Local Zero

The phenomenon of so-called 'Green Lairds' buying up land for carbon offsetting is increasingly a phenomenon that Scotland is having to reckon with. Magnus Davidson from the University of the Highlands and Islands, who is also a board member of Community Land Scotland, joins Matt and Fraser to review a recent panel event held jointly between the University of Edinburgh's Business School and the British Institute for Energy Economics (BIEE). An unedited recorded of the panel discussion, chaired by Charles Hendry, Honorary Professor and President of BIEE, is adjacent to this episode in the Local Zero feed. Find Local Zero online at www.localzeropod.com.

How to reconcile natural capital, net-zero and just transition priorities? In this unedited recording, an expert panel discuss the trends for large-scale land purchases for carbon offsetting in Scotland. What is driving these trends, and what the future holds? The discussion was a joint event between the University of Edinburgh's Business School and the British Institute for Energy Economics (BIEE) Chair: Charles Hendry, Honorary Professor and President of BIEE Panellists: Dave Reay, Professor of Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh; Executive Director for Edinburgh Climate Change Institute; Director of Policy at ClimateXChange Kirsten Jenkins, Lecturer in Energy, Environment and Society, University of Edinburgh Ailsa Raeburn, Chairperson for Community Land Scotland; Chair of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land and Estates https://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/event/green-lairds (https://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/event/green-lairds)

Making homes both more sustainable and more affordable: these are two of the most pressing challenges facing society today. In this episode, the team explore solutions presented by community-led cohousing, and community-owned micro-grid energy. In particular, we look at what exciting possibilities can be unlocked when both systems can be integrated together onto one site. We hear from Andy O'Brien from the Bristol Energy Cooperative, and Monica King from Bridport Cohousing in Dorset. Follow us on Twitter @LocalZeroPod and email localzeropod@gmail.com to get involved in the discussion.

As the energy crisis bites and price cap rises against a backdrop of climate change, energy advocacy services are becoming crucial to supporting people in need, and local net zero action. In this episode we ask: what is the role of energy advocacy services? What issues are they facing, and how can they support a fair and just net-zero transition for communities? Matt and Fraser are joined by Frazer Scott, CEO Energy Action Scotland, Dr Danielle Butler from National Energy Action and Energy Advisors, Agnes Berner and Poppy Ives, from Glasgow's South Seeds. Follow us on Twitter @LocalZeroPod and email localzeropod@gmail.com to have your say.

Climate action can deliver a huge variety of co-benefits, alongside carbon reduction: improving health from active travel, reducing fuel poverty through better insulation, and creating better jobs and more resilient communities, to name just a few. Matt and Becky are joined by PwC's Dom Boyle, to discuss how keeping it local can accelerate net zero, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and bring huge social benefits across the UK. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

Cutting carbon from future infrastructure projects is a massive and costly long-term challenge. It is also a critical part of the path to net zero. So how can bridges, roads, hospitals, power stations, railway networks, and all the big-ticket items we rely on for the proper functioning of our society and economy be decarbonised? Becky and Matt are joined by: Alan Hendry, Director of Sustainability at Mott MacDonald Sarah Thiam, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry. Kit England, Green Economy Manager at Glasgow City Council www.localzeropod.com

Radical changes are needed to our infrastructure if we want to deliver a Just Energy Transition and meet our net-zero goals. But it's not that simple. Matt and Becky are joined by Dr Jo Patterson to discuss the stagnant costs of clean heating and making our homes more energy efficient. The incentive is just not there for most homeowners, our finance and policy instruments are outdated and ineffective. What we need now is something innovative incredibly local, as we hear from Rufus Grantham of Bankers Without Boundaries. Find us at https://my.captivate.fm/www.localzeropod.com (www.localzeropod.com)

Community-led energy projects offer a way forward as energy bills spiral and carbon emissions need to be cut. However, community energy in the UK is struggling. How can government unleash its potential? Matt and Becky are joined by experts Kayla Ente, Founder of Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative and Nigel Cornwall, Director at Hydrogen East, Net Zero East and New Anglia Energy. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

Aberdeen has been the epicentre of UK oil and gas - and prospered as a result - since the 1970s. How can a community so steeped in fossil fuels engage successfully with a just transition? Becky and Matt are joined by Prof Tavis Potts from the University of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Climate Action's Alison Stuart. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

As concern grows over spiking energy bills and its impact on poorer households, what challenges lie ahead for net-zero and a just transition? As ever, we explore how local action can have a positive impact. Matt and Becky are joined by Dr Jen Roberts, Chancellor's Fellow in Energy at the University of Strathclyde, and Dr Jeff Hardy, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute. Find us and explore more episodes at www.localzeropod.com

