Planet Possible

The UK government has recently approved the Jackdaw Gas Field project in the North Sea and a decision on the Rosebank Oil Field is pending. Meanwhile in the latest UK government budget, a significant number of green projects and policies were cut or de-funded.
Politicians seem to be pitching the economy and environment against each other, giving the impression of a zero sum game where if one "wins" then the other must "lose".
Is there another way where societies could thrive economically while - and perhaps because - the planet is thriving environmentally?
Liam Hardy (Head of Research, Green Alliance) joins host Niki to discuss the economy vs environment context, with areas of conversation including...
- Liam's response to the recent UK government budget.
- How COP 31 may affect the timing of an announcement on the Rosebank project.
- Mixed messages coming from the UK government as they talk positively on the environment and take some positive action, whilst also making policy decisions that are likely to increase emissions.
- Why do governments make short term economic decisions that seemingly ignore long-term environmental dangers?
- Is it possible to have the economy and the environment working together positively?
To listen to our recent episode where climate campaigners give their thoughts on Jackdaw and Rosebank, click here.
 

Credits
 
Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited
With thanks to Alastair Chisholm
Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland 

The OEP (Office for Environmental Protection) might be the most important legal entity you've never heard of. It holds the UK government to account on its own environmental targets and has the power to both launch investigations - and, crucially, force action - when it finds evidence of poor environmental performance against existing environmental targets and policies.
In this fascinating interview the CEO of the OEP (Natalie Prosser) talks about the importance of long-term compliance with environmental targets, instances where the government, ministers and local authorities have been required to take action and future areas of concern and focus. There are fascinating insights here on how to use independent bodies with real power to ensure planet positive progress at a national scale.
If you would like to find out more about the OEP's current call for evidence asking for examples of practical or regulatory barriers getting in the way of measures to protect and improve nature, then click here.

Credits
 
Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited
With thanks to Alastair Chisholm
Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland 

Microchips drive the tech that run the world. 
Devices like smartphones and laptops, smart functionality in the Internet Of Things and, of course... AI and the data centres that it is built on.
Energy demand, water demand (for cleaning and cooling), air quality... all are being impacted by the world's relentless demand for more chips, and the functionality they unlock. 
But what about the outputs of tech advances? New material discoveries, algorithms that drive efficiency, processing that powers the R&D that could deliver significant planet positive breakthroughs.
All are discussed in this fascinating interview with Rakesh Kumar, Professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois and author of new book 'The Chip Age', out now.
 

Credits
 
Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited
With thanks to Alastair Chisholm
Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland 

Planet Possible News
This month our expert co-host is Lee Pitcher MP - Parliamentary Private Secretary for DEFRA (UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and he discusses;
1. Public state of preparedness for environmental emergencies such as flooding, wildfires and others. Lee has been involved in the government's process of gathering best practice examples from around the world. What has he learnt?
2. Development of a new International Standard for corporate purpose designed to help organisations go beyond a profit-first mindset. Is this a sign of environmental and sustainable responsibility becoming more prioritised by businesses?
3. Recent successes in restoring nature, like the large blue butterfly in the UK and Chester Zoo's work with rare snails - can these capture the public's imagination and help deliver wider progress on protecting and restoring nature?

Credits
 
Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited
With thanks to Alastair Chisholm
Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland 

'Derek Vs Derek' is a new documentary feature film telling the story of two neighbouring farmers in Devon - one who makes maximum food yield his aim... and another totally committed to rewilding. 
It's an entertaining, funny and engaging story that brings attention to a far more serious debate - how do we feed our population but also stop nature depletion?
The film's Director James Dawson and Impact Producer Nicola Brown join host Niki roach to discuss.
To find out more about the Derek Vs Derek film, click here.

Credits
 
Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Executive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb Limited
With thanks to Alastair Chisholm
Honorary Executive Producer Jane Boland