sustainability3a's podcast

Jonathon Porritt is one of the most influential environmentalists of our time. We discuss the challenges of being an environmental campaigner, the aspiration to achieve net zero and the challenge of transitioning to a sustainable society.  Due to a technical glitch this is an unedited recording and includes our informal chat before the interview started.

Discussion with Dr. Alister Scott on the things that drive us and our perspectives on the environmental challenges facing humanity. It's always heartening to speak to people that take a positive perspective and I was particularly pleased to renew my acquaintance with Dr Alister Scott. We worked together on a task force set up by Sir Ed Davey to develop policy options for a green economic recovery. The discussion considers how we can respond to the environmental threat in ways that are positive and constructive.

Interview: A fascinating insight into the challenges faced when a Berkeley City Councillor demanded action on climate change. This interview considers the personal impact on those demanding action on the environment and gives an insight into the courage required to stand up to prejudice.

Interview:  A packed conversation with Patrick Holden, Founding Director of The Sustainable Food Trust. We discuss the economics of sustainable farming, the role of government and changing attitudes within the major food retailers. Plus we also touch on Brexit, hippies and vegans. Something for everyone.

Discussion:  We hear from Australia whether the  bush fires are changing people's attitudes towards climate change. Australia is one of the largest exporters of coal, much of it going to China and India, so economic considerations loom large - we consider ideas that might gain support from the electorate. 

Discussion: We review an article by William E Rees and consider whether governments are capable of addressing climate change. We look vainly for hope that politicians will introduce the necessary economic changes and consider the consequences if the current political inaction continues. The discussion ends with a set of proposals that might help us achieve the necessary transition. 

Interview:  We explore the concept of 'Wisdom Circles' and consider how this helps groups find mutual support, particularly in the context of building community. There are parallels with quaker practice and a focus on 'speaking from the heart'. As communities suffer disruption as a result of climate change it will become increasingly important to build resilience within society.

Interview: This discussion talks about techniques for managing emotional responses to difficult situations. This is increasingly relevant as we face the potential consequences of climate change.

Interview:  This account of a road trip from California to Brazil in a VW van is a story of flower-power, tofu, Mexican bandits and the quest for a sustainable way of life. As well as travelling to Brazil, James played in a band; 'Plain Brown Wrapper'.  A short 8mm film clip of the band is attached:  LINK TO YOUTUBE

Interview: This episode considers how environmental issues affect public health and looks at how the climate debate needs to be framed in ways that relate to the issues that concern us directly.

Interview: Amos White talks about his involvement with a group called 'Climate Emergency Mobilisation' (CEM). This group has brought together activists, political representatives, academics, religious groups and others to anticipate the consequences of climate change on the bay area, surrounding San Francisco. We also discuss how to build an environmental campaign and consider the challenge of raising public awareness so that there is 'healthy awareness' rather than negativity and panic. 

Interview: A fascinating conversation with Herb Behrstock who has many years experience with the UN. He explains how the environmental movement in California is mobilising communities to meet the challenge of climate change.

Discussion:  We review an article by Roger Harrabin - BBC environment analyst - highlighting concerns that an environmental tipping point is considerably closer than many people had previously thought.

Interview:  Professor Lisa Schulte Moore explains how research undertaken by Iowa State University is encouraging sustainable farming in Iowa. This mid-American state is a global leader in the production of corn, soy, pork, beef and poultry. This research is helping to redefine agriculture in the USA and addresses the economic and environmental challenges associated with extensive mono agriculture. LINK to article

Discussion:  We review a recent BBC programme that looks at the events surrounding 'climategate'.  In 2009, hackers gained access to thousands of emails relating to the activities of the Climate Research Unit, University of East Anglian. The consequences of this event damaged the reputation of the Climate Research Unit and the fall-out from the scandal derailed negotiations at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.

Discussion: We consider whether politicians are likely to take the radical action that is necessary to solve climate change.

Discussion: We review an article by Eugine Linden that appeared in The New York Times. It examines the reasons why climate scientists consistently failed to underestimate the dangers associated with global warming. The article shows how events that were previously believed to be unimaginable are now accepted as imminent threats.  We discuss recent evidence that shows how dramatic climate change can happen in a matter of years, not millennia as previously thought, and the implications that this has for all of us over the next few years.

Interview: Dr. Sanjen Miedzinski looks at how the individual can influence the transition to a low carbon economy. We consider the relationship between the financial sector and the fossil fuel industry and discuss  how the individual investor needs to protect their investments as the economy moves away from fossil fuels. 

Interview: Professor Leonard Joy considers the implications of an article by Jem Bendell entitled Deep Adaptation, a map for navigating climate tragedy. The article considers the challenges facing society and the consequences of disruption caused by climate change. Deep adaptation refers to the scale of the response that will be required within our social and economic systems. 

Interview: Dr Simon Mair of The Centre for Environment and Sustainability, at The University of Surrey, considers whether a capitalist economy is capable of delivering environmentally sustainable growth. A link to the article by Dr Simon Mair, in 'Resilience' is provided. (Click on Pdf)  

Discussion: We consider the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degree C and look at why such an apparently small temperature increase is actually a significant problem for the planet.  Data to accompany the episode is attached. (Click on Pdf)

Discussion: We offer a short introduction to this series of podcasts and consider the delicate balance between providing information on sustainability issues and the need to keep it entertaining.