Planet Possible
Planet Possible explores global environmental issues by looking past the headlines to the facts. Host Niki Roach talks with practitioners and visionaries tackling water, nature, and climate change, and asks what they would do with a 'Planet Possible Magic Wand.' The podcast is produced by CIWEM, a community of environmental professionals. It also offers flexible episode lengths via Accordion to suit listeners' time.
Episodes
Best Of 2026 (So Far)
Welcome to the first of two 'Best Of' compilation episodes we will make this year (one in the summer and one at Christmas).
This collection of highlights covers the first half of 2026, and features some incredible guests.
A great chance to catch-up on some of our most-listened-to, and most-talked-about, episodes that you may have missed first time around.
The three guests featured here are...
Kelp Beds - A UK Rewilding Case Study
Vast kelp beds once supported a wondrous diversity of marine life, off the coast of Sussex in the UK. They filtered the water, protected the coast from storms and supported local fisheries. By the mid-1980s, 96% of Sussex kelp had disappeared. However, there is an ambitious project underway to bring it back.
This is an example of rewilding - an approach that can enable progress in the face of tod
Tony Juniper (Repeat)
Originally published in June 2025, this interview with one of the UK's most influential voices on nature - Tony Juniper - is well worth a revisit.
In this episode, host Niki and Tony discuss:
- How there can be a "both and" approach to nature and economy, not an "either or".
- The scale of the challenge facing the planet, and what can be done.
- The vital roles of media, and culture, in enabling p
Towards a Green Economy
Guy Thompson is an expert in clean energy transition, nature positive economy and environmental policy and regulation, having worked at Natural England, Wessex Water and EnTrade (environmental market/credits startup).
In this episode, he discussed with Niki the challenges facing the new Burnham-led government, particularly in terms of addressing the root causes of environmental issues, as opposed
Planet Possible News - July 2026
In this episode of Planet Possible News, Emily Blaney and Niki Roach discuss:
- Extreme weather becoming the new norm in the UK.
- Whether water-saving campaigns work?
- and why do animal "characters" go viral, without the wider environmental message connecting?
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary
SuDS - Forgotten Methods & New Approaches
Our climate is changing. When it rains, it’s often more frequent, heavier and likely to cause flooded roads, gardens or even properties.
In this episode, we explore how we can create homes, cities and infrastructure that can cope with these changing rainfall patterns.
Niki is joined by expert and subject champion, CIWEM’s Director of Policy and Projects - Paul Shaffer, and Cristina Refolo - Foundi
Water In Transition
In this episode, we explore how the change in our climate is likely to change the economics of free resources, as well.
Niki is joined by Adam Lovell - Executive Director at The Water Services Association of Australia, and Karma Loveday - Water sector journalist and Founder and Editor, at The UK Water Report.
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwl
Climate Extremes - Dangers & Hope (with David Shukman)
David Shukman is shocked. Both at the climate change induced extremes that Britain now faces... and the nation's lack of preparedness. In his new book 'The Response - A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain's New World of Extremes' makes the argument that things are probably worse than we think... but also that there's more than can be done than we realise.
David joins host Niki to discuss his new bo
Planet Possible News - June 2026
In this episode of Planet Possible News, Niki is joined by Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East & the Isle of Axholme.
The topics being discussed are:
-The UK national water safety campaign.
- The hidden human health costs for the decline of bees.
- News that the UK government has set a target of 87% of a cut in carbon emissions, by 2042.
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive
Flooding: The Latest Strategies, Ideas & Tech
Guests and themes:
New ways to fund nature-based solutions at a catchment scale with Jonathan Moxon from The Aire Resilience Company
Tim Armour & Johnny Phillips from United Utilities show Niki a variety of projects designed to make Liverpool more flood resilient
Garden Designer Leon Davis on making rainwater management in gardens more effective and beautiful
Mary Long-Dhonau OBE on the latest tec
The new National Grid of Nature
Niki Roach is joined by Steve Elderkin - Director of Environmental Sustainability for National Highways and Evan Bowen-Jones, Chief Executive - Kent Wildlife Trust and MD of Wilder Carbon, co-founder of Rebuilding Nature.
