the Rainforest

The Indonesian rainforest has suffered devastating losses, however a dentist and doctor have setup a clinic which offers cheap healthcare to villages who stop the practice of logging. It also teaches low intensity farming and provides fresh vegetables - and seems to be having an impact.

Trump's Big Sell Off

Tom Heap examines the future of America's wild west, as Donald Trump has hinted that he may sell off federal land to further exploration and exploitation to secure energy independence. A number of sites are protected from damaging activities with designations as national monuments.

Unfrozen North

Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough visits Svalbard to find out what happens when the permafrost melts. This programme asks whether animals and plants can adapt to the new climate to survive, and what the impact on people will be.

Fishing Future

Tom Heap investigates what the impacts will be to the fishing industry after leaving the European Union. The Common Fisheries Policy is seen as a disaster by many fishermen, and its removal may see an increase in fish stocks, however some believe British seas will be negotiated away.

Reasons to Be Cheerful?

Tom Heap heads to the Skoll World Form which was setup by eBay founder Jeff Skoll. The organisation tries to find problems to the world's pressing problems such as climate change and political uncertainty by utilising entrepreneurs and innovators.

Sinking Solomon Islands

Five of the Solomon Islands have already been lost to rising sea levels, and many others have been rendered uninhabitable. For Ellen Husain, the problem is a family issue as her great uncle drew some of the first British Empire maps, and loved his time in the pacific. She heads to the islands to find out how much has changed.

Insulation for the Nation

Homes are responsible for a quarter of carbon emissions in Britain, and Tom Heap explores whether homes can be retrofitted to fight climate change. However, experienced people are needed to complete the work, and issues such as Brexit are impacting the ability to hire and train.

Made to Last?

Jheni Osman takes a look at the problems caused by short-lived gadgets and clothes, and talks to people who are trying to affect change. She meets those who are trying to extend the life of products, and looks at the challenges of trying to repair products which have been designed to prevent it.

Exploding Penguins

The Falkland Islands have provided nesting locations for penguins, which have been left undisturbed thanks to their homes being built among Argentine landmines laid during the war. However, Peter Gibbs heads to the islands to find out what happens when the landmines are cleared.

Mekong Delta Blues

Peter Hadfield reports on the building of new hydro-electric dams which are threatening ecosystems in the area. The construction also has the people of Vietnam and Cambodia worried as the waters of the Mekong are reduced and fish life is devastated.

Future Forests

Tom Heap looks at whether Britain can restore its forests, and provide the wood required for a green economy. As tree-planting as hit a forty-five year low, he heads to Scotland to see a newly planted wood which aims to provide habitats and ensure flood protection.

James Wong on the World's Toughest Plants

Botanist James Wong investigates the links between global warming and the rate at which crops are able to adapt to their new conditions. He speaks to a range of farmers, breeders, and scientists to hear about plants likely to thrive or be affected by climate change.

Series 24

Tourist Tide

Volumes of tourists are becoming a problem in places which have based there lifestyles on the tourism industry, with protests occurring in Barcelona and Venice as well as elsewhere. Tom Heap questions how places can allow tourism in a more sustainable way.

Battery Powered Britain

New technologies are changing the way that Britain is powered. Thanks to battery storage and the economics around it being developed in Cornwall, there are plans to role it out across the rest of the country.

Fight the Power

Radical green activist Gina Lopez found herself appointed Environment Minister in the Philippines when Rodrigo Duterte took power. He pledged to stamp out environmental abuses by large corporations by removing mining licenses to restrict exploitation of the natural world.

Guardians of the Environment?

Tom Heap questions where the Environment Agency is fit for purpose after seven years of cuts to its budget and staffing. We hear from people who believe the agency has become to close to the government to be effective, and those who worry that without staff it can not fulfil its stated aims.

