Going Green: Recent Episodes

Philip Russell / Paul Russell

Welcome to the Going Green Podcast: Each week Philip and Paul look at different issues on Climate change and explore some of the things that you can do to to become more energy efficient and eco friendly. We all can do our bit and we need to start yesterday.

In this enlightening episode of our video podcast, we dive deep into the pressing issue of heat waves and their alarming impact on the United Kingdom. With an eye-opening discussion inspired by recent warnings from MPs and the Environmental Audit Committee, we explore the potentially dire consequences of inaction in the face of increasing extreme heat events. We dissect a report indicating that up to 10,000 people a year could face fatal outcomes due to heatwaves if comprehensive measures are not taken. The economic repercussions are also staggering, with a potential cost of £60bn a year to the economy.

Philip Dunne MP, the Conservative chair of the committee, delivers a compelling call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for government and societal response to mitigate these risks. We also delve into the historical context provided by the UK Health Security Agency's issuance of its first-ever 'level 4' heat alert in July 2022, a testament to the unprecedented temperatures the UK is experiencing.

Moreover, the episode discusses the global perspective, noting that 2023 was confirmed as the hottest year on record by a significant margin, underscoring the fact that this is not just a local, but a global crisis requiring immediate and decisive action.

Our expert guests provide insights into the challenges and potential strategies for addressing this "present danger," emphasizing the importance of developing a robust plan to combat the escalating threat of heat waves. Through engaging discussions, we aim to raise awareness and spur action among our viewers, highlighting the critical need for preparedness and adaptation in the face of climate change.

In this urgent and eye-opening episode of our video podcast, we delve into two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the world's dwindling freshwater resources and the pervasive problem of microplastics in our water.

Our journey begins with an in-depth exploration of the global freshwater crisis. We discuss the alarming rate at which the world's freshwater sources are being depleted, highlighting regions most affected by water scarcity. The conversation includes insights from environmental scientists and water conservation experts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to this critical issue.

Shifting focus, we then tackle the complex and concerning topic of microplastics in water. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that pervade our oceans, rivers, and even drinking water, pose a significant threat to marine life and human health. We unravel the science behind microplastics - how they are formed, how they end up in our water, and the potential risks they pose.

In an effort to provide a holistic view, we also discuss the role of governments, industries, and individuals in contributing to and alleviating these environmental pressures. The episode highlights innovative technologies and grassroots initiatives that are making strides in water conservation and reducing plastic pollution.

The episode concludes with actionable steps that viewers can take to be part of the solution. We provide practical tips on water conservation, reducing plastic use, and supporting policies and practices that protect our water resources.

This podcast episode is not just a discussion but a call to action, urging viewers to become informed and engaged in the fight to preserve our planet's most precious resource: water. Tune in for an informative and inspiring journey into the heart of two of the most critical environmental issues facing us today.

FreshwaterCrisis, Microplastics, EnvironmentalPodcast, WaterConservation, PlasticPollution, SustainableLiving, EcoAwareness, GlobalEnvironment.

In this enlightening episode of our video podcast, we tackle the increasingly relevant and complex topic of greenwashing. As more consumers become environmentally conscious, businesses are under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. However, this surge in 'green' marketing has led to a concerning trend of misleading environmental claims, often referred to as greenwashing.

Our episode begins with an introduction to the concept of greenwashing and its impact on both consumers and the environment. We explore how businesses, intentionally or not, may make exaggerated or false claims about the eco-friendliness of their products or services, misleading well-intentioned consumers.

The core of our discussion centers around the Green Claims Code developed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This code is a groundbreaking initiative designed to guide businesses in making honest, accurate, and substantiated environmental claims. We break down each of the 6 key points of the code, discussing their importance and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Throughout the episode, we feature interviews with experts in environmental policy, marketing ethics, and consumer rights. These insights provide a multi-dimensional perspective on the importance of truthful environmental claims and the consequences of greenwashing.

We also present case studies of companies that have been reprimanded for greenwashing, along with examples of businesses that are getting it right, offering a balanced view of the current landscape.

The episode concludes with practical tips for both businesses and consumers. For businesses, we discuss how to align marketing strategies with the Green Claims Code, ensuring that environmental claims are transparent, accurate, and substantiated. For consumers, we provide guidance on how to spot greenwashing and make informed decisions when purchasing 'green' products.

This podcast is an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of environmental sustainability, consumer rights, and ethical marketing. Join us as we delve into the world of green claims and uncover the truth behind green marketing.

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we are delving into the findings of a groundbreaking study conducted by the UK Met Office, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization. This study, titled the 'Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update', presents a compelling forecast for global temperatures over the next five years.

Key Highlights:

Record-Breaking Temperatures Likely: The study indicates a high probability, nearly 50%, that at least one of the upcoming five years will surpass 2016’s record as the warmest year globally.
Rising Above Pre-Industrial Levels: It predicts that annual mean global near-surface temperatures could be between 1.1°C and 1.7°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
Chances of Exceeding 1.5°C Threshold: There’s a 48% chance that at least one year between 2022-2026 will exceed the critical 1.5°C increase above pre-industrial levels. However, the likelihood of the five-year mean surpassing this threshold is relatively low, at 10%.
Comparing with the Past Five Years: The research suggests a 93% chance that the average global temperature for 2022-2026 will be higher than the average for 2017-2021.
Utilizing International Expertise: The update leverages the expertise of international climate centers and cutting-edge climate prediction systems, coordinated by the Met Office.

We explore these findings in depth, discussing their implications for our planet's future and the actions needed to address these challenges. Stay tuned as we dissect this vital report and its potential impact on global climate policy and personal decision-making.

Reflecting on COP26 from the perspective of COP28 allows for an assessment of the progress made towards the ambitious goals set at the 2021 Glasgow climate conference. COP26 aimed to secure global net zero by mid-century and limit global warming to 1.5 C degrees, underscoring the urgency of climate action. This summary reviews the conference's key outcomes and commitments, providing a basis to evaluate their implementation and effectiveness by COP28.

The key goals of COP26 included achieving global net zero and limiting warming, with strategies focusing on reducing emissions to reach net zero by 2050 through phasing out coal, curtailing deforestation, transitioning to electric vehicles, and increasing renewable energy investments. Adapting to protect communities and natural habitats was emphasized, highlighting the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and human settlements from climate change impacts. Mobilizing finance was a major aim, seeking to secure at least $100bn annually in climate finance for mitigation and adaptation in vulnerable regions. Furthermore, collaborative action and finalizing the Paris Rulebook were stressed, highlighting the need for finalizing the Paris Agreement’s guidelines and enhancing global cooperation against the climate crisis.

The main outcomes from COP26 included the non-binding Glasgow Climate Pact, extending the Paris accord, and outlining decisions to combat climate change. The completion of the Paris Rulebook provided guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement, encompassing emissions reporting transparency, common emissions targets timeframes, and standards for international carbon markets. Additionally, sector-specific agreements were significant, with notable commitments in forest conservation, methane reduction, automotive emissions, and private finance. This included an agreement to reverse forest loss by 2030 and to phase down coal power.

Responses and reception to these outcomes were mixed. Leaders like UK's Archie Young expressed satisfaction, while UN's António Guterres described the agreements as a "compromise." European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen and the Maldives’ Environmental Minister, Shauna Aminath, emphasized the urgency for ongoing efforts and the existential threat for vulnerable nations. Critiques from environmental groups targeted the Glasgow Pact for not fully addressing the urgency of fossil fuel phase-out and questioned the feasibility of maintaining temperature rises below 1.5 C degrees.

From the viewpoint of COP28, evaluating the tangible actions taken in response to these commitments is crucial. The effectiveness of the Glasgow Climate Pact and the Paris Rulebook can be gauged based on progress in emission reductions, coal phase-out, renewable energy transition, and climate finance mobilization. The response of nations to commitments, particularly in deforestation and automotive emissions, will indicate the level of global cooperation and sincerity in addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, assessing adaptation measures and support for vulnerable nations is essential to understand the real impact of COP26 agreements. This retrospective analysis serves as a measure of the actual progress against the ambitious goals set during COP26.

in this episode, we explore the complex and often contentious topic of North Sea oil and its role in the current energy landscape. As the world gradually shifts towards renewable energy sources, the need for traditional carbon-based energy, particularly oil and gas, remains a topic of heated debate. This video delves into the reasons why new oil and gas licenses are still being sought and granted, even amidst global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

the crucial role of North Sea oil in the evolving energy landscape, even as the world shifts towards renewable energy. Despite the global push for carbon neutrality, the video highlights why new oil and gas licenses are still relevant and necessary.

There are several ambitious, "pie-in-the-sky" ideas that have been proposed as potential solutions to climate change. However, these are generally considered speculative and should be approached with caution, as they might have unintended side effects. The scientific community generally agrees that the most effective approach to combating climate change is through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Here are some speculative, innovative, and ambitious solutions:

Geoengineering: This involves large-scale intervention in the Earth's natural systems to counteract climate change. For example, Solar Radiation Management (SRM) techniques, such as injecting aerosols into the stratosphere, aim to reflect a small proportion of the Sun's light back into space.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): While already in use to some extent, the idea of deploying CCS at a global scale to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere is still largely theoretical due to economic and logistic constraints.
Space-based Solar Power: Collecting solar power in space, where the sun always shines, and beaming it back to Earth could provide a virtually unlimited supply of clean energy. However, the costs and technological challenges of deploying and maintaining such a system are considerable.
Building with Biochar: Biochar is a carbon-rich form of charcoal that, when mixed with soil, can sequester carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Direct Air Capture: High-tech machines that act like trees, absorbing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, could be a solution if they can be made economically viable and powered by renewable energy.
Nuclear Fusion: If we can make it work, fusion could provide a virtually unlimited supply of power with minimal environmental impact. The challenge is, it's been a few decades away for many decades.
These ideas are ambitious and could have significant effects on climate change if they were implemented and effective. However, each of them comes with significant challenges and potential drawbacks, and many are still unproven at the necessary scale. It is likely that a combination of many different approaches will be needed to effectively combat climate change.

Why are those weather events once considered 'once-in-a-lifetime' happening much more frequently? And what does this tell us about our changing climate? Inspired by articles like "Why Are Extreme 'One-In-A-Lifetime' Weather Events Becoming More Frequent?" and "Rare and Severe Weather Events Are Now More Common Thanks to Climate Change", we explore these alarming questions, delving into the hard-hitting realities of our time.

In this video, we break down complex scientific data into an easy-to-understand format, guiding you through the key research that links climate change to the uptick in extreme weather events. We'll walk through real-life examples from recent years, showing how storms, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires are leaving a trail of destruction that's impossible to ignore.