We managed an actual face-to-face catch-up in Fraser's flat! (squeezed in before the ramping up of COVID-19 measures). There *may* have been alcohol, as we reflected on personal, professional and podcasting highlights from an extraordinary year. Huge thanks for being with us in 2021. The whole LZ team wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. X

Prof David Reay, director of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, gives his verdict on COP26. The commitment to 1.5 degrees of warming is, he says, 'on life support'. David also talks about plans for his climate-friendly farm on the beautiful Mull of Kintyre. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

Post COP26, an extremely tired Local Zero team gather their initial thoughts and responses. We return to fortnightly Local Zero episodes, every other Thursday from today. Find us at http://www.localzeropod.com (www.localzeropod.com)

Matt and Becky finally manage a catch-up, swapping stories and insights from their experiences of COP26. Matt also visits Sunny G community radio in Glasgow's Govan neighbourhood, and takes part in a panel discussion by the 'liberal conservatism' pressure group Bright Blue. We are back to 'business as usual' fortnightly episodes from next week. Find us at http://www.localzeropod.com (www.localzeropod.com)

In the COP26 Blue Zone, Matt reflects on global uptake of electric vehicles, bumps into California Democrat Congressional candidate Shrina Kurani, and learns about the surprising climate consequences of working from home. Find us at http://www.localzeropod.com (www.localzeropod.com)

At COP26, Becky and Matt chat with Gavin Slater, Glasgow City Council's Head of Sustainability. Gavin outlines action being taken to reach net zero goals on heating, transport and technology, and how COP26 has energised the movement.

Becky joins the Moving for Climate NOW Bike Ride, cycling across Scotland and into Glasgow. Becky talks to the other cyclists about turning targets into action and making sure vulnerable people are included in the transition to Net Zero. She cycles past wind farms, along cycle paths and dashes white-knuckled through rush hour traffic to reach COP26 with the group's manifesto.

On his first visit to the COP26 Blue Zone, Matt narrowly misses Barack Obama, hears warnings that carbon offsetting is merely 'an accounting trick', and dips into a session about an initiative in India to help women tackle heat stress. He also compares notes with Fraser as the pair get set for the legendary Carbon Brief quiz. Find us at http://www.localzeropod.com (www.localzeropod.com)

What does a just transition to net zero look like and how can it be delivered? Our #LocalZeroLive COP26 panel show, recorded with a capacity audience at Glasgow's Lighthouse, features:Richard Lochhead – Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair WorkProf. Jim Skea CBE - Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College; Co-chair of Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Chair of Scottish Government's Just Transition CommissionMiriam Brett - Director of Research & Advocacy Common Wealth.Katie Gallogly Swan - Policy Coordinator UN Conference on Trade and Development and the Global Development Policy Center, Boston University.Scott Mathieson - Director of Network Planning and Regulation at Scottish Power Energy Networks.Alison Stuart - Co-founder and Director of Aberdeen Climate Action.With thanks to the Lighthouse, Scottish Government and Visit Scotland for hosting the event, and to Cameron Events for PA support.

Fraser Stewart reflects on sharing a stage with Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate and indigenous peoples from around the world - after giving a climate justice speech at the Fridays For Future rally in Glasgow's George Square. "From Dundee to Dhaka, this is our fight". Fraser and Matt chair Local Zero Live, a panel discussion at Glasgow's Lighthouse from 4.45pm today. The event is sold out but you can stream it here: https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/scotlands-climate-ambition-zone/public-programme (https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/scotlands-climate-ambition-zone/public-programme)

COP26 day 6 saw thousands of young people marching through the streets of Glasgow - with Becky, Matt, and Matt's family all among them.

Becky hits the Green Zone and plays 'How Bad Are Bananas?' Matt is talking heat innovation and geoenergy at a showcase run jointly by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. Contributors:Prof Malcolm McCulloch, Oxford University Energy and Power GroupDr Mauricio Zaglio, Hank Torbet, Victor Aguilera and Andrew Bissell from East Lothian based East Lothian heat battery innovator SunampNicole Figueiredo de Oliviera from Brazilian climate change campaign group ArayaraDavid Townsend of TownRock EnergyJodie Evans from Future We Want

Matt's first foray into COP26 was into the Green Zone on Finance Day. This mini-episode gives a flavour of talks he attended, and the atmosphere around Glasgow. There's also a chat with Amanda Carpenter from the excellent http://www.theplanetpod.com (www.theplanetpod.com)

COP26 is here! We look ahead to a whirlwind two weeks, get excited, and sketch out plans. Sign up now if you want to be at Local Zero Live on Saturday 6th Nov, and make sure you subscribe to the podcast feed, as we switch to 'breaking-news' style ad-hoc content drops across the fortnight whenever we have them available. Follow us on twitter: @LocalZeroPod.