Dare to Share

The ability to share car journeys or homes has changed many sectors of the economy, and the sharing is expected to continue. Tom Heap looks at how sharing equipment and tools may be beneficial for the environment as many statistics shown that we have reached ‘peak stuff'.

The Future of Fashion

Lucy Siegle looks at how the fashion industry which is typically built on trends and consumption is trying to improve its environmental credentials. Heading to Milan, she talks to the big name companies which are responding to calls for greener fashion.

Where Does Our Waste Go?

Tom Heap looks at what happens to the waste in our bins once it is collected from the kerb. Looking at recycling process of bottles, tins and other plastic packaging, he finds out just how much is recycled. He also speaks with Dr Karl Williams who has ten top recycling tips.

Fish Farms of the Future

Fish are an efficient source of protein, and suggestions are that the world could be fed using farmed fish. However, this method has a detrimental effect on wild varieties due to the spread of disease and increase in pollution.

Tony's Farm

There is a concerted effort to reduce the carbon emissions of farms as they are known to cause ten percent of greenhouse emissions. Anna Jones presents and questions how best to communicate with farmers about the state of the environment - and starts with her father Tony.

America's Climate Resistance

In the year since Trump's election, he has appointed a climate change denier to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, not appointed a science advisor, and vowed to bring coal back. Roger Harrabin travels to the States to talk with those who are heading the resistance to Trump's climate anti-policies.

Bonn Climate Talks: Where Next?

Tom Heap is in Bonn for the United Nations annual climate change discussions. He will be exploring the impact of Trump's first year in the White House, and how it will impact agreements made in Germany.

Series 25

Everything's Gone Green!

Environmental issues have been barely mentioned in the recent past, however recently, they have become a key issue. Tom Heap sets out to find whether this is a political move or if politicians have finally come to accept the enormity of the ecological situation.

Defenders of the Reef

The Great Barrier Reef seems destine to become the first major victim of climate change. Ellen Husain returns after thirteen years to take a look at the reef and how it has changed, as well as meeting people with a vested interest in saving the reef.

Coral versus Coal

Ellen Husain reports on the Australian government's turning a blind eye to the health of the Great Barrier Reef. As more coal mines are planned to be constructed, this is likely to speed up climate change resulting in further death of the reef.

A Greener Home For All

With the construction industry estimated to contribute to forty percent of worldwide energy use, this episode looks at how homes can be made more ecologically friendly. As more houses appear, the question remains on how to provide green homes in a more sustainable way.

Superwood

Tom Heap visits Finland to find out whether wood can be a replacement for many uses of oil. He takes a glimpse at a future of cars, clothes, and information technology equipment beginning life in the forest. A look is also taken at the future of wooden skyscrapers appearing in the UK.

Microfibre Detectives

It has been discovered that many clothes include plastic microfibres, which when washed, are shed and end up in the marine environment. Tom Heap looks at what the effect is to nature, and whether a life of natural fibres only is realistic.

Dunes into Bunkers

Donald Trump's golf course in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire was widely protested due to the impact it was predicted to have on the fragile dune environment. Another course is being proposed for Coul Links on the Inverness coastline which has increased the controversy over the developments.

Shifting Spring

Evidence is suggesting that spring is beginning much earlier, and the shifting seasons are affecting both flora and fauna. This includes wildlife and prey being thrown out of kilter, and well as new species arriving on our doorsteps.

Undiscovered Colombia

Due to more than fifty years of conflict, Colombia has seen limited exploration of its land. Being a diverse country, researchers have taken risks and managed to open the door to discoveries of new flora and fauna in the uncharted territories.

Demolishing Dams

More hydro-electric dams are planned for Africa, Asia and South America however in Europe and North America, they are being demolished. Peter Gibb investigates whether dams are key to fighting climate change, or if their presence is causing more ecological damage.

Antarctic Assault

Whales, penguins and seabirds rely on the supply of Krill in the Southern Ocean. New technologies for freezing catch means that fishing these waters is now also possible, however these are concerns that the waters may become overfished.

