Imagining Tomorrow

Seaweed has long been touted as an important resource in the battle against climate change, thanks to its rapid growth and ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Inspired by conversations with a community garden group in Scotland and the founder of a company producing sustainable materials from seaweed, Emma Newman imagines a world in which new materials replace plastics and fossil fuels are replaced by different types of biomass, including seaweed.  In episode 9 we heard from: Professor Chris Chuck from KelpiDanielle Banks from Seaweed GardensLewis Hou from Science CeilidhAuthor Gary L. PowellAdditional resourcesGuide to using seaweed as fertiliser [PDF], shared with kind permission by Danielle BanksSupport the show

Recent council decisions to cut down trees in Sheffield and Plymouth have prompted outcry from local residents and demonstrated how passionate we can be about preserving trees in urban environments. Research carried out on behalf of Friends of the Earth shows the dramatic impact trees have on bringing down temperatures in urban areas, and calls to increase our woeful tree cover in the UK are gathering momentum. Inspired by conversations with the CEO of one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in the UK, and a data scientist who specialises in the interpretation of mapping data, Emma Newman imagines a future where trees are valued more in both rural and urban environments and reflects on how that could benefit people and planet. In this episode we hear from: Trees for Life, a charity working to rewild the Scottish HighlandsAuthor Justina RobsonTerra Sulis, a community interest company that uses open data to conduct research and pilot nature-friendly projectsAdditional resourcesThe relationship between heatwaves and premature birthsFirst major study examining the link between heat, pollution and premature birthsUrban heat map of the UKWoodland opportunity map for EnglandChew Valley Plants TreesSupport the show

The decline in pollinator numbers is a frightening trend that needs to be reversed as soon as possible. If you live in a city, is there anything you can do? And if you're a farmer, how can you tell if the changes you're making to increase numbers of pollinators that food production depends upon are actually working?Inspired by conversations with an ecologist who has an ambitious plan for pollinators in London, the founder of a UK start-up using smart listening devices and AI to monitor pollinator numbers in real-time, and a science-fiction author, Emma Newman imagines a future in which pollinators can flourish in both urban and rural environments, thanks to old- fashioned approaches melded with cutting-edge technology.In the episode we hear from: Gerry Tissier and the Hackney Buzzlinehttps://www.ecoactive.org.uk/hackney-buzzlineCasey Woodward, CEO of Agrisoundhttps://agrisound.io/Allen Stroudhttps://www.allenstroud.com/Additional resources https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/MHAW21-Nature-research-report.pdf  https://experiments.friendsoftheearth.uk/projects/postcode-gardeners-how-hiring-postcode-gardener-can-bring-nature-back-your-streetSupport the show

In recent years, young people have been at the forefront of campaigning on climate change. How does it feel to spearhead a campaign? How is it possible to campaign with busy lives and academic pressures? What keeps you going in these times of hostile politics, an adversarial press and toxic social media? Emma Newman talks to a young activist who has spearheaded an amazing campaign for clean air in London and a youth campaigning mentor from Friends of the Earth.In episode 5 we heard from:Destiny Boka-Batesa from the Choked Up campaignRowha Mohid, Climate Youth Society peer mentor from Friends of the EarthAdditional resources related to the episodeDestiny's article in Cherwell (Oxford's oldest student newspaper)Survey on the mental health impact of eco-anxiety [PDF] published in The LancetFriends of the Earth's Climate.Youth.Society programme.Do you want to tell Emma about a project or idea linked to this episode? Email [email protected] the show