In this episode, our guests speak to Niki about a visit to the Netherlands to see how the Dutch were delivering on their nature objectives. Inspired by what they learnt, they wen
'Dirty Business' Reaction
'Dirty Business' is a Channel 4 docudrama, released a few weeks ago, that focuses on England's water companies and sewage spills.
The docudrama reported on real life dramas that have surrounded the water industry over the last five years.
Environment harm, sewage spills, pollutions, and customerscommunities saying that these are no longer acceptable.
Lizzie Frost and host Niki discuss their rea
Planet Possible News - May 2026
Planet Possible News - once a month an environmental expert joins Niki to highlight 3 big recent news stories in climate, nature and water from around the world.
This month's guest is George Wade, co-Founder and COO of Zevero (helps companies calculate their carbon footprint) and blogger behind the Grumpy Optimists (collates climate positive news)
Find out more about Zevero here
Find out more abou
What Will be the Next big Innovations in the UK Water Sector?
The winners of the sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge, part of the OFWAT £600 million Water Innovation Fund, have just been announced.
In this episode, Hannah Muirhead joins Niki to discuss some of winners.
Together, they highlight the emerging themes in innovation in the UK water sector, and some of the most exciting concepts.
Find out more about the OFWAT Innovation Fund here
Credits Presen
Re-wilding: From Over-farmed and Uneconomic... to Thriving
Jim Tan is CEO of Kuzuko Private Game Reserve, which has connected and rewilded 35,000 acres of un-economic and over-farmed areas in the Eastern Cape of South Africa since 2001.
In this episode you’ll hear how Kuzuko is now a thriving wildlife reserve home to elephants, buffalos, lions and three of South Africas 9 biomes. Kuzuko has enabled local flora and fauna to re-populate huge swathes of land
Soils
In this week’s episode, we dig into soils - both literally and metaphorically.
Soils aren’t really visible to us, but they underpin every single life system on planet earth.
Soil is one of our most important carbon sinks, critical to water, home to 60% of all bio-diversity and helping to produce 98% of our food.
In this episode, Niki goes on location to a soil-progressive farm where Yorkshire Farm
Planet Possible News - April 2026
Each month Planet Possible News will bring you an update on the latest big environmental stories. Host Niki will be joined by an expert guest to discuss recent events in climate, nature and water.
In this episode...
Climate adaptation in the UK - what's coming in terms of reports, policy and progress
How the Iran conflict is impacting the environment
Crisis management - are extreme weather and flo
Faith and the Environment
Niki is joined by Amandeep Kaur Maan, Founder of EcoSikh UK and Mumin Islam, a water industry leader with a passion for water demand management, equity, diversity and environmental and social justice to explore the relationship between faith, culture and our environment.
Both guests have worked on the delivery of a groundbreaking project with Cambridge Central Mosque - the first 'eco Mosque' in th
Advocating for the Planet - how law can Help the Environment
Monica Feria-Tinta is a lawyer based in England and Wales but with an international outlook . She has a passion for, and a world-leading expertise in, representing climate, nature, water and indigenous peoples in high-profile legal cases.
In this episode she discusses:
how she was the first lawyer to bring climate claims to court successfully.
her famous work with indigenous people around the
New York City - A Planet Possible Special
New York City is the most densely populated city in the USA and, famously the "concrete jungle" of all those famous movies and TV shows. Surrounded by water on 3 sides and with old infrastructure, how does the Big Apple cope with rising sea levels, pressure on water quality and very little room for nature?
Vincent worked on high profile projects like Hunter's Point and Little Island - pairing beau
March MiniPod with CIWEM Director of Policy Al Chisholm
Al Chisholm is CIWEM's Director of Policy, though he will be soon be leaving to take on a new role at a different organisation.
In his last appearance on the podcast in his current role, he gives his thoughts on 3 big current nature, climate and water news stories.
Niki and Alastair discuss:
The new strategic policy statement for the Environment Agency and Natural England.