Outback Outrage

In the Australian Outback, survival is difficult for plants and animals. Humans also have a tough time as food and water are in short supply, and anyone - or anything - taking too much can spell disaster. However, these is a surprising threat to the delicate balance in wild camels.

Run Rabbit

The number of European Rabbits in the UK have declined by around sixty percent over the last twenty years. Tom Heap looks at the impact of Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, with the latter disease being deliberately released in some countries as a method of population control.

Disappearing Alps

Peter Hadfield reports from Switzerland where the future of the Alps mountain range is uncertain as the permafrost begins to thaw, the mountains crumble, and the glaciers retreat.

The Future of the Countryside

Tom Heap chairs a debate on the future of the countryside. He questions whether public money should be used to support food production or conservation and the environment, and how environmental enhancement is measured.

Series 26

Verity and the Bees

Verity Sharp sets about bee-keeping in her garden, but finds the process is not quite as simple as it appears. As she talks to experts, she finds that there are a number of environmental, moral and philosophical concerns alongside practical issues.

Ending the Plastic Age

Since Blue Planet 2, awareness of the effect of plastic has significantly increased. Tom Heap sets about investigating how governments and companies will respond to the plastic problem both in consumption and disposal terms.

Fertility and the Environment

As sperm counts have dropped by fifty percent in forty years, one in six couples are having trouble conceiving. With other species also facing similar difficulties, Jheni Osman queries the environmental factors that affect breeding rates.

Electric Dreams

Peter Gibbs is contemplating purchasing an electric car, and joins Robert Llewellyn in discussing whether the time is now right. The Gardeners' Question Time panel are also asked about whether they are also ready for the switch to electric.

Helen Czerski's Arctic Expedition

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, which is certain to have an impact on Britain's weather. Helen Czerski joins a team of scientists to conduct experiments to discover more about the effect climate change is having on the world.

Man vs Woman vs Planet

Lucy Siegle and Tom Heap go head-to-head on whether genders matter in the battle against climate change. This episode looks at the impact both genders has on the environment, and how women in charge can affect the planets future.

Plasticphobia

Tom Heap investigates what the unintended consequences for the environment could be in the fight against plastic. A look is taken at the effect on food, landuse, products, and the possible speed up of climate change in a world without plastics.

The Real Cost of Chinese Medicine

As Chinese influence around the world grows, evidence is growing that this could be bad news for rare or endangered species. So-called Traditional Chinese medicine is a growing market which often feature ingredients that are illegally poached.

Wetland Wonder

Wetlands are the most diverse habitats, but are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests. Apart from providing fresh water, carbon storage, and flood mitigation, they are also said to be vital to human survival. Tom Heap investigates how wetlands can be created, and whether back gardens can be an alternative.

March of the Wet Wipes

Over the last decade, wet wipes have become more widely used. Many of them are disposed of down the lavatory, which is overwhelming sewers and causing blockages. Those that don't make their way into rivers and onto beaches. The industry also has to answer the question of why the wipes are sold as ‘flushable'.

Art and the Environment

This episode posits whether art can be used to depict climate change and environmental degradation in a relatable way. Tom Heap is looking at how the creative community is doing to use art to solicit a response.

Heat from the Deep

Only one percent of energy generation comes from geothermal energy, however the heat contained within the top three kilometres of the Earth's crust could power our civilisation many times over. Heat as power could be about to change how energy is generated.

The Future of Our National Parks

2019 is the seventieth anniversary of the national park which were created from legislation which created the now fifteen national parks. Much has changed since the legislation was passed and many of these landscapes have challenges including declining wildlife, a demand for housing, and poor public access.

Series 27

Hit the Gas!

A report on the impact of ammonia in the environment, and the damage it causes to peat bogs and Sphagnum moss, and how farmers can change their procedures to reduce the impact. It also looks at positive uses of the gas such as powering cars.