Welcome to our special 100th-episode celebration video! This milestone would not have been possible without you, our listeners and viewers, who have been part of our journey as we continue to spread awareness and inspire action on climate change.

In this video, we take a retrospective journey back through our podcast's rich history, highlighting the diverse range of topics we've explored together. From the basics of climate science to the impact of global warming on our ecosystems, the innovation in renewable energy sources, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and much more.

Let's revisit our conversation discussing the intricacies of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Do you remember the episode where we dove deep into the consequences of melting polar ice caps, or when we analyzed the intersection of climate change and social justice? Those were such enlightening discussions!

Reaching 100 episodes is a significant milestone for us, but it's also a reminder of the urgency and importance of the climate conversation. With every episode, our commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and actionable climate information has only grown stronger.

Whether you've been with us since episode one or just joined us recently, we thank you for your support and engagement. Here's to the next hundred episodes, as we continue our journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future!

The UK government had pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and in April 2021, it even strengthened its commitment by aiming for a 78% reduction by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. This was a significant increase from the previous target of a 68% reduction by 2030. This was considered one of the most ambitious targets among developed nations.

However, setting ambitious targets is one thing, and making actual progress in achieving them is another. By 2021, the UK had made substantial progress in certain areas like the shift to renewable energy, but challenges remained in other areas such as housing and transportation.

Comparatively, different countries had varying levels of commitment and success in addressing climate change. For instance, the European Union had also set a goal to be climate-neutral by 2050, and aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Meanwhile, the United States under the Biden administration had committed to reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. However, the actual progress of these and other countries can vary greatly based on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to political commitment, policy implementation, technological advancement, and public support.

Welcome back to Going Green, your favorite podcast for probing the pressing environmental matters of our era. In this captivating episode, we tackle an issue of growing significance - the purported Sixth Mass Extinction.

Our planet's history is scarred by five previous mass extinctions, potent reminders of Earth's susceptibility. Presently, a significant number of scientists posit that we find ourselves in the throes of a sixth event, instigated not by natural processes, but by one species - humans. In this installment, we unpack the meaning of this proposition and its profound implications for our planet's trajectory.

The suggestion that we're in the middle of a sixth mass extinction event, often labeled as the Holocene or Anthropocene extinction, arises largely from human-induced environmental changes. The basis of this assertion stems from the unrivaled pace of species loss being witnessed currently. Recent estimates suggest that we're losing dozens of species daily, a rate that is up to 1,000 times the natural or "background" rate of extinction. Predominantly driven by habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and the overutilization of species, this swift biodiversity loss is truly alarming.

However, it's crucial to point out that mass extinction events are typically identified via the fossil record, long post their occurrence. Hence, despite the distressing trends we're observing, it remains a subject of ongoing scientific scrutiny whether we can conclusively categorize this as a mass extinction event on par with the five major ones that Earth has experienced historically.

we explore the critical thresholds in the Earth's climate system. These tipping points, once crossed, can lead to significant, often irreversible changes. Examples include the loss of the Amazon rainforest and the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, both showing evidence of nearing or surpassing these thresholds.

The concept of a climate tipping point isn't binary, with multiple potential points each having its own threshold. The precise levels are still under scientific research. Crossing a tipping point can result in severe, potentially catastrophic impacts on humanity. However, proactive measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, protecting and restoring forests, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate the worst impacts.

This video emphasizes the need for more research and monitoring to understand these tipping points better. It explores the intricate factors contributing to climate change, potential long-term impacts on ecosystems, economies, and lives, and possible mitigation strategies. This enlightening resource offers an urgent call to action for governments, corporations, and individuals to actively address the escalating climate situation. It serves as a guide for proactive steps that can help shape our collective future. Despite the alarming reality, the message is one of urgency, not despair, underlining the importance and effectiveness of timely and concerted action.

In this riveting episode of our podcast, we’re shifting gears and focusing our headlights on a transformative trend in the automotive world that’s mostly flown under the public radar. This is about the electrification of large vehicles, such as lorries (trucks), buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Often overlooked in the electric vehicle (EV) discourse are these formidable giants of transportation. They're quietly undergoing a massive, yet mostly unseen, revolution - trading in diesel for electric power. We'll delve into the innovations driving this shift and the companies leading the charge.

We kick off with a journey into the world of electric lorries, exploring the tech-savvy start-ups and established auto behemoths who are reimagining these freight powerhouses. Learn how they're addressing the unique challenges that come with electrifying such substantial vehicles, from battery technology to charging infrastructure.

Next, we'll board the electric bus revolution. Find out how cities across the globe are implementing these greener options into their public transport fleets, reducing their carbon footprints and improving urban air quality. We'll spotlight the key players, strategies, and benefits of this transformation.

Also, we'll give you an insight into the electrification of other large vehicles like agricultural machinery and construction equipment. Discover how these silent workhorses are reshaping industries known for their high environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future.

In addition, we will discuss the implications of this shift for the global energy landscape and climate change targets, as well as the economic and policy factors driving or impeding this revolution.

So buckle up and join us on this exciting journey into the unseen world of electric large vehicles, as we reveal the quiet yet crucial transformation taking place on our highways, in our cities, and on our worksites. It's more than just a trend—it's a revolution.

electricvehicle #future #evrevolution

In this episode, Paul and I explore the ambitious new action plan unveiled by the United Nations Environment Program aimed at reducing plastic waste by a whopping 80% by the year 2040. As doubts rise about the effectiveness of recycling, given the presence of approximately 13,000 potentially toxic chemicals in plastics, it's clear that recycling alone is not the solution.

Join us as we delve into the complex and challenging steps outlined by the UN agency to significantly curb our plastic pollution problem.

The thermohaline circulation, also known as the "global ocean conveyor belt," is a system of ocean currents that transport heat, salt, and nutrients around the world. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by redistributing heat and maintaining the temperature balance between the tropics and the polar regions.

The Beaufort Gyre, a major Arctic Ocean current, has been storing vast amounts of ice and cold freshwater due to increased Arctic sea ice melt. If this gyre were to release its stored freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean, it could have substantial impacts on the thermohaline circulation and, consequently, on the climate of northern Europe.

Here are some potential impacts:

Cooling Effect: The most immediate effect would likely be a significant cooling of northern Europe. The thermohaline circulation brings warm surface water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, which moderates the climate of northern Europe. A large influx of cold freshwater from the Beaufort Gyre could disrupt this heat transport, leading to cooler temperatures.

Weather Patterns: The change in ocean temperatures could also influence atmospheric pressure systems, potentially altering prevailing wind patterns and storm tracks. This could lead to changes in weather patterns, with the potential for increased storminess or precipitation in some areas.

Sea Level Rise: The influx of freshwater could also contribute to sea level rise, especially in the North Atlantic region. This could increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.

Biodiversity and Fisheries: Changes in ocean temperature and salinity could have impacts on marine ecosystems, including changes in species distributions and productivity. This could have implications for fisheries, which are important for many coastal communities in northern Europe.

Ocean Acidification and Deoxygenation: The disruption of ocean circulation could potentially exacerbate ocean acidification and deoxygenation, both of which are major threats to marine life.

It's important to note that the precise outcomes are hard to predict and would depend on a range of factors, including the amount of freshwater released, the rate of release, and how the Earth's climate system responds. Moreover, these effects would likely interact with other impacts of climate change, such as increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. The potential disruption of the thermohaline circulation is one of the many reasons why it's so important to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In this episode, we explore the potential impact of climate change on the spread of dengue fever and other infectious diseases, with a focus on the United Kingdom. As global temperatures rise, the mosquitoes carrying dengue fever could find the UK to be a suitable breeding ground, posing a significant health risk to millions of people.

We'll examine how factors like temperature, precipitation, and humidity are influenced by climate change, leading to increased dengue transmission during rainy or monsoon seasons. We'll also delve into a study that highlights the connection between climatic hazards and the aggravation of 58% of human pathogenic diseases worldwide.

Lastly, we'll discuss the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and exploring what we can do to limit the damage. Join us to understand the crucial links between climate change, infectious diseases, and the urgent need for action.

Food waste is a significant problem in relation to climate change for several reasons:

Production emissions: The production of food, including farming, transportation, and processing, generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When food is wasted, all the emissions associated with its production are also wasted, effectively amplifying the environmental impact of the food system.

Methane emissions: When food waste decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 to 36 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. By reducing food waste, we can decrease the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Deforestation and land use: Food production is a major driver of deforestation and land use change, both of which contribute to climate change. Wasting food means that the land and resources used to produce it are also wasted, leading to unnecessary deforestation and habitat loss.

Water and resource waste: Agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of global water usage, and many food production processes consume substantial amounts of energy and other resources. Wasting food results in the waste of these valuable resources, exacerbating environmental issues and contributing to climate change.

Social and economic implications: Food waste also has social and economic consequences, as the resources used to produce wasted food could be allocated more effectively to address food insecurity or invested in sustainable production methods that mitigate climate change.

Addressing food waste can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing emissions, conserving resources, and promoting more sustainable and efficient food systems. Efforts to reduce food waste can include better storage and transportation, more accurate supply and demand forecasting, consumer education, and policy changes that support the reduction of waste at various stages of the food supply chain.

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Monitoring CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) is crucial for several reasons, mainly due to their adverse effects on the environment and climate. The reasons why CFCs should be monitored include:

Ozone layer depletion: CFCs are known to break down the Earth's ozone layer by releasing chlorine atoms when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A single chlorine atom can break down thousands of ozone molecules, causing a significant depletion of the ozone layer. This thinning of the ozone layer allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, resulting in numerous negative consequences for humans, animals, and plants.

Greenhouse gas emissions: CFCs are potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). They can trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to climate change and global warming. Monitoring CFCs can help us understand their role in the global climate system and develop strategies to reduce their emissions.

Compliance with international agreements: The Montreal Protocol and its amendments have established a framework for phasing out the production and consumption of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. Monitoring the levels of CFCs in the atmosphere is essential to ensure compliance with these agreements and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken by countries to phase out these harmful substances.

Detection of illegal activities: Despite the international ban on CFC production and consumption, there may still be instances of illegal production, trade, and use. Monitoring CFC levels in the atmosphere can help identify such activities and take appropriate measures to stop them.

Assessing the ozone layer's recovery: Monitoring CFC concentrations in the atmosphere allows scientists to track the recovery of the ozone layer over time. As CFC levels decrease, the ozone layer is expected to recover gradually. Observing this progress helps verify the effectiveness of global efforts to protect the ozone layer and can inform future policies and actions.

