The Green Alliance Podcast

Human disruption of natural support systems is not only damaging wildlife and ecosystems, it is also putting the human population at considerable risk, as the emergence of Covid-19  has demonstrated.  In this fascinating discussion between Libby Peake and disease ecologist Dr Thomas Gillespie of Emory University we learn about  the risk factors involved in the 'spillover' of new pathogens caused b...

"A hopeful future and a better normal" On 5 May 2020, Green Alliance hosted an online event  to discuss the implications of the coronavirus crisis for nature and the conservation sector and the very important role it can play in the nation's recovery.  Speakers were Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, and Tony Juniper, chair of Natura...

Will the post-pandemic settlement be the beginning of a new normal or a return to old ways? In this episode, Shaun Spiers, Green Alliance’s executive director, interviews Margaret Heffernan, former CEO of five businesses and inspirational speaker and writer on the nature of leadership.  She reminds us that, at times of great uncertainty, we must have confidence in our capacity to adapt, improvise...

This podcast episode is an insight into the carbon reduction plans of one of the UK’s largest National Park Authorities (NPA). The Yorkshire Dales National Park’s ambitious plans aim to transform the region’s buildings, transport and land management, almost eliminating all CO2 emissions by 2030.  Ruth Chambers interviews David Butterworth, chief executive of the national park about the plan, why i...

This podcast features the highlights from an hourlong expert discussion on what the coronavirus crisis means for climate action, including the postponement of COP26 and the economic consequences.  Panellists: Chris Stark , chief executive, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) Camilla Born , deputy strategy director, COP26 unit, Cabinet Office Dr Thomas Hale , associate professor of global public...

James Elliott interviews Tim Lang, professor of food policy and founder of the food policy centre at City, University of London. They discuss his new book Feeding Britain and the implications of coronavirus for the UK's food system. This episode also covers food inequality, whether we need rationing, why food and health issues are inextricably linked with the economy, defence, risk, nature and bio...

As he takes up his new role at a historic moment for the UK, Craig Bennett, the incoming chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, reflects on his 18 years at Friends of the Earth and shares his vision for the sector. With Green Alliance’s Shaun Spiers, he discusses immediate priorities for the sector in dealing with Covid-19 and how charitable organisations can emerge strong from the pandemic, and...

Waste and recycling operatives are designated as key workers by the government. Adam Read, external affairs director of waste management company SUEZ, and Libby Peake, head of resource policy at Green Alliance discuss the implications for the industry and what’s needed to make sure essential recycling and waste services continue to function safely and efficiently during the COVID-19 outbreak. Will...

In this episode, Ruth Chambers, parliamentary adviser at Green Alliance interviews Sir David Natzler, former Clerk and principal constitutional adviser to the House of Commons. Together, they discuss what coronavirus means for public engagement with parliament and how it is affecting the passage of important environmental legislation.  

This episode Transport and Environment's Greg Archer discusses issues around the rise of electric vehicles with Chaitanya Kumar, including the UK's ban on diesel and petrol vehicles and the effectiveness of the measures introduced in the 2020 budget. Plus, is the quietness of electric vehicles really a safety issue? Hear Greg Archer debunk some common myths about electric vehicles.  

Ali Plummer of the RSPB and Ruth Chambers of Greener UK have both worked at the heart of bringing the Environment Bill to parliament and they have strong views about what needs to happen to make sure it is the landmark legislation that has been promised. They discuss why the bill matters, whether it will stand the test of time and whether it will be strong enough to set the right path for future g...

What are the building blocks needed for a green economy? How can the government make sure UK infrastructure is planned and managed to promote innovative low carbon solutions?  And what role do businesses and the public play in making this a reality? Our new podcast brings you the highlights from the expert panel discussion that took place during the Green Innovation Policy Commission launch event...

We welcomed a fantastic range of panellists to discuss this new legislation and to share ideas on how we can make the most of this 'climate moment'. We were joined by Rt Hon Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North and chair of the IPPR’s Environmental Justice Commission, Isabella Gornall, managing director of Seahorse Environmental Communications, Scarlett Westbrook, a Birmingham School Striker for Cl...

In response to Extinction Rebellion’s recent climate protests in the UK, some suggested that China would be a more legitimate target for protest. But what is China doing to address its domestic environmental crisis and transform the world's second largest economy away from highly polluting industry towards clean energy, services and innovation? Listen to the highlights from our discussion with Bar...

The latest insights into environmental policy and politics, both in the UK and abroad. Things get heated in this episode as we cover wildfires in the Arctic, a heatwave in the UK and a bonfire of environmental protections in Brazil. Plus, as Amy and Matt prepare for a summer break, listen to their predictions about what we can expect from environmental politics and policy on their return. But firs...

Did you know? Waste and resources policy is a devolved matter in the UK and if it was a race to design a world leading recycling system, Scotland would be winning. While England is just considering how a deposit return scheme for drinks containers will work, Scotland announced in January 2019 that it would definitely be having one and set out its overarching design in May, with a deadline of bring...

As media focuses on leaked documents from the UK ambassador to the US, you might have missed President Trump’s speech on the environment. We take a look at the US media reaction and pick some of the best questions from journalists. We consider the environmental commitments of the contenders for the Conservative and Lib Dem leadership. Plus, scientists have concluded that trillions of trees might b...

The latest insights into environmental policy and politics in the UK and abroad. An episode of superlatives: Amy and Matt discuss the biggest ever parliamentary mass lobby on the environment; the UK becoming the first G7 economy with net zero emissions; and the third runway at Heathrow, an airport which is already the biggest single source of emissions in the UK. Three years after the EU referendu...

In this episode: Amy and Matt investigate the green surge in the European parliamentary elections and look ahead to another really significant election - but one with a much smaller electorate: the race to become the next Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister, following Theresa May’s resignation. Plus, can we achieve #coalfreeforever? Amy and Matt celebrate the UK's longest period without b...

The UK is in the midst of a tumultuous redefinition of its place in the world. Its success to date has been built on high environmental standards, reinforced by its position in the EU. Depending on our future relationship with the EU, what is the likely future for our domestic and international environmental ambitions as a result of new trade deals, both with the EU and other major trading blocs?...

In this episode: what do we know and how should we act? We look at two major reports that have landed with an almighty thump: the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report on net zero and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report on species loss. Plus, we join climate twitter in the campaign for two football finals to come home to the UK. In...

In this episode: extinction rebellion, MPs' responses to the draft Environment Bill and natural climate solutions. Plus we discuss climate change in pop culture: RSPB's dawn song competing with Taylor Swift and Lil' Dicky's 'Earth' feat 30 celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio. Interested in what you're hearing? Here are some links to read on: Extinction Rebellion: Rebecca Willis: https://green...

Changes to the way we manage and use land will play a vital role in achieving the UK’s climate change objectives in the coming decades. Currently, farmers and land managers can sell carbon credits for woodland and peatland projects to businesses wanting to reduce their environmental impact. However, the voluntary carbon market is small. This podcast discusses how we can boost the amount of funding...

In this episode: are we going back to the 20th century? We look at plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria which has just been approved by the local council, CPRE's new report on how new homes should be built on recycled land, and we discuss the devastating impacts of Cyclone Idai on the global South. Disasters Emergency Committee is still raising money for relief efforts - please consider donating:...

From rooftop and community solar to electric vehicles and heat pumps, the UK’s low carbon transition is driving change. One study estimates that 11 million households in the country could be producing or storing energy by 2030, compared to under a million today. The UK government is consulting on the design of the future energy system, to determine new rules and regulations around how we buy, sell...