Tread Lightly

Looking at the large impact on the environment from vehicle tyres. The programme looks at how they are produced and disposed of, with the consequences of technological changes to tyres which have happened and might still happen.

Clean Air for Kids

Taking a look at the air pollution problems around schools in Manchester and London and how it affects children and staff health. A range of new initiatives could help to reduce pollution and include monitoring backpacks and "School Roads".

Fast Fashion Slow Down

As sustainable alternatives to fashion continue to improve, there is still work to be done to remove the throwaway culture of buying garments which are quickly thrown away. With the industry responsible for more emissions than aviation and shipping, this episode looks at how regulation may play a part.

Dash from Gas

With gas-fired boilers banned in new houses from 2025 and unable to be sold at all after 2050, this episode looks at how the twenty-three million homes which use gas will handle the change. In an attempt to meet climate change targets, the alternatives will need to be reliable and cost effective.

The Wolf is Back!

Wolves are starting to return to countries they were hunted out of over a century ago, with confirmed sightings in every continental European country. However, their return is not greeted with happiness by everyone as farmers are concerned about the possible threat to livestock.

The Environment After Brexit

Tom Heap hosts a studio discussion about what may happen to the UK countryside after leaving the European Union. The show features five experts from a variety of fields to discuss the potential effects.

Could Britain Feed Itself?

This episode investigates whether new technology can be used to increase the amount of food Britain produces. With the country in the midst of a look at its trade as part of Brexit, Tom Heap queries how what changes could mean for farms, rural landscapes and gardens.

The Youth Are Revolting

Tom Heap and Tom Bedford look at the climate marches which have been taken part in by youth in the United Kingdom. They ask whether young people can really make a difference, and what the demands are to ensure that the planet is habitable for people who are projected to be alive in 2100.

The State of Nature

A debate chaired by Tom Heap which focuses on a report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services about the current state of nature. The questions posit how sit the natural world is, and whether steps can be taken to reverse the position.

Eco Anxiety

This programme is presented by Verity Sharp and looks at the problems caused by ‘Eco Anxiety'. She speaks to people who have become anxious at the state of the planets ecological future, and lack of action to make change. Speaking to psychologists, she tries to find out what the solutions can be to improve mental health.

Indian Impact

Navin Singh Kdahka travels to India to find out how the environmental issues in the country will affect the ongoing elections. As the country is the third highest emitter of carbon dioxide, its rapid development pace means that emissions are likely to be pushed higher resulting in poorer air quality.

Insect Extinction?

Insects are in decline in many parts of the world, and are essential to the proper functioning of all ecosystems. With evidence of fast declines in particular locations, the United Nation IPBES report concludes that hundreds of thousands of species are at risk of extinction.

Series 28

Verity's Wild Garden

Verity Sharp wants to turn her garden into a wildlife haven, and sets about finding more information on the rewilding movement. She finds that abandoning use of the lawnmower and letting nature take control may sound simple, but can lead to interesting results.

Fire in the Amazon

Tom Heap presents a panel show which discusses the forest fires of 2019 in the Amazon rainforest. The group debate the causes of the fires, including the political and economic aspects, as well as the potential problems for Brazil, South America and the World.

Ghost Fishing

This episodes looks at the problems caused by lost fishing nets, and their continuing impact on the environment in terms of ghost fishing and micro-plastics once they have been lost. It also looks at schemes retrieving the nets, and what can be done with them, in various locations.

The e-DNA Revolution

Environmental DNA is a revolutionary technique to discover the species which inhabit certain environments. This episode looks at the how the method is being employed and what it may do for the location of new species in places they may not be expected to be found.

Carbon Free Islands

Tom Heap looks at the renewable energy schemes being lead by Orkney - islands famous for having a surplus of energy generation. The focus is on the REFLEX project which is tasked with preventing turbines having to be shut down at times of high generation.