How citizen science
The King, Harmony and an Interconnected Approach
The King’s Foundation, founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1990, was inspired by his philosophy of Harmony: that by understanding the balance, order and relationships between ourselves and the natural world, we can create a more sustainable future.
Niki heads to Dumfries House, home of The King’s Foundation, to see how the concept of Harmony comes to life. Hear from Dr Simon Sadinsky, Ex
February MiniPod with The Guardian's Phoebe Weston (Bee Bans, Light Pollution and China Climate Stats)
On this MiniPod episode, Niki Roach is joined by The Guardian’s Biodiversity correspondent - Phoebe Weston.
Together, they discuss:
1) Why honey bees aren’t necessarily good for ecosystems and the Italian island that’s banned them.
2) China’s carbon dioxide emissions fall by 1% in the final quarter of 2025.
3) And a radical project in Belgium that’s turning off street lights to preserve wildlife.
Water Reuse
To meet future water demands we will have to embrace water reuse and advanced water recycling. What's possible? What's best practice? What do the public think? Traditionally there has been a public perception challenge over reusing water (the so-called "yuck factor") - how do we get past that?The UK is just starting to really get going on water reuse, while in the USA they're further ahead. So, in
January MiniPod with Lee Pitcher MP (South East Water, A New Vision For Water white paper)
The Planet Possible MiniPod focuses on big current stories in climate, water and nature, providing a detailed update in just 15 mins. Our guest on this episode is Lee Pitcher, the Labour MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water. Water is firmly in the spotlight in the UK, with recent supply outages in the South East Water region maki
The Year Ahead in UK Environmental Policy
In this month’s Planet Possible, Niki Roach is joined by Ruth Chambers OBE - a Senior Fellow at Green Alliance, and honorary professor of practice at the UCL Centre for law and the environment.Ruth, and host Niki, metaphorically travel around the nations of the UK - identifying what will be making the headlines in UK environmental policy, in 2026.In Wales, the Environmental Governance Bill will be
December MiniPod with John Curtin (Climate-proof Infrastructure, Energy from Water Droplets, Green Storytelling)
Our last Minipod of 2025 welcomes John Curtin, the president of CIWEM. John joins Niki Roach in this 15 minute episode, to discuss the following 3 current stories in Water, Climate and Nature:Infrastructure Risks - How should we approach building new infrastructure in a world shaped by climate change, and shifting environmental issues and politics? And how do we move beyond short-term fixes and im
COP 30 and Climate Politics
In this month’s Planet Possible, we’re going beyond the specifics of COP30 and reflect on the shifting geo politics of climate leadership, and what it could mean for our future generations.Niki Roach is joined by two experts in this field - Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow, a Political Economist with a focus on the Asia specific region, and Professor of International Politics at the University of Leeds
November MiniPod with Jo Caird (Climate Geo-Engineering, Tehran Drought & Tropical Forests Forever)
In this MiniPod episode, Niki is joined by freelance environmental journalist Jo Caird, whose portfolio includes Editor of The Environment Magazine - a CIWEM publication.They discuss:1) Using geoengineering to repair the climate, and how the technology has the potential to adjust global temperatures. The process of solar radiation modification could see injecting aerosol compounds and potential re
Could Sewers Help Heat our Homes?
