Going Green

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...

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 ar...

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 greenwa...

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...

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 t...

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,...

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...

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 alar...

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...

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...

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 w...

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 potentia...

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 transportati...

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...

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 b...

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...

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:...

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 mo...

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 finan...

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 chan...

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 s...

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...

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 dome...

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 water...

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...