Powering Britain

Britain needs zero carbon sources of energy are required as quickly as possible, and it is important they are reliable. This summer's electricity blackout suggests we're a long way from achieving that goal. Tom Heap hosts a panel that looks at what solutions are in the works.

Plastic Gardens

The last decade has seen an explosive growth in the number of people installing artificial turf in gardens. There are concerns about such widespread use of plastic, and this episode looks at the impact of the industry on wildlife, waste, and the environment.

Iron Curtain Turns Green

Before the Berlin Wall fell, naturalists noticed that animal species had success within the death zone due to lack of human disturbance. Thirty years on from the walls felling, Tom Heap looks to see how nature has continued to thrive to via the establishment of a green belt.

Dry Me a River

Tom Heap takes a look at the state of rivers and the impact climate change is having on them. With particular focus on chalk rivers, this episode analyses the impact of low flows currently being experienced, and the impact new development and water companies have.

Green Places for Everyone

David Lindo, also known as the Urban Birder, talks about increasing diversity and community involvement in environmental participation, and ensure that people from any background can make use of green spaces.

Vegan World

A look at what the British countryside would look like if everyone switched over to vegan diets. This is a panel show which features representatives from the National Farmers Union and Vegan Society.

Election 2019

Tom Heap looks at the plausibility of the numerous political pledges made in the run-up to the 2019 General Election. He is joined by a number of guests in a panel discussion.

Series 29

Mark Ruffalo vs Chemical Pollution

Tom Heap speaks about the PFAS chemical, produced by DuPont, which poisoned a town's drinking water and killed a farmers cattle. It also inspired the movie 'Dark Waters' starring Mark Ruffalo, who also appears in this episode.

Fate of the Falcons

Travel writer Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent visits Nagaland in north-east India and Myanmar where the change from traditional hunting methods to guns, as well as the quack Chinese medical trade, has reduced the wildlife population significantly. However, the local tribal people have began to reverse the situation.

Turning Japan Green

With the Olympics delayed to 2021, Tokyo has an extra year to meet the promise of making the event run on 100% renewable energy and using recycled rainwater, as well as reusing materials for the medals and podiums. Peter Hadfield looks at the reality of the situation in Japan, and what needs to be done.

Plastic Burnout

The amount of plastic waste in developing countries is soaring, and much of that is burned due to a lack of systems to handle waste and recycling. Tom Heap looks at six key countries, and finds out whether the product manufacturers have to do more to aid the clean up.

Fantastic Plastic

A look at the innovative ideas of dealing with waste plastic in developing countries where there is no waste service. This episode finds out how people are make use of plastic, with examples such as paving slabs and eco-bricks. However, the difficulties and issues with these ideas are also analysed.

Covid-19: The Environmental Impact

Assessing the potential after-effects of Covid-19 on the environment, Tom Heap talks with a number of experts on the impact to travel, regulation, ecology and environmental standards, including how things might change for the positive and the negative around the world.

Music's Green Day

More bands and singers are trying to become environmentally concious about the impact of touring around the world. Tom Heap looks at performers such as Massive Attack, Coldplay and Radiohead who have all aimed to reduce their carbon footprints, but also questions what smaller bands with the same resources can do.

Zero Carbon Britain

Tom Heap looks at the 2050 target of net zero carbon emissions, and speaks with Helen Czerski, James Murray, and Mark Lynas to gauge the level of progress, and what will have to change to meet the ambitious target.

Silencing the Noise

With the significant reduction in human noise due to the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers are taking the opportunity to look at the impact on nature and how animals communicate. The episode also discusses technological changes that can be made to limit our noise output in the environment.

Flooding Britain

Caz Graham speaks with a panel of experts to find out what the best way is to prevent flooding in Britain. Looking at the various options beyond ever-higher flood defences, she speaks with the Environment Agency as well as delves into the plans implemented by other countries.