Guiding research and development: Monitoring CFCs can provide valuable information for researchers and industries working on developing alternative substances and technologies. Understanding the behavior and concentration of CFCs in the atmosphere can inform the development of safer alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and climate.

In summary, monitoring CFCs is essential for protecting the ozone layer, mitigating climate change, ensuring compliance with international agreements, detecting illegal activities, assessing the ozone layer's recovery, and guiding research and development of alternative technologies.

The UK is in for a rude awakening as it faces a range of climate risks that could cause significant damage to its infrastructure and communities. In a shocking report, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has concluded that the UK is "strikingly unprepared" for the looming threats of climate change. From food security to water supply, transport to health, business to agriculture, and finance, adaptation efforts are "lacking across the board".

But that's not all - the CCC report also reveals that the UK's efforts to tackle climate risks have fallen short in almost every sector. This includes the critical areas of food security, water supply, and infrastructure. It's a worrying trend that could have disastrous consequences for the UK's future.

The CCC report closely links to the UK Climate Risk Assessment (UKCRA), which provides a comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change in the UK. The CCC's analysis and recommendations are used to inform the development of the UKCRA and to shape the government's policy and decision-making in response to the risks and opportunities identified.

The UK needs to step up its game in the face of these climate risks, and fast. The CCC and UKCRA must continue to work together to monitor progress and provide essential advice to help the UK adapt to the impacts of climate change. The time for action is now before it's too late.

In this episode will discuss the urgent need for swift and drastic action on climate change. We will explore the current state of the planet and the impact that human activities are having on our environment. We will also discuss the potential consequences of not taking action and the importance of taking action now.
We discuss the UN's new ten actions to Everyone can help limit climate change. these range from the way we travel to the electricity we use, the food we eat, and the things we buy, we can make a difference.
Finally, we will discuss the importance of taking swift and drastic action on climate change. We will highlight some of the steps that individuals, businesses, and governments can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. We will also explore the role of technology and innovation in addressing climate change.

Phasing out the use of peat moss is considered a good thing for several reasons, mainly related to its environmental and ecological impacts. Here are some key reasons why reducing or eliminating the use of peat moss is beneficial:

Preservation of carbon sinks: Peatlands, where peat moss grows, are vital carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon over long periods. Extracting peat moss releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Phasing out peat moss use helps reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

Biodiversity conservation: Peatlands are home to many unique plant and animal species, some of which are endangered or rare. The destruction of peatlands for peat moss extraction disrupts these ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and a decline in biodiversity. By phasing out peat moss, we can help protect these valuable habitats and the species that depend on them.

Water management: Peatlands play a crucial role in water management, acting as natural filters and helping to regulate water levels. The extraction of peat moss can disrupt these processes, leading to water pollution, increased flood risks, and diminished water storage capacity. Reducing peat moss use helps maintain healthy peatlands and their valuable water management functions.

Soil preservation: Peatlands take thousands of years to form, and peat moss extraction can quickly deplete this non-renewable resource. Phasing out peat moss helps to preserve these unique soil formations for future generations.

Alternative materials: There are sustainable alternatives to peat moss available, such as coconut coir, compost, and other soil amendments. These options can fulfill many of the same functions as peat moss without the negative environmental impacts.

In conclusion, phasing out peat moss is a positive step towards preserving peatland ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable practices. By seeking alternatives and reducing demand for peat moss, we can help protect these valuable natural resources and the many benefits they provide.

The UK power grid is facing challenges as more renewable energy sources come online because renewable sources such as wind and solar power are intermittent and can fluctuate in their output depending on the weather conditions. This means that there can be times when there is more renewable energy being generated than is needed, and other times when there is not enough renewable energy to meet the demand.

To balance the electricity grid and ensure that there is always enough power to meet the demand, the National Grid has to rely on a variety of measures including:

Flexible generation: This involves using gas-fired power stations to generate electricity when renewable energy output is low or when demand is high.

Storage: Energy storage solutions such as batteries can be used to store excess renewable energy and release it back into the grid when needed.

Demand-side response: This involves encouraging consumers to reduce their electricity usage during periods of high demand.

Interconnectors: The UK is connected to other European countries through interconnectors which allow for the import or export of electricity depending on the needs of the grid.

Despite these measures, the UK power grid is reaching capacity because the current infrastructure was not designed to accommodate the large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources. This means that significant investment is needed to upgrade the grid and ensure that it can handle the increasing amounts of renewable energy being generated.

In addition to the challenges faced by the grid itself, there are also challenges related to the integration of renewable energy sources into the wider energy system. For example, the increased use of electric vehicles will require significant changes to the way that electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed to ensure that there is enough capacity to meet the additional demand.

Overall, while renewable energy sources are essential for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a more sustainable energy system, they present significant challenges for the UK power grid. It is therefore essential that investment is made to upgrade the infrastructure and develop new technologies to ensure that the grid can cope with the increasing amounts of renewable energy being generated.

We are currently facing a tomato and Salad shortage. Now, this isn't something to really worry about because food shortages can occur for numerous reasons. Due to the Drought that happened last year in Europe causing poor harvests overseas, especially in Spain and north Africa, the UK has been particularly exposed to shortages because of supermarket contracts and high energy costs facing domestic suppliers.
Additionally, Europe is facing a vegetable shortage for all the same reasons

In summary, food shortages can result from a variety of factors, including weather and climate, pests and diseases, economic factors, political and social factors, infrastructure issues, population growth, and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues will require a combination of strategies, including improving agricultural practices, investing in infrastructure, addressing economic and social inequalities, and taking action to mitigate climate change.

Welcome to our podcast where we explore the critical issue of sewage discharge and its impact on the environment. Our host will take you on a journey to understand how sewage discharge affects the ecosystem and the health of the planet.

Sewage discharge is a significant environmental issue that is often overlooked. Many of us are unaware of the magnitude of this problem and its impact on our waterways, wildlife, and the health of our communities. In this podcast, we will shed light on the issue and explore its many facets.

We will discuss some of the regulatory measures in place to address this issue and explore potential solutions that can help reduce the discharge of raw sewage into our waterways. We will also examine some of the technologies and strategies that are being used to treat sewage and recycle it into usable water.

By listening to our podcast, you will become more informed about this critical issue and understand the steps you can take to make a difference. Whether it's by supporting local environmental organizations, advocating for better regulations, or making lifestyle changes that reduce water pollution, we can all play a role in mitigating the effects of sewage discharge on the environment.

Join us as we explore this important topic and take action toward a more sustainable future for our planet. Subscribe to our podcast and let's make a difference together.

Sea levels have been rising over the past century due to global warming, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming decades.

Rising sea levels can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including increased flooding and erosion, damage to property and infrastructure, and loss of habitat for plants and animals. In addition, coastal cities and communities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of more frequent and severe storms, which can be exacerbated by rising sea levels.

It is important to note that the exact extent of the impact of rising sea levels will depend on a variety of factors, including the rate of sea level rise, local geography, and the measures that are taken to adapt and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.

If you live on the coast, it is a good idea to stay informed about local sea level rise projections and potential impacts in your area. You may also want to consider taking steps to adapt your property and infrastructure to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, such as elevating buildings or building protective barriers. Additionally, advocating for policies and initiatives that address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help to slow the rate of sea level rise and mitigate its impact over the long term.

In general, there is no significant impact of climate change on earthquakes that has been identified by scientists. However, they are not disregarding the possibility of a connection. As the Earth's average temperature increases, the melting of massive ice sheets leads to the transfer of billions of tons of water from land to the ocean, causing land masses to rise. This global change could result in seismic activity, but no such evidence has been observed yet.

Earthquakes are caused by the movement and collision of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. Climate change can, however, have indirect effects on earthquakes. For example, changes in water storage and distribution due to climate change can affect underground geology, leading to changes in stress levels and possibly increasing the likelihood of earthquakes. Additionally, sea level rise caused by climate change can also lead to changes in oceanic and coastal tectonics, which can trigger earthquakes.

However, it's important to note that the relationship between climate change and earthquakes is complex and not fully understood. Further research is needed to better understand the possible connections between these phenomena.

Astroturfing is a deceptive practice of creating the appearance of a groundswell of support for a particular agenda by using fake or paid individuals to post positive comments, reviews, or testimonials in a coordinated manner. The aim is to manipulate public opinion by giving the impression that a large number of people hold a particular view when in reality, they are part of a coordinated effort by an interest group or organization. The term "astroturfing" is derived from the artificial turf used in sports stadiums, implying that the support being shown is not genuine.

We are now another year (to 2030) closer to when petrol and diesel cars will stop being made in the UK perhaps now is the right time to buy an electric car?

The debate over whether it is the right time to buy an electric car has been ongoing for a few years now. On one hand, electric cars offer a number of benefits over traditional gasoline-powered cars, including lower operating costs, zero emissions, and the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. On the other hand, there are still some concerns about the limited range of electric cars, the availability of charging stations, and the higher upfront cost of these vehicles.

One of the main benefits of electric cars is their lower operating costs. Electric cars have significantly lower fuel costs than gasoline-powered cars, as electricity is much cheaper than gasoline. Additionally, electric cars require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and don't require oil changes or other routine maintenance.

Another major advantage of electric cars is their zero emissions. Electric cars produce no emissions, making them a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option than gasoline-powered cars. In addition, electric cars have the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as they can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Despite these benefits, there are still some concerns about electric cars that need to be addressed. One of the main concerns is the limited range of electric cars, as most electric cars can only travel for a few hundred miles on a single charge. This can make it difficult for electric car owners to take long trips, as they need to plan their routes and stops carefully to ensure they can find a charging station.

Another concern is the availability of charging stations. While the number of charging stations is increasing, they are still not as widely available as gasoline stations, which can make it difficult for electric car owners to find a charging station when they need one.

Finally, there is the higher upfront cost of electric cars. While the operating costs of electric cars are lower than gasoline-powered cars, the initial purchase price of electric cars is still higher than that of gasoline-powered cars.

In conclusion, while there are many benefits to buying an electric car, there are also some concerns that need to be taken into consideration. Ultimately, whether or not it is the right time to buy an electric car depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you are looking for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option and can afford the initial cost, it may be the right time to buy an electric car. But if you prioritize long trips and don't have easy access to charging stations, it may be worth waiting until more charging stations are built and battery technology improves.

One of the topics taught in GCSE chemistry is looking at the Earth's resources and looking in particular when metals are likely to run out the report they looked at was done in 2011 and suggested that current production levels when it was likely metals would run out. We thought it would be interesting to have a look 10 years on at how much of these metals are left now.

