For What It's Earth

Oh, it's a sexy subject and a half this episode. Concrete is one of the most widely-used building materials in the world, so we're exploring its environmental impact with Adam Gittins from Cemfree. The manufacture of traditional cement, a key component of concrete, accounts for up to 8% of GLOBAL carbon emissions. But, there are innovative ways to reduce this - from creating ultra low-carbon types of cement (like Cemfree) that can be used, to designing buildings that use concrete smarter and have much more thorough 'end-of-life' recycling plans that can re-use building materials once the structure is no longer needed in its current form. And, as Adam points out, persuading the government to make these changes mandated in projects like the construction of all new homes, would make a huge impact on a very carbon-heavy industry.   Extra reading: Cemfree (DB Group): https://dbgholdings.com/cemfree/ Cement makers across world pledge large cut in emissions by 2030 (Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/business/20

Far more than mysterious nighttime creatures of folklore, we dig into why macro bats and micro bats (like this brown long-eared bat here) are fascinating AND important, and what can be done to stop the loss of them from our countryside in the UK. Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

This week Emma takes a dive into something she knows very little about; fish in UK rivers, the threats they're under and the fascinating projects working to restore their populations. Joining her to head upstream is wildlife cameraman, author, and podcaster (and almost one of the dullest men in Britain...), Jack Perks! Plus, plenty of fantastic advice for anyone keen to put a pond in their garden to support wildlife, as Emma is attempting to do. Links: Jack’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fishtwitcher/   Lizzy Daly’s film ‘Billion Pound Fish’ on Scottish fisheries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNypmawFLdI&ab_channel=LizzieDalyWildlifeTV  The Bearded Tit (Jack)’s Podcast: https://beardedtit.podbean.com/  Emma’s episode on Jack’s Podcast: https://beardedtit.podbean.com/e/climate-crisis-engaging-with-gen-z-ft-sophie-pavelleemma-brisdon/    Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@

Watch Nina's latest film, Unlocking The Severn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsePWhmkeK0  Listen to Beaver Trust's Podcast, The Lodge Cast: https://bit.ly/LodgeCast    Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

“The future is still up for grabs.” In this episode, Emma is joined by Professor Steve Simpson, marine biologist, lecturer and science communicator, to take a dive into the issues that our oceans are facing. We explore the effects of noise pollution on our coral reef communities, discuss harnessing our eco grief to fuel finding innovative solutions, and, given that Steve was part of the influential Blue Planet II series, the role that public science communication can have in helping us improve the state of our seas.    Steve’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_simpson_how_ocean_noise_destroys_marine_ecosystems?language=en   Watch Steve on BBC’s Blue Planet II: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09jbn5f/blue-planet-ii-series-1-7-our-blue-planet 

How is climate change impacting plant communities? Are there any winners among the losers? Why are plants just as cool as (if not, cooler) than animals? And how does a broken car actually HELP when you're writing a book? Emma is joined this week by botanist and author Leif Bersweden, who has just announced that he's got another book due out in 2022; Where The Wildflowers Grow.  For more from Leif: https://www.instagram.com/leifbersweden/ https://twitter.com/LeifBersweden  Pre-order Leif's new book, Where The Wildflowers Grow: https://www.waterstones.com/book/9781529349535 Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!

We’re digging in to the state of nature in the UK and how the concept of rewilding - restoring land to allow nature to recover and for biodiversity to flourish - could be the key to combating the climate and ecological crisis. In the hot seat this week and bringing a wealth of knowledge with him, is Harvey Tweats, an ecologist passionate about rewinding and one of the founders of Celtic Reptile and Amphibian, a captive breeding programme looking to support the reintroduction of species to the UK landscape.   Find out more about Harvey and Celtic Reptile and Amphibian: https://celticreptileamphibian.co.uk/       Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY INSIDE THE MOVEMENT ** ITM is a fantastic place to find the best tools to address climate change. Sign up for the ITM newsletter at ht