Is This Something I Should Be Doing?

This episode speaks with a number of experts and looks at the rise of carbon offsetting, and its encouragement for allowing people to continue on with bad behaviour. It also looks at the changes since it became popular around a decade ago, and the criticisms of paying to plant trees.

Forests of the Future

With recent elections, a number of politicians have promised increasing numbers of tree plantings to fight climate change. However, ensuring planted forests can thrive into the future requires significant thought and planning, and things haven't started well with saplings having to be destroyed due to COVID-19.

Series 30

Autopia to Utopia? Car-Free Cities

The COVID-19 lockdown saw more people using bicycles and walking, which allowed pollution levels to drop and noticable changes to nature. Jheni Osman looks at whether this can be the future, whether cars will have to give over more space to people, and if plans for car-free cities will be accelerated.

Build, Build, Build

Peter Gibbs looks at the government aim of building more houses, and how this will be balanced with the responsibility to the natural world. This includes analysis of "garden communities", and how developers may be able to build in a way which incorporates nature rather than pushing it out.

Swimming in Superbugs?

Ellen HUsain investigates the situation with pathogens in the marine environment, and the impact that they have on swimmers and surfers. She also takes a look at the build-up of antibiotics in the ocean, and whether the way seas are managed is fuelling the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria.

The Great Leaky Loo Scandal

Campaigns to reduce personal water use from 143 litres to around 100 litres a day are failing, and an innovation which promised to save water is making things worse. Tom Heap investigates the impact of water-saving toilets, and the loss of billions of litres per week which would be enough to supply Edinburgh, Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast.

Bushfire Animal Rescue

Severe drought over the course of several months lead to massive bushfires in Australia, which resulted in the death of dozens of people and damage to millions of hectares of bushland and forest. Peter Hadfield travels to find out how the well-adapted animals have coped with more widespread fires brought about by climate change.

World on Fire

With 2019's news about the Amazon rainforest fires, the news has been quiet in 2020 about them. However, the flames are still ignited with the number in June 2020 rising by almost 20%. Alongside fires in California and Siberia, this programme looks at the effect they are having on the world.

A Short History of Environmental Protest

It has been fifty years since environmental campaign groups became prominent, with some of the major ones being set up in the early 1970s. Tom Heap discusses with some of the people involved about the previous and current action, as well as the rise of Extinction Rebellion.

This is part one of a two part series.

The Future of Environmentalism

In the second part of the environmental series, Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley looks to the future of environmental activism. She asks how things are changing, the leaders of the change, and what they are doing to ensure the message gets through. The discussion also turns to tactics, and how technology plays a part.

This is part two of a two part series.

Too Darn Hot

As some places on Earth become too hot for humans to live, Tom Heap looks at the cost of air conditioning. With the technology being one of the fastest growing sources of energy consumption, it is placing strains on power infrastructure and contributing to climate change. The episode also looks at the impact on people who have to live with air conditioning, and the alternatives.

American Election

Tom Heap leads a panel discussion on the impact of the four years of the Trump administration, and what Joe Biden's term will bring for the future of American environmental policy. The group discuss everything from production of energy to the Paris Climate Agreement.

I Believe I Can Fly?

With COVID-19, aviation has been in a tough position due to the lack of people flying. With the impact on the environment looming large even prior to the pandemic, Tom Heap discusses whether people will simply go back to their old ways, and whether the industry will take the opportunity to invest in new technology to reduce the pollution damage it causes.

China 2060

In September 2020, China made the announcement that by 2060 it will aim for carbon neutrality. Celia Hatton leads a discussion with a panel of guests on how the country will meet the pledge it has set for itself, and what it means for the rest of the world.

End of the Petrol Age

With the UK government pledging to end the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2030, Tom Heap looks at how it will help the country meet its emissions targets. It also analyses how the situation will change car ownership over the course of the next decade, along with the technological changes which will need to be made.