So are we running out of metals, are we mining ourselves into extinction

Ski resorts in the Alps are being forced to shut down due to a lack of snow because Europe there has no snowfall in the new year. Temperatures for January have reached an all-time high in a number of nations across Europe breaking record minimum winter temperatures in eight countries - and regional records in another three.
Warsaw, Poland, saw 18.9C (66F) on Sunday while Bilbao, Spain, was 25.1C - more than 10C above average.
so activists have called for faster action on climate change because there will be no ski season in the alps with global temperatures rises
Additionally, there have been pollen warnings issued because plants are blooming early because of how warm it's been, and with the high temperatures European governments have gotten a short-term gas-price respite because the fears of a cold winter haven't appeared.

With the new year in sight, we thought it is good to go back over the course of the year and look at all the climate stories that happened. A lot has happened over the last year with 2022 beating several records. it has provisionally been the -on average- hottest year to date and as well as a decade of increasingly bad weather

A white Christmas is a Christmas celebration that is characterized by the presence of snow on the ground. An "official" white Christmas is defined by the Met Office as "one snowflake to be observed falling in the 24 hours of 25 December somewhere in the UK", but formerly the snow had to be observed at the Met Office building in London.

However, Climate change has brought higher average temperatures over land and sea and this generally reduces the chances of a white Christmas. additionally, with the average yearly temperature rising, one might think that the chances are reduced however what we are seeing is that the range of temperatures is increasing, aka when it's cold, it's colder than usual.

Fusion power has the potential to be a major source of clean, safe, and abundant energy in the future. A new break though has been discovered by a team in America, the team managed to get more energy out from the enormous amount of energy that was required to start the fusion reaction. Fusion occurs when atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This is the same process that powers the sun and other stars. Unlike nuclear fission, which is the process used in current nuclear power plants, fusion does not produce dangerous radioactive waste and has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of energy. However, fusion is extremely difficult to achieve and control, and significant technical challenges must be overcome before fusion power can become a practical reality.

This year Earthshot prize took place at Boston, USA. The Earthshot Prize was designed to find and grow the solutions that will repair our planet this decade. Each Winner of the 5 categories will get £1 million to regenerate the place we all call home in the next ten years.

Black Friday is a day of consumerism so why dont we make it green. We all know that the "throwaway culture" of Black Friday "is bad for the environment" and people should instead consider recycled products and think what they can do for the environment but is it really the consumers that are bad or is it the producers not making things green for the sake of profits

we should be updating the old rhyme Plant a tree in '73; plant one more in '74 to "plant a tree in '23; plant one more in '24 "
National Tree Week starts Saturday the 27th which marks the annual winter tree planting season and welsh government is offering every household a free tree to collect from over 50 locations in Wales. So what's the point of why everyone should plant a tree in the year 2023, we could reduce the severity of global climate change by removing excess carbon from our atmosphere

However Climate change is making trees bigger, but weaker, it is found that Wood in Central European forests are 8% to 12% less dense than a century ago, making the lumber less reliable building material.

This year's COP has been about the Economic Impact
of Climate Change on the world Economies we thought we go through some of the Economic challenges that countries are facing.
Stunning revelations came out about how the host of COP 27, Egypt are Burning more Coal so that they can sell there Gas Imports to Europe for a profit,
Short term Economic Gains have apparently out weighted the climate imperative. Now what they do with that money we shall wait to see, if they use it for green investment, no harm, no foul, right. unfortunately that is unlikely meaning that climate change is on the bottom of the agenda

With COP 27 happening this week, we thought we should give a round up of what has happened.
COP 27 is taking place at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his opening speech "We are on the highway to climate hell, with our foot still on the accelerator"
He also proposed Debt-for-losses swap as a way for developing countries to recover from climate disaster.

Additionally Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia pull out of the Reforestation bill that was signed last year at COP 26.

This week Ofgem made a statement about how the UK could potentially run out of gas. Creating a shortage, and that in a emergency there could be a rolling power cut if the UK due to lack gas supplies had to turn off gas turbines that produce electricity, if we get a cold and server winter. The last time this happened was in the 1973 when the Gas supplies switched off for hours due to gas rationing and Electricity rationing was done as well.

How did we get here, Russia stopped the gas flowing to Europe and so Europe has been buying up all the Norwegian gas. Meaning less supply. Additionally France's Nuclear power stations are offline due to maintance, so there is less electricity in Europe so France has been buying (and burning) gas to meet its consumption, meaning less supply.

The UK has Approximately 7 days of Gas Stored up, but The government has been urged to set a target to slash household energy demand by 20% through Covid-style measures increasing how much gas the UK has stored to 8 days to avert potential gas shortages in winter.

Recently the UK Government halted the moratorium on Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. leading to questions To Frack or not to Frack. Fracking is a technique for recovering gas and oil from shale rock. It involves drilling into the earth and directing a high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals at a rock layer in order to release the gas inside. The injection of fluid at high pressure into the rock can cause earth tremors - small movements in the earth's surface. The problems with fracking is that the gas is hard to extract. The total amount of gas produced by Cuadrilla from Lancashire could be enough to provide heating and water to 508 3-bed semi-detached houses for 18 days. According to experts, this will do nothing to ease energy prices this winter, however, since it would take many years for an industry to develop and it remains unclear whether a significant amount of gas could be extracted, however it is being seen as part of a new domestic energy security push.

With the 2022 UN general assembly taking place this week, we thought it would be good to go through the Five burning climate issues that was identified by the Secretary-general António Guterres

These five burning climate issues are;
5. Curbing windfall profits from fossil fuel companies
4. Championing more clean energy and the green transition
3. Funding for the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries
2. Keeping global warming below 1.5C
1. Creating a legal obligation for countries to protect there own people from climate harm

With the Death of late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III is the new king of Great Britain and northern Ireland. The Late Queen left a quite a Green Legacy, She was quite frugal and kept a simple diet of local produce and meat that had low food miles. Last year, she expressed her irritation with climate change inaction ahead of the Cop26 conference. unlike the late Queen, King Charles III, As Prince, was well known for his views on climate change, and for many years before this was popular and a thing, he was beating the drum about this.

But will he continue the Late Queen's environmental legacy, as well has his own passion for environmentalism and be known as Charles the Green.

Breaking: King Charles III has asked for the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to be extended into the spring of next year to allow people to turn it into a memorial for his mother.

We would like to Congratulate @GrahamStuartMP who has been appointed Minister for Climate In Liz Truss's New Government, But the same old Climate challenges and targets still remain.
So we thought about going through what he should be focusing on and what his priorities should be for the next few years.

The list is quite a long one, but a lot of things are already set in motion, such as 7,000 hectares of new trees are being planted each year, but the problem for Graham Stuart MP is finding places to put these trees for example

Last Friday Ofgem (the UK energy regulator) Announced the increase the energy price cap of both Gas and Electricity from 7p to 15p and 28p to 52p respectfully on a Standard variable tariff and the Daily standing charges of both types of energy are increasing by 1p
This is the MAXIMUM an Energy company can charge on a Standard variable tariff. But the energy price cap for other tariff are being changed as well (So consult your bill from your energy company to see what tariff you are on!)

This is for numerous reasons such as the Wholesale Gas and Energy costs, infrastructure and maintenances cost of the Gas and Electricity Network.
Unfortunately the regulator cannot make the Energy company 'Not' earn a profit and such they can charge additional rates inside your bill making it look like it goes up!

A number that keeps running around is that your Energy bill will go up to £3,548.84 per year, However that figure is based on a 3 bedroom house that consumes 12,000 kWh of gas, and 2,900 kWh of electricity annually. Remember that this is an average not what your bill will go up to!

A carbon offset broadly refers to a reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions – or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) – that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
For a Carbon offset to work, we first need to measure and establish how much greenhouse gas emissions that you emit personally or on a organisational level. Once steps have been taken to reduce these, you are then allowed to pay money to offset any emissions that you cannot reduce. for doing this you receive a Credit/coin/certificate that you have offset those emotions and are now Carbon neutral or Net Zero.

HOWEVER, if you haven't reduced before you've offset - which quite a lot of companies have done - then all that's happening is your greenwashing everything!

Carbonoffsets #climatechange #podcast

Since Water is 2/3 of our planet, its hard to imagine that we could ever run out however only 3% of that water is fresh meaning vast majority of it is inaccessible for human use.
So are we going to run out of water?
As a result, water scarcity is a pressing and important issue for much of the global population and with all the droughts that are happening around the world, they're reducing the amount of fresh water available for everyone
The United Nations sees water scarcity as “scarcity in availability due to the physical shortage, or scarcity in access due to the failure of institutions to ensure a regular supply or due to a lack of adequate infrastructure.”

As the next wave of heat is hitting Europe, Drought are being declared all over and we are feeling the impact , directly through TUB's (AKA hosepipe bans) or indirectly like potential winter food shortages To understand how a drought can cause food shortages we need to an analogy as falling row of dominoes. Now imagine if the first domino might be farmers’ corn crops dying. The second domino might be that the farmers would not have money to buy a new tractor from the dealer in town. The dealer would then lose money, which would be the third domino. If enough farmers lose their corn crops, the dealership might not be able to employ as many people or may even have to close down—the fourth domino. The dealership closing would cause many more impacts in the community. The farmers’ crops dying would be the “direct” impact of drought. The dealer losing money and all of the other impacts would be the “indirect” impacts of drought.

A new report from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has sent press in panic with doom and gloom forecasts. the report talks about the “four horsemen” of climate change with new names such as famine and undernutrition, extreme weather events, conflict, and vector-borne diseases. According to the international team of researchers, they propose need for a new research agenda to look into bad-to-worst-case scenarios ranging from a loss of 10% of the global population to eventual human extinction. (SCARY STUFF) By analysing the mechanisms for these extreme consequences, the international team want to help galvanize action, improve resilience, and inform policy, including emergency responses to better prepare our society and countries around the world.

Over the course of this week, water companies published their drought plans in an effort to say that
"water is worth saving" but that there is no need to panic over water scarcity. because most companies need to do this year since its required by law every five years to produce and publish a drought plan, and with the ongoing warm weather in much of the country follows the driest winter and spring since the 1970s, these drought plans have made it into the news. then on Tuesday 26 of July, the Environment Agency convened the National Drought Group. The group discussed the current situation and agreed actions to protect water resources and the environment in the UK in the weeks ahead.
So what is a drought? well there isn't a set definition but this one is quite good.
Droughts are natural events that happen when there are extended periods of low rainfall that create a shortage of water for people, the environment, agriculture or industry. However, every drought is different – in terms of the area they affect, how long and severe they are, and the impact they have on customers, communities, businesses and the environment. With such uncertainty, it is important that we make plans to manage drought, whatever the weather.