Why are the predators of the sky one of the coolest parts of our ecosystem? How are they being impacted by climate change, habitat loss, bird flu, and persecution? And just what can we, and conservation organisations do to help? To chat all things 'bird of prey,' we are joined by Tom Morath, bird of prey expert, Fundraising Events Manager at The Hawk Conservancy, host of Nature’s a Hoot Podcast, and all-round good egg! Find out more about Hawk Conservancy Trust: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/ https://www.instagram.com/hawkconservancy/  Listen to Nature's a Hoot: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/2021/11/02/natures-a-hoot-one-year-on/    Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY INSIDE THE MOVEMENT ** ITM is a fantastic place to find the best tools to address climate change. Sign u

Two years ago, in a pre-pandemic world (remember that?) we sat in the same room to record a Christmas episode and explored ways that we could all make the upcoming festive season a better one for the environment. Instead of doing another episode on the same topic this year, as a bonus pressie, we're pulling this one down from the loft with the Christmas decorations and dusting it off in the hope that it is still relevant and helpful.    ! JOIN OUR CHRISTMAS NATURE BOOK EXCHANGE ! Send a book, receive a book, snuggle up with a new nature or environment story recommended by your fellow listeners this holiday season. More details and sign up here: https://www.elfster.com/gift-exchanges/338ccc7b-157d-4da1-9116-fcfa3b097feb/?join=mzm4    Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY WILD! Wild a

What was the role of climate change in the intense ‘Black Summer’ bushfires in Australia in 2019/20, and what can Australia, do to change the increasingly-unstable direction that we’re currently heading in?  As her award-winning climate change documentary, BURNING, is released on Prime Video, Eva Orner joins Emma for a fascinating conversation about how the climate crisis is playing out in Australia. The documentary (and this episode) explores the stories of the people on the ground fighting these fires and the communities experiencing the devastation first hand, what the warning signs were for our increasingly intense bushfire seasons, how the climate-concerned youth of Australia are shouldering a huge burden in an attempt to change policy, how frustrating the actions of Australian policymakers and media have been in laying roadblocks for mitigating the climate crisis, and what a greener future for Australia could look like.  Watch BURNING here: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burning-Eva-Orner/dp/B09M4674W

What's up with the proposed new oil and gas field exploration off the coast of Scotland? Here's our hot take.   Write to your MP: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-mp-to-stop-cambo Friends of the Earth letter to parliament: https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/tell-government-reject-plans-oil-extraction-cambo-field Joe Lycett Vs the Oil Giant: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/joe-lycett-vs-the-oil-giant      Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a lovely 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY WILD! Wild are a refillable, natural and low-waste deodorant company, which we both love and have been using ourselves for the last year. You, our lovely listeners, can get 20% OFF your purchase at wearewild.com using code 'EARTHWILD' AT wearewild.com!**

PUMPKINS! Costumes! Party decorations! Trick or treating snacks! One of the scariest things about All Hallow's Eve is how wasteful the haunting holiday is, so we're diving into some of the classic components of Halloween to try and make them a bit kinder to the planet.   Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a lovely 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY WILD! Wild are a refillable, natural and low-waste deodorant company, which we both love and have been using ourselves for the last year. You, our lovely listeners, can get 20% OFF your purchase at wearewild.com using code 'EARTHWILD' AT wearewild.com!**

We’re turning our attention today to a kind of pollution that you can’t just pick up and pop in the bin. Light pollution can occur in many forms and can, of course, have a great many impacts on all that it touches - including our plant and animal chums. Join us to find out how our artificial illuminations are impacting moths, bats, and trees, why we’re second-guessing switching street lights to energy-efficient LEDs, and why residents in California once freaked out when they saw the Milky Way.     Articles we mentioned: Our nights are getting brighter, and Earth is paying the price https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies   5 Ways To Reduce Light Pollution - Core Glow with the International Dark-Sky Association https://www.coreglow.ca/news/5-ways-to-reduce-light-pollution-core-glow-with-the-international-darksky-association    Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch w