Leo Hickman of the Carbon Brief looks ahead to COP26. We also invite back a selection of guests from across Local Zero's first year, to hear their hopes and fears ahead of this historic climate summit getting underway in Glasgow.

Concern over energy prices has dominated headlines in recent weeks - but what does the energy 'crisis' mean for consumers, communities and the road to net zero? The team are joined by Clem Cowton from Octopus Energy, Dhara Vyas from Citizens Advice, and Dr Jeff Hardy, of Imperial College London.

What jobs, skills and training are needed to deliver smart zero-carbon home heating? How big is the skills-gap? (Spoiler: It's quite big). Matt and Becky are joined by Cardiff University's Dr Jo Patterson, and Adam Chapman, director of Heat Geek, while Fraser's been chatting about retrofitting and the just transition with Carbon Co-op co-founder Jonathan Atkinson. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod, or email localzeropod@gmail.com - we always love to hear from you.

Dr Ewan Gibbs joins us to discuss what the history of UK industry and energy can teach us about a just transition.Can communities built around industries of the past drive forward, as well as benefit from, a greener future?Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

Dr Alice Bell discusses the work of the climate change charity Possible to get communities engaged with climate action. Her recent book is called Our Biggest Experiment: A History of Climate Change. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

A landmark UN scientific report has detailed how human activity is changing the climate in unprecedented and irreversible ways. It warns of increasingly extreme heatwaves, droughts and flooding, and is widely reported to be "a code red for humanity". In this bonus episode, the Local Zero team, Becky, Matt and Fraser, share their thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears in response to the report.

The team fact-check the science around recent government proposals for climate change “micro-steps”. Our guest is Rob Saunders, Challenge Director for the UK's flagship Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER). Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

We meet people taking action in their communities to tackle climate change. We hear about their important work fighting locally against the climate emergency, and the wider impacts this work is having. Fraser records at the home of the Pollokshields Community Trust, with Bill Fraser, and South Seeds manager Lucy Gillie. Also in this episode, our first interactive Future or Fiction - listen to find out how to play along!

How is the energy network changing, and what does it mean for net zero? How can we manage our networks to accommodate smart, local innovations in energy generation, and what opportunities does this present for the future? Guests this week: Professor Keith Bell, ScottishPower Chair in Smart Grids at the University of Strathclyde and Dr Jeff Hardy, Senior Research Fellow in the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London.

From land *ownership* in our last episode to land *use* this time. How can land be used to mitigate climate change? What are some innovative uses of land, and what major barriers still remain? Guests this week: Guy Shrubsole, environmental and rewilding campaigner and author of 'Who Owns England?', and Dr Alona Armstrong, Senior Lecturer in Energy and Environmental Sciences at Lancaster University. Meanwhile, Alan McDonnell from Trees for Life shares how how land can be used creatively to better serve both the climate and communities.

What is the current state of UK land ownership, and how can this be overhauled to better meet the needs of both climate and communities? The team are joined by Malcolm Combe, senior law lecturer at the University of Strathclyde , Kate Swade from Shared Assets CIC, and Magnus Davidson from Community Land Scotland.

What role does “smart” have to play in a local, net zero transition? How crucial is data? What are the key issues to address? The team are joined by Stephen McArthur, Professor of Intelligent Energy Systems at Strathclyde, and Gavin Starks, founder of Icebreaker One, a company working to unlock the value of data to deliver net-zero.

Gregory Barker, now Lord Barker of Battle, was energy and climate change minister in the coalition government. He was pivotal to UK policies like the Green Deal, feed-in-tariff, & the Green Investment Bank. He reflects on his time in the role, and shares tips and advice for his successors.

What could a green post-COVID economic recovery look like, and how can we make sure it has carbon reduction and a just transition at its core? Guests this time are Miriam Brett, research director at the Common Wealth think-tank, and Mairi Spowage, Interim Director of Strathclyde University's Fraser of Allander economic institute.

From turbines in the remote Western Isles to solar PV in Brixton, community energy projects represent a challenge to our mostly centralised energy system. They can also bring enormous local social and economic benefits. But the sector is at a crossroads due to policy changes - so what is the future of community energy? Joining the team are Emma Bridge from Community Energy England, and Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, an expert in community energy and public participation from the University of Exeter.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) almost always encounter anger and resistance - but are shown to cut driving and increase walking and cycling where they are introduced. Leo Murray from the climate change charity Possible and Jon Burke, who introduced LTNs during his time as a Hackney council cabinet member, join the team. We'll also meet Brenda Puech, who turned an on-road parking space into a mini park or 'parklet'.