National Drought Group is made up of senior decision makers from Environment Agency, government, water companies, Water UK, the NFU and environmental protection groups including the Angling Trust and Rivers Trust.

watersworthsaving

So we survived the heatwave. For the first time ever the UK managed above 40°C in many parts, and we experience many tropical nights (nights that are above 20°C) but Homes in UK not designed for the heat. So what action can be taken, What can be done about new homes being built

We had wildfires burning out homes. 60 properties damaged in the UK with 41of those properties destroyed in fires in London.

The record is now held at Coningsby in eastern England at 40.3°, a record the town probably doesn't want. The trains couldn't cope because the rails are not set to cope with more than 35°C
It's not just us. India, France, Spain recorded a staggering 42-3°C making those countries some of the hottest places on Earth. The record is 56.7 °C recorded in 1913 in death valley

We talk about; What are we going to do about this? the fact that Climate change has happened. It will continue to get worse

Across the globe, countries such as Japan, Italy, Norway, Iran and Finland are breaking heat records as a swing of heat waves makes life very difficult. One question people keep asking is are they occuring more often?
Lets start to answer that by stating what is a heat wave. simply put it is a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area and lasts two or more days.
Climate change is making these occur more often and increasing the intensity of these high pressure systems changing the local climate in many places. Causing Droughts and wild fires in places that don't usually have them causing issues of having more problems for emergency services and other bodies

Who should set the climate targets? Should it be, the scientists, the people, the governments? Philip and Paul open this can of worms and try to decide which is best.

Climate targets are the limits that scientists and policymakers have set in plans to combat climate change.

These targets can take different forms, from goals for limiting the Earth’s warming to hard caps on greenhouse gas emissions, and but they can be set really by anyone, however they should follow a plan.

climatechange #podcast #climatechangeawareness

The UK has a problem, its known as water scarcity. A survey of 2,000 Brits revealing that water consumption is low down on the priority agenda for environmental concerns, while Sir James Bevan chief of the Environment agency warns that the Lack of water presents ‘existential’ threat to our climate will be felt for decades if we dont do something about it.
This Summer, UK water companies have joined forces again to launch Water’s Worth Saving,(https://watersworthsaving.org.uk/) a national campaign encouraging the public to make every drop count this summer.

Everything is so bad, the climate change is causing fires and floods and what the point of doing anything. If I turn down the heating a bit, if I use an electric car - how's that going to change anything?

The honest answer is if I do all these changes it won't change anything but what are the consequences of doing nothing?

Doing nothing isn't an option. Doing nothing will cost far more than doing something.

Russia's special operation on Ukraine is devastating for the country and having efects on europe with them being denied oil and gas but this can only push the development of renewable technology futher unless the countries want to develop more coal.

It's not our problem . One world yes it is.

What is solar punk? Putting solar panels on the roof is not solar punk, It’s being one with nature It’s a different way of thinking. It’s not where they were made from, but how to make them even greener and cleaner. Using grey water, creating new environments. Using some out of the box thinking. Why are our wind turbines not made of wood?. Why not float them above the houses. What not live where the resources are rather than moving the resources. Data centre running off solar energy. Build a data centre in Iceland. Make a tropical environment above to use up the Heat.

The long weekend in the UK to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee was truly wonderous. There were street parties, parades, events put on up and down the country. Even my little town did its bit with a funfair, a stage and live band in the park and after the beacon had been lit, fireworks to finish. But as we walked away the field was littered with rubbish. Bottles, plastic cups, the remains of half eaten food - just abandoned on the field. The bins were no better. There were full to over flowing many times over. Earlier in the evening I had seen someone try to empty them. There was a team going around picking up the litter as they found it, but the crowd was too big and their number was too small.

Many people talk about climate change and recycling but for some of the population the message has yet to get through.

There are loads of companies willing to sell solar panels to home owners, but with no feed in tariff does it make sense to install panels on the roof. The costs of electricity and gas are soaring so perhaps any difference will be worthwhile. The cost of panels has dropped over the years but is now rising again. The power of the panels has increased. So does it make sense to install panels?

Would you do better to invest in air source heating or another technology.

Solar water works really well and we have found a very quick return on our investment, using little or no gas to heat the hot water from March to October and this is really worth it. Solar voltaic - on a good day we make all the electricity we use during the daylight hours minus the first and last one when the sum is too low. But of course at night the system doesn't work and that is where batteries can come in, but their high cost and short life span mean they need to be replaced currently more or less once you have had them for 10 years or so. Some are better but these are more expensive.

It appears that we are not doing enough so should we just give up.
Some countries won't play, others make empty promises.
I try to do my bit but nobody else does so what is the point?
It won't make much difference to me - I'm old it's someone else's problem.
The kids talk all about doing this and that, but they still use loads of power on their phones and computers wasting more than they are saving.
The world is going to pot and I can't do anything about it.

Little differences make a big change everyone needs to do their bit but what is the incentive - climate change is happening but it won't happen to me
If I had been better would my house still have got/ hit by a tornado, burnt out, flooded.
These are just some of the questions and statements made by people in the wake of climate change.

With fuel prices soaring, WE need a new fuel source, WE need a Green Hydrogen Revolution. Electrification cannot get us to net zero. So many things require natural gas; fertilisers, Plastics, and other essential chemicals. But we can replace Natural gas with Hydrogen.
8 months ago we talked about the Many colours of Hydrogen, and since then the Government has formed a Hydrogen working group, a group that is trying to Accelerate the Green Hydrogen Revolution.

Their latest report, by RENEWABLE UK states that this Green Hydrogen Revolution will "solve the challenge of integrating renewables into our energy system through, for example, the provision of system balancing services, seasonal storage and by minimising curtailment of renewables"

Momentum for this Green Hydrogen Revolution is gathering worldwide as an increasing number of stakeholders view it as a critical component of future energy systems. Over 40 countries (including the EU27) have hydrogen strategies, and at least 13 have targets specific to green hydrogen. More recently, the European Commission outlined its plan to achieve EU independence from Russian fossil fuels by quadrupling its 2030 target to 20.6Mt of green hydrogen, which will require well in excess of 100GW of both electrolyser and renewable generation capacity.

A few days ago the UK Met Office researchers said that there's now around a fifty-fifty chance that the worlds climate will warm by more than 1.5C over the next five years. Under the Paris climate agreement, which committed the world to keeping the rise in global temperatures well below 2C while pursuing efforts keep them under 1.5C. The UK and Egypt as part of their role as president of COP brought more than 40 countries together this week to drive implementation of countries climate commitments. However from COP26 we know some countries commitments are weak, like Australia's. Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of software company Atlassian, has been attempting to close an Australian coal mine operated by Australia’s biggest polluter, the energy utility AGL. The Australia government has blocked the take over by saying the coal mine is a strategic asset. Just a few nights ago the billionaire hired brokers to stand in the market late Monday to snap up an 11.28% voting stake, which may be enough to thwart the demerger at the upcoming shareholder meeting in June. At least someone is trying to do something about our climate, because researchers has found that the whole aviation industry has failed to achieve any of their climate targets, that by the way they set themselves as 'reasonable' targets.

As international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions stall, schemes to slow global warming using fantastical technologies once dismissed as a sideshow are getting serious consideration

“I have seen all kinds of proposals,” said James Fleming, author of “Fixing the Sky: The Checkered History of Weather and Climate Control” and a member of the National Academy geo-engineering committee.
“People are getting more and more desperate about climate change,” he said. “I think it is quite probable we will get the OK to do this.”

So what are these ideas:

Aerosol injection,
Spraying aerosols high up into the stratosphere is currently the most talked-about form of SRM. The technique, which is known as “stratospheric aerosol injection”, could cool the planet in a similar way to a large volcanic eruption.

Marine cloud brightening,
In theory, this could involve using ships to spray saltwater into the clouds above the sea.
Once airborne, the salt particles would act as “cloud condensation nuclei”, meaning they would facilitate the condensation of water vapour into liquid. As more water droplets are created, clouds would appear larger and brighter.

Ocean mirror,
A less well-known option for limiting the effects of sunlight would be to use an “ocean mirror”. In theory, this would involve using a fleet of sea vessels to churn up millions of tiny microbubbles on the ocean surface.
This seafoam would reflect away sunlight, cooling the planet, explains Prof Julian Evans, an emeritus professor in materials science from University College London.

Cloud thinning,
Another less-explored option for reducing the effects of sunlight at the Earth’s surface would be to “remove” cirrus clouds from the atmosphere.
Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals, which form at high altitudes. The clouds reflect away some sunlight, but also absorb large amounts of long-wave radiation – meaning that, on balance, they warm the planet.

Space sunshades
The final technology discussed by scientists involves sending a giant mirror – or fleet of mirrors – into orbit in order to reflect away more sunlight from the Earth.
The size of the mirror would determine how much sunlight it could reflect back towards space and, therefore, its cooling effect, says Prof Govindasamy Bala, from the Divecha Centre for Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science.

The world is racing towards an electric vehicle (EV) rebirth because of issues ranging from environmental concerns to the high fluctuating oil prices that continue to push consumers toward alternatives to combustion engines.
Today’s Electric Cars, however, is beyond anything nineteenth century drivers could imagine. From intelligent driving to proactive service and remote vehicle access, these new electrics cars can offer the safety and convenience today’s consumers crave.
To push drivers toward “plugging in,” however, automakers must better educate them, as well as offer a uniquely “connected” driving experience. Equally important, they must embrace innovative business models and partnerships.

Last earth day, We decided to do something for the environment! but we though we could do more than just do our bit of recycling, because MORE needs to be done, so we set our sights on championing new Green idea, and how to get more people doing more green things, because global action is required NOW! This year, Earth Day 2022 calls on everyone to divest from unsustainable investments, and support eco-conscious brands and products to help send a clear message to corporations that consumers mean business.

This week sparked a new wave of Environmental activism. The Group's idea is that, you switch off all of your electrical appliances, lights, or switch off at the breakers for 10 minutes, this effectively creates a 10 minute boycott of the privatised portions of our power supply, losing them up to an estimated £9m in revenue. this campaign is called the #bigpoweroff It happened on the 10th of April and is going to happen on the 16th of April at 7pm. this happened in Spain in 2019 and managed to cause lot of brown out leaving the electricity companies offer millions in concessions because they were in breach of their contracts of not supplying electricity to their customers. the last one didn't do much, we'll see what happens this weekend.