Join us this week to get down and dirty in the world of SOIL, dirtiness, earthworms, and carbon being burped from our land when we don’t look after it. Soil is important for food production, for water storage and filtering, for improving both our own and our ecosystems’ resilience to climate change, AND HEALTHY SOILS STORE HEAPS OF CARBON. What can we do to a) make soil sexy and b) save our soils? Listen now to find out…   Documentaries/movies recommended in this episode:   Fantastic Fungi https://fantasticfungi.com/  Fantastic Fungi (Netflix) https://www.netflix.com/title/81183477  Kiss The Ground https://kissthegroundmovie.com/  Kiss The Ground (Netflix) https://www.netflix.com/title/81321999?s=i&trkid=13752289%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0  Biggest Little Farm https://www.biggestlittlefarmmovie.com Biggest Little Farm (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Little-Farm-John-Chester/dp/B07R4CFF3M      Also, check out The Soil Association for more great information about the importance of our soil: https

Helpful podcast about sprucing up your home while keeping the planet in mind, or therapy session for Emma and Lloyd in the middle of their own home renovation projects? You decide….   Some of the links that we mentioned: https://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/ https://localtools.org/ https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grants  https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/home-garden/best-eco-paints-environmentally-friendly-b75193.html      Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a lovely 5- star review!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY WILD! Wild are a refillable, natural and low-waste deodorant company, which we both love and have been using ourselves for the last year. You, our lovely listeners, can get 20% OFF your purchase at wearewild.com using code 'EARTHWILD' AT wearewild.com!**   ** This episode is sponsored by Animall Tea

Did you know that changing your pension provider is one of the biggest ways to slash your carbon footprint?   With over £2.6 trillion in the UK tied up in pension funds, which are often invested by banks in industries like fossil fuels or tobacco, Kenneth and Holly join us from Make Money Matter to explain the power you have by being able to switch your pension to one that invests in a sustainable future instead.   It’s simple. Why would you try to live a low-impact life, but leaving your growing retirement fund invested in practices which don’t align with your own values? Your pension is supposed to protect your future, but if it’s invested in fossil fuels, it undermines it. Switch to a pension provider which invests in renewables or has pledged to go carbon-free - something that Make My Money Matter are campaigning hard to ensure that the whole industry does.   Find out more about MMMM and their fantastic 21X campaign: https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/21x/    Watch the Dr Bronwyn King TED Talk mentio

With billionaires blasting off to spend a few minutes on the edge of space, some of us who are destined never to leave earth are asking 'Hey, do you really need to do that? Can't we fix some of the problems down here first?' We're exploring the environmental issues of commercial space tourism, and of scientific space travel, and looking at some of the options for making the industry slightly less bad for the planet. And for space. Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a lovely 5- star review. It helps us reach new listeners and spreads the FWIE love!   ** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY WILD! Wild are a refillable, natural and low-waste deodorant company, which we both love and have been using ourselves for the last year. You, our lovely listeners, can get 20% OFF your purchase at wearewild.com using code 'EARTH

What does bitcoin have to do with climate change? Can anyone mine this made-up-seeming digital money? What even IS cryptocurrency? We're tackling the big questions today after lovey listener McKenna from Ohio sent us in a request to explore the environmental impact of cryptocurrency.  Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or by email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Oh, and please subscribe and leave us a lovely 5- star review. It helps us reach new listeners and spreads the FWIE love!

Can we plant our way out of trouble? What’s the best way to plant trees in our gardens or get involved in planting projects? And, more simply, why are trees COOL? Joe joins us to answer all our burning questions about trees, and about their role in the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis solutions    Things we mentioned:   Emma and Joe exploring an ancient woodland and new tree plantation with Woodland Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGrBBmRrx4o    Lloyd’s One Good Thing: wonky bread products from Earth and Wheat: https://www.earthandwheat.com/    Find out more about Woodland Trust: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/    ** This episode is sponsored by Animall Tea, the wonderful speciality, organic tea company which uses its profits to support conservation projects. Get, 15% off your first order of Animall Tea (which, by the way, is totally delicious) if you visit www.animalltea.com and use code EARTH at checkout. You'll also get a neat little original piece of artwork with your order. **