Transport makes up nearly 40% of the average UK household's carbon footprint (with wide variation between different sections of society). While other sectors have made progress on cutting carbon, the dial has barely moved on transport emissions. So is the elephant in the room actually an SUV? Joining the team this time are Professor Iain Docherty, transport policy expert at the University of Stirling, Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in sustainable urban development at the University of Oxford, and Leo Murray, director of innovation at climate change charity Possible.

Delivering UK net zero requires a massive switch to carbonless heat and power in all our buildings - but the tools and systems to make that switch don't currently exist. The team look at the scale of that challenge, and ask what can be done, particularly in jobs, skills and supply chains. They are joined by Jo Patterson from Cardiff University's Welsh School of Architecture, and Nigel Banks from zero-carbon housing developer Ilke Homes. Fraser chats with Nathan Gambling, a leading trainer of heating engineers.

Heat is a key challenge in achieving carbon net-zero. What is being done to decarbonise heat systems, and how can this work be accelerated? Heat policy experts Richard Lowes and Jen Roberts address barriers and challenges to a just transition of heat. We also hear from some of very few householders to have already installed heat-pumps.

Who pays for local energy systems in the net-zero transition, and why? What are the financial barriers that local and community energy models need to overcome? Barbara Hammond MBE shares lessons she's learned over ten years of running Oxford's Low Carbon Hub, and renewable finance guru Bruce Davis of Abundance Investment details different types of green energy finance.

How do those leading the charge on carbon reduction bring everyone else in society along for the ride? Our guest is Professor Rebecca Willis, who leads on citizen engagement in climate change at Lancaster University. Her book on this subject is called 'Too Hot To Handle: The Democratic Challenge of Climate Change'.

Chris Stark, chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee, shares his hopes, ambitions and fears over climate change goals, and his aspirations for Glasgow as it prepares to host COP26 later this year.The team refer to a document in the episode entitled 'Local Authorities and the Sixth Carbon Budget'. You can download it at this link: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/local-authorities-and-the-sixth-carbon-budget/ (https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/local-authorities-and-the-sixth-carbon-budget/)

Fuel poverty is a pervasive and persistent issue for some of society's most vulnerable groups. How can the push for net zero help to end fuel poverty, and how can local solutions help? We meet fuel poor households in Glasgow, and visit Orkney - which has some of the UK's worst fuel poverty - but also some of the most innovative solutions.We hear from:Prof Aimee Ambrose, Energy Policy professor at Sheffield Hallam University and chair of the UK's Fuel Poverty Research NetworkLuke Fraser from The Orkney Islands Council on Orkney's pioneering energy project ReFLEX.Gareth Davies from Orkney-based company Aquatera, also on ReFLEX.

What is required to bring one of Britain's biggest cities down to net zero? In this episode, we focus on Glasgow as a case study for ambitious, city-level climate action, and set out the vital roles to be played by local authorities, communities and other key actors.Contributors: Anna Richardson - Glasgow City Council Convener for Sustainability and Carbon ReductionLucy Gillie - general manager of Govanhill-based community environmental organisation South Seeds Roddy Yarr - leads on developing and implementing climate change policy and solutions for the University of Strathclyde

With guests Polly Billington and Jim Watson, the team assess the impact of Coronavirus on net zero transition. How can local energy help bring about a prosperous and fair pandemic recovery? Polly is a member of Hackney Council in East London and director of UK100, a network of more than 100 UK councils that is committed to tackling the climate emergency. Jim is Professor of Energy Policy at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources.

COP26 in Glasgow is one year away - so where are we on the path to a zero carbon future? In this first episode, the Local Zero team tackle the big questions on climate change, and start to explore how local ‘place-based' solutions may hold the key.Local Zero is a podcast from Glasgow-based climate change researchers Dr Rebecca Ford, Dr Matt Hannon and Fraser Stewart, brought to you by EnergyREV. Subscribe now to get every episode straight to your podcast feed.Episode 1 contributors: Renee Van Diemen a senior scientist from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)Sam Gardner, Scottish Power's Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, and chair of the Edinburgh Climate CommissionDavid Reay, Chair in Carbon Management & Education at Edinburgh UniversityErin Curtis, aged 16, volunteer coordinator for Glasgow Youth StrikesAngus Miller, Glasgow City Council's Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Chair.

Local Zero kicks off on November 5th, and launches a twelve month countdown to COP26. With Earth's most urgent conversation landing in Scotland, Glasgow-based climate change researchers Dr Rebecca Ford, Dr Matt Hannon and Fraser Stewart will be your trusted guides to smart local energy and a zero-carbon future. Subscribe now to get every episode straight to your podcast feed.