The IPCC Report came out a few days ago about mitigating the effects of climate change. The IPCC third report looks at over the 2010 - 2020 period and makes projections of what needs to be done to prevent global warming and to limit the climate to 1.5 degrees of warming. In the last decade the world has managed to curb some critical items. CO2 emissions rose 54% from the millennium. Last 10 years only a 24% increase. So have managed to reduce the real amount of emissions by a third Between 2000 -2010 worldwide it was proposed that the number of coal plants to be built was 855. In the decade 2010-2020 of the 855 coal power stations to be built, only 189 were actually built and the rest cancelled. The reason for this is that Coal is now much more expensive to burn because of increased Mining and shipping costs. The price of renewables too has dropped. It is now cheaper to build a wind farm than a power station with the same power output. But in addition to this a coal power station will have the cost of the coal to power it to be supplied and the cost of running a wind turbine is just maintenance. The wind farm only produces power on windy days whereas the coal power station can produce power all the time. But installing more wind farms in different locations means that wind is more or less guaranteed. This sign could hopefully mean the demise of the coal power station within a few years.

tomorrow (1st of April) There will be No vat on energy saving materials such as solar panel installation, heat pumps it the UK. So in this episode we answer is this the right time to invest in renewable energy for your home! But beware the small print - this new scheme only covers new systems, not so much addons to current ones!

There are new types of solar panels coming to the market, that are both solar thermal and photovoltaic. These keep the panels cooler in summer and increase the efficiency.
With the price of Gas going up solar thermal can really effectively cut the hot water bills in the spring, summer and autumn.

In this Jubilee Year the Queen started Queens Green Canopy which is to Plant a tree for the Jubilee during the months Oct '21 - Mar 22' and then Oct '22 - Mar '23 Tree planting seasons
The Jubilee started 2nd February but major Celebrations take place from 2nd June with Street parties and other celebrations

Ive seen a few jubilees
Silver Jubilee 1977 at Uni studying for exams
Golden Jubilee 2002
Diamond Jubilee 2012
Platinum Jubilee 2022 6th Feb
whereas Paul has only seen from the millennium.

In February the IPCC release their sixth report about how in the year 2022 how the Climate Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability of the world

their was 6 Big Findings from the IPCC 2022 Report which we discuss in this podcast

Climate impacts are already more widespread and severe than expected.
We are locked into even worse impacts from climate change in the near-term.
Risks will escalate quickly with higher temperatures, often causing irreversible impacts of climate change.
Inequity, conflict and development challenges heighten vulnerability to climate risks.
Adaptation is crucial. Feasible solutions already exist, but more support must reach vulnerable communities.
But some impacts of climate change are already too severe to adapt to. The world needs urgent action now to address losses and damages.

At Cop 26 all countries agreed to make changes to phase out fossils fuel and to say no to gas and oil, but Putin with his invasion in Ukraine has put a stop to this. simply saying No to Russian Gas is not a big problem in the the UK and USA due to only using a small amount of Russian gas however some of Europe countries are using a huge amount of gas there is a significant problem. The EU gets roughly 40% of its gas from Russia: According to figure from research group Transport & Environment, this dependence costs around $118m a day.
We can’t stop it immediately because we need to power to drive our industry. But paying for all this gas and oil is powering Russia’s army
So what are the alternatives.
Going Totally green much, much faster than planned by building more wind turbines and nuclear power stations. - a good idea but very slow -it will still take years to complete even at a much accelerated pace.
Buying the oil and gas from elsewhere - and alternative but the idea of the pipeline was to speed up the delivery process rather than shipping the gas in boats which isn’t really practical.
Looking for oil and gas in the North Sea, where the UK knows there is a an oilfield - This still will take time and money and goes against climate change policies.
Fracking - really frowned upon because of the damage it may cause.
simply as people to use less thus reducing our reliance on Gas. Now in the UK this is possible but not in Europe because of their heavy reliance.
If we continue to upset Putin with sanctions he might just cut off the gas and Europe will be plunged into a state of little or no power.
Gas and Oil are used for other things, not just making power but the chemical industry is very reliant on Oil for its products. We are also seeing non Russian oil companies leaving the Russian oil cartels, like Shell and BP.

When COP26 Happened in October, a survey to place asking questions about there attitudes climate change, this question has been asked for the last few years and we can see how it is changing over time. Attitudes have been changing due to more education about climate change. In this podcast about how attitudes have changed about climate change, we explore how the use of simple messaging can change people attitudes and re-education of the population is having a large impact on climate change.

We live in a throwaway society, a place where businesses products have Planned Obsolescence built into them. this all started in 1924, representatives of the world's leading lightbulb manufacturers formed Phoebus, a cartel that fixed the average life of an incandescent bulb at 1,000 hours, ensuring that people would have to regularly buy bulbs and keep the manufacturers in business. With the advancement of technology in our society creates the desire for convenience in our consumption is another waste and pollution contributor. A large part of this problem stems from products being overly packaged. Produced by Philip M Russell Ltd Web: http://www.hemelprivatetuition.co.uk

The Winter Olympics of 2022 are nearly over, in this weeks podcast, Paul and Philip look at the sustainability at Winter Olympics 2022.

With the Beijing Winter Olympics using 100% artificial snow, a thing that could become the new norm as the planet heats up due to climate change.

It is estimated that 49 million gallons of water have been used to make the artificial snow for the 2022 Games, despite Beijing being one of the most water-scarce cities in the world.

Beijing wrote a sustainability report for the Games last year, it said it would use renewable energy for the venues and recycle water resources.

It said: “We shall give priority to ecological and resource conservation, environmental friendliness, and contribute to a beautiful environment.”

The Question "why are cars bad for the environment" is very simple, they burn fossil fuels and making them creates emissions! however, just because old cars have a poor reputation for being “gas guzzlers” which makes them bad for the environment. However, a surprising new study reveals trading in your old car for a brand new electric vehicle may actually be doing more harm than good.

Researchers in Japan say choosing to keep and drive your older cars longer leads to fewer emissions entering the environment.

And whereas shopping for new cars to be a process of comparing different brands and models, now you also have to choose whether you want one you can fill up at the gas station – or plug into the wall.

On the one hand, purchasing second hand cars, avoids all of the carbon emissions and raw materials needed to make a new one, although the fuel-economy might not be on par with today’s standards – not to mention the extra servicing and maintenance.

in this episode of Going green, Paul and Philip discuss what has happened in Paris, France, and why and how the congestion charge helps get cars off the road.

In April 2022 (till 2026), The UK government will give out grants of £5,000 for people who will install heat pumps instead of new gas boilers. the reason for this that heat pumps are a zero carbon heating solution that will help homeowners make the transition to low carbon heating solutions to heat up their homes and contribute to reduced emissions. However there are a few things to keep in mind which we are talking about in this podcast episode.

In todays podcast we look at the idea of Environmental, social and corporate governance Scoring or ESG score. it grew out of a investment practice called Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). ESG investing and analysis, on the other hand, looks at finding value in companies—not just at supporting a set of values. Why is this important, the reason is that Aviva Investors, has put the directors of 1,500 companies on notice and that it is willing to seek their removal (from their investing group) if they fail to show enough urgency in tackling issues including the climate crisis and human rights! But how does a company show what its doing to Investors, by generating a Environmental, social and corporate governance score! Additionally with Investors wanting Green companies to invest in, they need to know how green a company is. At COP21, The Paris Agreement Capital Transition Assessment (PACTA)was created to be a free, open-source methodology and tool, which measures financial portfolios' alignment with various climate scenarios consistent with the Paris Agreement, which is developed into Environmental, social and corporate governance Score. If a company want to improve there Environmental, social and corporate governance Score they might want to introduce Science-based targets. these provide a clearly-defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping prevent impacts of climate change and future-proof business growth. Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

In this episode we look at the mayor's of London plan to ease traffic congestion to improve air quality and reduce air pollution About 40,000 deaths in Britain each year are linked to air pollution with most of the pollution coming from traffic congestion. therefore the mayor of London has proposed some changes to the congestion charge to help pay for air pollution reducing measures. We explore that getting rid of cars would prevent traffic, but would not help the people living in metropolitan areas. perhaps reducing traffic, by introducing cycle lanes and bus routes will help but who would pay for this.

Seen companies marketing their goods with Eco Buzz words? this marketing ploy is called greenwashing, it trying to convince customers that the company is making positive environmental choices.

The Statement "this podcast is CFC free" is a easy example of greenwashing. a claim that is true, wholesome and environmentally friendly. but if you think twice about it, Most/all podcast are CFC free because they dont use any CFC to make them, its an easy claim to make but doesn't make actually make any difference to climate change, this is the problem with greenwashing.

The term greenwashing was first coined in the 1980s in an essay by environmentalist Jay Westerveld. In this essay, he criticized the hotel industry’s “save your towel” movement for preying on guests’ environmental sensibilities. While this movement was disguised as a way for guests to help hotels conserve water and save the planet, it essentially only cut down on laundry labour expenses for the hotel and made a minimal difference in water usage.

Why is greenwashing so prevalent today? In short — because it works. A 2015 Nielson poll found that two-thirds of shoppers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly goods and that half consider a product’s sustainability before deciding whether to purchase.

We look at if a climate change prevention strategy of planting a tree to offset carbon emission. Recently in wales an investment company is set to offer tree planting as a way for companies to offset their carbon emission. Locals welsh farmers are unhappy with this due to the idea that having a forest would be ruining the landscape.... Surely this should be the other way around. In other news, we look at rewilding project that are happening in the UK, like a herd (4) of European bison is being re introduced to the UK (Kent) as well as the oyster seeding of rivers in the UK.

With the huge tornadoes that brought disaster to 6 States happened last week we were shocked to find out that these tornadoes didn't occur in tornado alley, wondering if climate change had anything to do with it

it turns out that there are more tornadoes outside tornado alley than in! we discuss how does climate change impact tornadoes, as well as other things which such as the distinct line that separates the arid from the humid zones of America.
This was described John Wesley Powell the famous geologist and explorer. this sharp climatic Boundary is slowly shifting east and we have seen this this week with the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky and other states.

The famous tornado alley now has moved a couple of hundred miles east. This change is solely due to climate change and it is also seen in the Sahara desert as that has grown by 10% over the last 30 years. The US boundary which was on the 100th Meridian now sits well and truly on the 98th meridian and it will continue to move east as the global warming temperatures increase the evaporation from the soil and the precipitation patterns across United States continue. So states like Kentucky can expect more tornadoes in the near future.

How do we grow More food with Less space. With the an estimated 9 billion people to be living on this planet by 2050, 100% more food will be required to feed them, but we limited on space or arable land so what can we do.

currently Food production make up 26% of our CO2 equivalent emissions already and we really do not want to increase it, so we -as a species- got get more efficient. whether that is with more organic farming techniques such as crop rotation or just better policies such as wild areas amongst the crops to prevent as much pesticide and herbicide being used.

Another way to help feed more people is to change our diets, introduce more efficient calories such as pulses rather than beef...

A cheap way of growing more food of course is to use space that plants could never habitat, this is the idea of vertical farming, by using space above the plants more plants can be grown and therefore more food!

For years Gas companies and suppliers, have been telling us to cook with gas, because cooking with gas is FASTER, CLEANER, and CHEAPER than Electricity. Except cooking with gas produces lots of harmful pollutants, and recently has become more expensive. But electricity has been becoming cheaper due to the new renewables coming online. so they only thing the gas companies can say is that gas stoves is faster than electricity except with induction hobs, gas is now one of the slowest ways of cooking. In this episode Paul and Philip discuss why influencers are taking pictures of themselves with there gas stoves, electrification of home and cities, and why it is best to convert to induction hobs over gas.

The last couple of years have really decimated the holiday industry, and now may be a good time as you think about next year's holiday to do something a little different and a little greener. Perhaps instead of flying somewhere then maybe taking the train and making a second holiday of taking the train somewhere might be a better idea. Using the train is a much more green approach than driving or flying. Choosing a different type of holiday can help. If you fly then you can hire an electric car to go around the places. Some countries like Switzerland have loads of car charging points to enable you to see all the scenery. You might like to hire an e-bike and cycle around places like Belgium sampling local produce, or visit the Loire valley and taste all the wines on a bike. You can now take a more eco-friendly ferry to Brittany to save on that Carbon Footprint. Eco friendly holidays are found all over the place now - check which ones are approved. The National Trust offers many in the UK with electric charging points. Eco friendly holidays don't have to be sleeping in a tent or in a eco built house but instead can be sailing around the Mediterranean using up on fuel in a luxury yacht.
Artwork "https://www.freepik.com/vectors/travel" Travel vector created by pikisuperstar

In this episode Philip and Paul look at SailGP and its Sustainability Impact League. As well as being Powered by Nature, the organisers have gone one stage further by introducing a Green aspect to the competition. There is an additional prize for the most green team.

A second leader board, which runs alongside the Season Championship, has been created to monitor the performance of the teams in the Impact League, with each team's score at each SailGP event being added to the overall Impact League leader board. At the end of the season it is proposed that there will be two podiums, with the winner of the Impact League crowned alongside the Season Champion and earning funding for its purpose partner, who supports and advises them throughout the season and is visible on the team’s livery. SailGP's Impact League has been set some sustainability criteria - social and environmental - to operate against with each team awarded points based on its fulfilment of these criteria. The criteria range from pioneering new technologies focusing on clean energy solutions and removing all single-use plastics, to diversity and inclusion and using the team's voice for good. Each team will be externally audited and an overall leader board created after each event. Philip and Paul look at this and look at whether this could be inserted into other sports to improve their sustainability and perhaps including all the spectators to earn extra points for their team. We have seen Formula One with formula-E coming along - but this would be so much better if all the factories also became eco-friendly. #podcast #climatechange #climatecrisis #climateemergency #raceforthefuture

In this weeks podcast, We discuss the expected outcomes of COP26. go through what has been agreed at COP26 and how those outcomes will help prevent or decrease global warming to 1.5 degrees of pre industrial levels. We talk about what isn't expected but need by others and how current Goals dont meet the outcomes of previous COP's. the Major Agreements are; More than 100 world leaders promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030, The US and the EU announced a global partnership to cut emissions of the greenhouse gas methane by 2030 More than 40 countries committed to move away from coal Some new pots of money were announced to help developing countries adapt to climate change and deal with the damage and loss it brings

Philip and Paul look into fireworks and the chemicals that they use in their propellants such as Sulfur Carbon and Potassium Nitrate and the toxic chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide that they produce. They also look at the toxic chemicals that make the pretty colours. When these fireworks explode they leave behind microscopic particulates in the air. The largest of these called PM10 stay around for up to five days and the smallest stay around for several years in the air we breathe. Every year in every country where there are fireworks days after the events there is a rise in the number of hospital emissions with sufferers of Asthma and other breathing problems directly related to the firework displays. Some of the chemicals in the fireworks are toxic like copper and this can get into the topsoil and be taken up by plants and enter the food chain. So what are the alternatives - really there is no such thing as eco friendly fireworks - the ones labelled so just have slightly less nasties in them. Home fireworks are usually the worst culprits, so if is often best to go to a professional display but better still go and watch a laser display or a drone show.

What is meant by Carbon Neutral and how can we get there is a common question. Philip and Paul discuss how they can get to carbon neutral or better. My company buys in Power. Much of this is made via solar panels, but at night we need to get the power from the grid, which is up to 50% renewably generated. Our hot water is supplied during the summer by solar thermal, but in the winter not enough heat is generated so we need to buy in green house unfriendly methane gas. We need water and this also has a greenhouse content to it. Our vehicles are not electric but we don't use them much for the company only going out a short distance every few weeks. To offset these emissions we need to buy some carbon credit in some form by planting some new tree of finding some other form of carbon sequestration.

There are becoming more options available as Gas prices soar and the Government stop new installations of Gas boilers. New homes will be banned from installing new gas and oil boilers by 2025 and the government wants to see no new gas and oil boilers sold after 2035. So what are the options and what are the costs involved. Philip and Paul find out.

There are just a few choices you can make. Air /Ground source, hydrogen and district heating. Of these only one is really available. Many people think solar panels making electricity - but these are not the best for heating. They can be used as a power source for Air source pumps and powering other capture devices. The most effective seem to be

Solar Thermal Two types traditional air or water filled tubes. New alternatives are not necessarily placed in the sun but capture heat from the air. Ground Source Dig a deep hole and this means as deep as possible - at least 6metres deep

A ground source heat pump is a central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in the winter) or a heat sink(in the summer). This design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems Ground source heat pumps harvest heat absorbed at the Earth's surface from solar energy. The temperature in the ground below 6 metres (20 ft) is roughly equal to the mean annual air temperature around 9°C -11°C in the UK depending on location. This is the minimum distance the pipes should really be buried. It is not using geothermal energy.

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. Even when it is cold outside there is usually enough heat in the air to heat the house. Heat pumps supply more energy than they consume, by extracting heat from their surroundings. This heat can then be used to heat the house and this is generally by warm air convectors as sold by many of the companies out there in the business. An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. It can get heat from the air even when the temperature is as low as -15° C. Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need to use electricity to run but the heat they extract from the air is constantly being renewed by the sun naturally. Therefore the electricity is being used to power the pump not create the heat. Therefore it seems that you can get more out of the system than you put in. This is because the sun is providing the rest of the energy.

These systems do not provide enough energy to heat the house as they often work at a much lower temperature than conventional boilers but they do provide lower background heat, and the only real way of using this is to have loads of insulation.

There are five categories of prizes to projects that might change the world. This Sunday the prizes are to be given. Philip and Paul take a look at some of the finalists and given their opinion on which prizes they think should win. All these projects look good even ones that are not the finalists since we all need to our bit to improve the world we live in.

There are five prize areas the first is to try to protect and restore nature, the second is to clean our air, the third is to revive our oceans, the fourth is to build a waste free world and finally the fifth prize is to fix our climate.

All the projects are worthwhile and many are innovative.

The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism, by highlighting the ability of human ingenuity to bring about change, and inspiring collective action.

The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge unites people to tackle some of today’s biggest challenges, delivering impact on a range of issues that matter to Their Royal Highnesses and to society.

The PM announced UK to move to all renewable energy by 2035. Much of this power will come from Wind Turbines, which over the past 4 years have nearly doubled in capacity from 19GW to 35GW. But the easy installations of the offshore wind farms have been done, so now it is more likely to have to be floating wind farms further out to sea or just in deeper waters. It is not just these wind farms that we need, because although this year we have more capacity to produce wind power, the total was less due to less wind than over the past few years. Solar was also down due to a cloudier year. So what else can we use and how can we store the electricity made in windier and sunnier times. One method is to use liquified air. Air is cooled and compressed using surplus energy. When not enough electricity is around the compressed liquified gas is allowed to warm producing very large amount of air to drive a turbine and make electricity.

More wind farms may not be enough and so additional sources like wave power that is being used in the Orkneys may need to be deployed around the coast of the UK.

We watch Extinction Rebellion climbing on trains and the protestors pulled off by the passengers, and we see Insulate Britain, blocked the main motorways of the UK bringing hundreds of people to a standstill preventing them going to work. Do these protests work. They certainly upset many of the people nearby, but they do make the headlines. Do people the think about insulating their house because insulate Britain blocked the M25. Do people use less Plastic because someone tries to superglue themselves to the roof of a train? Are there better ways to protest of change the way that people think. Episodes of the Blue Planet have had far more success in making people aware of plastic in the Oceans than school strikes every Friday. Strikes and rhetoric may not be the most effective way to persuade people and Governments to change. What do you think. Philip and Paul look into the matter and come up with their own ideas.

Power in the UK is either Electric or gas and a small amount of Oil and LPG. Gas widely used for Heating and Cooking and is used Electricity for everything else. The bulk of our energy needs or demand is about 30 - 40GW.

Where does our electricity come from ?

Nuclear 15% ranges from 10% - 20%, Biomass 5%, Coal is now < 1%

Gas 47% Gas is scaled to fit the Wind and Solar. Wind and Solar vary Wind 10-50% Solar up to 15% depends on the day. Some is imported/exported to Europe. France not supplying as much electricity, there is no IC1 because of damage from a wildfire. So presently only IC2 is working.

With Gas prices rising because of increasing Global demand and having a poor year for wind and solar in this country, the situation is looking very uncertain. We need more renewable options like wave and tidal and hydroelectric power. Much of the data for this episode came from Gridwatch.co.uk

I did an experiment in the classroom yesterday making some hydrogen and it was colourless, but that isn't what the colours of hydrogen are all about. Most of all our hydrogen - a safe clean gas to burn for energy is called Brown Hydrogen, made from Fossils fuels and in the manufacture of this lots of Carbon and other toxic substances like sulfur are produced and typically these are left as pollutants into the air. So although you may be using a clean fuel - hydrogen - its manufacture certainly wasn't clean and green and efficient in any way.

Blue Hydrogen is made in exactly the same way as the Brown Hydrogen, but some of the Carbon and Sulfur are recovered and stored, usually in the ground. The exact amount varies so some hydrogen made this way is very blue and some much less so.

The last type of hydrogen is Green Hydrogen - made from the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources - Wonderful - but it still isn't as Green as it could be because how much Greenhouse gases were using in the manufacture of the renewable energy machines and for the transport and storage of the hydrogen. Perhaps we should call this Cyan Hydrogen. Hydrogen is notoriously difficult to store as being a very small molecule it can escape a solid pipe and in some gas lines as much as 10% of the Hydrogen escapes.

Scientists are calling for emissions in Carbon Dioxide to be cut by 7.6% per year. This means that by 2030 the Carbon Dioxide emissions will be cut by half. The scientists are also calling for a 3% a year cut in extracting coal, oil and gas - effectively leaving the reserves in the ground. But at present rather than a drop in production, the production has actually increased worldwide. During the pandemic most people thought that there would be a cut in emissions with few cars and planes travelling, but with people at home more emissions were produced.

Philip and Paul also look at "Orca", the name of Climeworks' new direct air capture and storage plant in Iceland. It will take carbon dioxide removal to the next level by combining direct air capture technology with the underground storage of carbon dioxide. Orca will capture 4000 tons of Carbon Dioxide per year - making it the world's biggest climate-positive facility to date.

Decarbonising the world isn't about getting rid of the carbon - that’s impossible, but it all about managing the resource. Carbon Taxes can be applied to industries to push them in the right direction allowing the more efficient companies to trades carbon credits with other companies by setting caps and allowing trade. Carbon Coins are used to reward companies for not emitting carbon. The systems all come down to money. Either raising money in the form of taxes for those companies who must make carbon dioxide as part of their business like the cement industry and paying other companies who might be investing in wind and solar power. Generating this revenue means that the money can be spent on research and infrastructure and justice. Changing what we do needs to be done, and it needs to be done quickly.

Reduce, Repair, Rethink, Recycle, Reuse or Reimagine

If you can buy from a different manufacturer who makes a longer lasting product, perhaps one that can have parts easily replaced or upgraded, then this helps stop the throwaway culture we live in. If you can buy a product in recycled packaging, then this also helps. Slowly manufacturers are going back to products that can be repaired and upgraded because of legislation.

Local recycling depends on your council but it doesn’t have to - much you can do for yourself

Target for recycling in the UK for 2020 was 50% didn’t make it. The UK as a whole made just over 44% and that was several years ago then we stagnated. We as a world need to do better.

Philip and Paul talk about Mr Trash wheel a googly eyed river trash remover and other in other countries.

Should we stop all oil production. Should we turn to electric cars powered by wind power. Should we get rid of the coal mines and only use clean wind and tidal power.

Sounds great but … What would you wear? Plastics are made from Oil. No oil - no clothes, no glue, no spectacles, no computers, no cars, no phones - no kitchens units, no tea bags, no batteries!!

We could be stuck in the 1870's - We might have to go back and use lead pipes for water, Wires would need hazardous lacquer rather than the plastic, There would be no semiconductors, and no phones, no toothbrushes, there would be no paint.

So what are the alternatives to plastics made from Oil. Can we cope with plastics made from plants in a batch process?

Can we dispose of plastics in a better way - Wax worms - eat plastics

Some bacteria can digest plastics and help landfill - even biodegradable plastics take a while. Now we could use plants as a plastic feed stock - these are not biodegradable but 57% more energy is needed in the production. Philp and Paul talk about the alternatives and what we can do.

The IPCC report comes out the week we get the hottest day ever in Europe. In the week that there are fires in Italy, Greece and Turkey. In the week when floods are also swallowing up Turkey and the USA California fires have been going on for a month. Philip and Paul look at just a few headlines from the report which blames all the current global warming on the people and paint a grim picture for the future it we don't start now. The 1.5 Celsius temperature rise is going to happen whether the world does something or not, it is just too late.

This week's topics were wide ranging from Green Games to Concrete. Moss is a wonderful substance holding up to eight times its weight in water and storing carbon for centuries as peat. This system is being used to slow down the water that rains in the centre of the country and releasing it slower so that large towns on rivers are not so easily flooded. Philip and Paul then talked about the new green games appearing like Anno 2070 and the soon to be released Anno 1800 expansion which teaches the gamers the advantages of going green.

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants growing to be able to be used in 14 days to make items like cutlery. It can be used as paper replacement after growing for a few years. After 5 years it can be used to replace iron in reinforced concrete - having similar properties to the metal. Replacing plastic with bamboo can do similar to mpb.com who by replacing the bubble warp with paper can save up to 1200 football pitches worth of plastic.

Lastly Philip and Paul talked about carbon dioxide in concrete. Much noise is being made by the press about low carbon concrete but it is just ordinary concrete made using slightly greener processes, Paul suggested infilling the bamboo with waste plastic.

Over the past few weeks we have seen, Wildfires, Floods, extremes of heat in the Northern Hemisphere and Snow in Brazil. The Met Office in the UK has confirmed that the 10 hottest years have occurred in the last 20 years. Is climate change already here? Have we reached the tipping point already? - The climate has become more chaotic. The Number of methane producing ruminants (herbivores) is far greater than the number of humans . In Madagascar there is a food crisis because of back to back droughts with Thousands starving. So have we reached a point of no return - many scientists as painting a very gloomy picture with COP26 just 3 months away. Philip and Paul talk through these points.

Over the past few days we have seen extreme temperatures in the USA along with Wildfires A large Heat Dome bottling in the heat. Canada too has had extreme temperatures along with Siberia and northern China. These have all been record breaking. In contrast some of Europe and China have had record breaking rain leading to vast flooding and loss of life. China's floods were caused by a once in a 1000 year rainfall when 20cm in one day. Europe had this in three days.

With the Heat and the wildfires in Siberia, the Permafrost is also melting releasing 10,000 year old biological matter into methane and Carbon Dioxide.

Much of the world is experiencing global climate change now. The time to act was yesterday. We don't need to cut the rise to 1.5 Celsius, we need to reduce by 1.5 Celsius.

Our planet is made up from 2/3 water how water is moved through and around our planet is called the water cycle. this cycle of water is crucial to live on this planet, it runs our climates our ability to live and how we generate power.

There is a going problem with the current water cycle, the reason is that we are starting to run out of fresh drinkable (potable) water and with the rising sea levels contaminating some of our fresh water it making it harder for us and other species to live on this planet.

The water cycle starts by evaporating in the seas and oceans and the water vapour condenses to for clouds, made up from small ice particles, that move up and down within the clouds generating static electricity. the water in the clouds precipitates back down onto the land and the ground. With climate change we are seeing more heavy rain leading to the leaching of soils, mudslides as happened in Japan and flooding that we have seen in Europe this week. The Jet stream is amplified this summer causing more extremes in weather of much heat and drought in some places and huge deluges of rain in other areas. So much rain that rivers can't cope and bust their banks. Philip and Paul also talked about the canal systems in England to move potable water from the wetter regions of the country to the drier south east area.

The climate change is clearly seen in northern USA and Canada as the temperatures nearly reach 50C. Houses in this part of the world are deigned to retain the heat. The houses and the people within them cannot survive these temperatures as hundreds die due the heat. We also look at capturing the Carbon Dioxide produced when making beer, capturing this and growing Algae, which in turn give off oxygen gas.

The Carbon Dioxide from the fermentation of just one six pack of beer takes a tree two full days to absorb.

A craft beer producer in Sydney Young Henry's has teamed up with a University to help develop and New system. We talk about how this could be adapted to other industries. Finally we look at how Climate change can increase the summer insect season and lead to lots more insects, which as vectors can then transmit more Malaria and Dengue Fever to more and more people, perhaps as many as 8 Million or more so a year.

Are there any alternatives to maize, wheat and rice? Does it have to be Insects, algae and the more familiar soya? Why do we need different foods?

Let’s look at growing Beef and growing an insect and growing Soya. Grass -> 10% turned into beef - 90% wastage But its not quite so true Much of the feed would go to waste.
Insects made of chitin. Inedible!!

We look at a whole range of food which are good to eat and help save the planet.

Is a Vegetarian butcher called a greengrocer?

This week we are looking a rather damning indictment on the Government that we as a country are less prepared for global climate change than we were 5 years ago. The Climate change Risk Assessment is carried out every 5 years and is a lengthy report that reviews how well the country is prepared for global climate change. The report is then looked at by the government and its committees and policies are made that will bear brought into effect on the review date in 2022.

We are going to have a look into this report and see what we need to do.

Lithium is our way out for power. Lithium Batteries are made from Lithium Carbonate and there are huge deposits in Cornwall and Scotland. The Cornish reserves give us 260mg per litre flowing at a rate of 40-60 litres per second. But we know that mining is environmentally costly. The World's highest grade Lithium in Geothermal waters gives us a low environmental footprint that's enough for a phone battery every few seconds

The Demand is soaring for batteries for renewables. At the moment most of the Lithium comes from Australia, Chile and Argentina but is expensive and unfriendly to extract and uses loads of water, Cornwall may save the World. To give some idea of the amounts needed for cars the Tesla uses 12kg of Lithium per car and we know that the demand is increasing exponentially.

Methane has a bad reputation as a green house gas. It burns well. It stores well, Called Natural Gas Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices, land use and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills Its a green house gas 25 x as potent as CO2 But it lasts on average 9.1 years in the atmosphere compared to Carbon Dioxide 100 years

Carbon Dioxide is the evil green house gas. But it is part of a cycle, taken up by plants and converted into sugars, proteins and fats. These are then eaten by animals and once digested turn either into more animal ( about 10%) or respired directly into Carbon Dioxide. Eventually all the animals are eaten or die and this is then turned back into Carbon Dioxide and the cycle starts all over again.
The problem for us is using all the fossil fuels which take carbon taken out of the system millions of years ago and converts this into Carbon Dioxide.
This is a Green House gas which traps some of the Earths Heat and causes the Global Warming.

Solar panels convert the Sun's light energy directly into electricity. The Photovoltaic Panels usually fit on the roof and are connected to an inverter which changes the 12V Direct Current made by the panels into AC electricity used by the mains. In some situations the excess electricity can be stored in batteries and then passed to the inverter when the light levels are low ( at night) to provide "free" electricity when the Sun's power is not available.
There are other panels which convert the suns power to directly heat water for the home.
So why doesn't everyone use them?
Is is the cost which is not inconsiderable?
Are there other reasons?
Philip and Paul discuss solar panels and their use.

Welcome to the Going Green Podcast: The Conscious Choice, episode 1.
The day of recording was Earth day, and so me and my son made the conscious choice wanting to talk about going green and other climate change topic. I talk about climate change a lot with my students, and exam boards like to ask questions on the subject. so to help broaden students we will discuss current topics and show you how easy it is for you to Go Green

Watch rather than listen at youtu.be/bg8SIBhiCoQ