On this month’s Planet Possible, Niki is joined by co-host Polly Cook - Chief Officer for Climate, Energy and Green Spaces at Leeds City Council. And for our deep dive interview, on this episode into Heat Networks, Niki and Polly are joined by David Riley - Head of Carbon and Climate Adaptation within Anglian Water and Michael Avant Smith - Senior VP for Decarbonisation at BMA. This Episode is an
October MiniPod with Phoebe Weston (Human Microbiodiversity Depletion, Rise Of Renewables & Bird Migration Warnings)
The stories on this week's Minipod are:Finnish researchers have been exploring what happens when we bring a little more wild back into our everyday lives. Their “rewilding” experiment shows the link between increasing our nature exposure and better microbiome biodiversity.There’s good news, and perhaps some not so good news, about renewables. Solar power has now been the largest source of new elec
Zac Goldsmith - The Politics of Climate and Nature
Lord Zac Goldsmith has been a voice for environmental issues throughout his political career. He has held vital positions of power in government that have made him able to move the needle on climate and nature. His insights take us inside the cabinet meetings, international negotiations and global summits where progress can be encouraged and delivered... but also stifled.In this wide-ranging inter
September MiniPod with Al Chisholm (New Environment Minister, Drought & Sponge Cities)
Emma Reynolds has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK. How will she sort through all the recent reports and reviews into the highly contentious future of the water sector in the UK? What actions will she take from the various recommendationsThere is drought in many parts of the UK. Should it be water companies that decide (and announce) when
On Location at Britain's First new Reservoir in 30 years
This episode explores Niki's visit to Havant Thicket, the first new reservoir to be built in the UK, in 30 years.Niki spoke to Terry Fuller from Future Water, Robert Taylor CEO of Portsmouth Water and other key members of the delivery team about this ambitious project.The site is owned by Portsmouth Water, who will store and supply Southern Water, as part of a water cooperative.Once complete, the
August MiniPod with Hannah Burgess (Flood Funding, Global Plastics Treaty, Updated UK Sustainable Drainage Standards)
In this month's MiniPod, we're joined by CIWEM President Hannah Burgess and we discuss...1. The consultation on how flood funding is awarded and how that opens the door to more voluntary groups, and environmental NGOs, directly accessing funding.2. The news that a global plastics treaty is being debated, alongside some ideas for individual actions.3. We also consider the updated national sustainab
Environment Goes Mainstream
Have we reached an important positive tipping point where more people than ever of power and influence want to talk about - and take action on - the challenges facing our planet in climate, nature and water?It certainly seems to us - making this podcast - that more people want to talk about environmental issues, and we want to play our part by amplifying planet positive messages both from people o
July MiniPod with Adam Bedford (Farmer's Climate Concerns, Rebuilding Ukraine Sustainably & Cunliffe+Agriculture)
We're joined by Adam Bedford - Collaborative Projects Director at FERA Science, in this month’s MiniPod and we discuss...1. The news that more than 80% of famers are worried about the climate crisis harming their livelihood.2. A group of British, Ukrainian and Dutch engineers trying to rebuild Ukraine as efficiently and sustainably as possible, by recycling the rubble from bombed buildings to make
SPECIAL - Cunliffe Review Reaction
The Cunliffe Review has just been published and proposes massive change to the UK water sector. What are the headlines? Are the recommendations right? Do they go far enough? What are the implications for the water companies, campaigners, the general public... and the bigger picture of climate, nature and the environment as a whole?CIWEM's Director of Policy Al Chisholm and host Niki Roach give th
Nature Based Solutions - A Crossroads Moment
Nature is in decline across the UK. 2023 data shows the abundance of terrestrial and freshwater species has on average fallen by 19% across the UK since 1970. Yet working with nature may be part of the answer to reversing this decline. As the Environment Agency release a new position statement on nature-based solutions, we’re joined by their Director of Water, Helen Wakeham and the CEO of the Riv
June MiniPod with Phoebe Weston (Forever Chemicals, Working with Farmers & Climate Attitudes)
We're joined by The Guardian newspaper Biodiversity Reporter, Phoebe Weston in this months MiniPod and we discuss...The news that water contamination by forever chemicals from an airport in eastern France has resulted in 3000 vulnerable residents unable to drink their tap water.A groundbreaking tree-planting programme that is uniting farmers and rewilders in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.UK da
Tony Juniper
For many in the environment sector the name Tony Juniper is synonymous with the defence of nature. He has led major organisations, run global campaigns and advised at the highest levels, including co-authoring ‘Harmony’ with His Majesty King Charles II. He was recently re-appointed as the Chair of Natural England and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. In our June
May MiniPod with Lee Pitcher MP (Drought, Water Safety & Climate Change)
Niki is joined by Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme and Chair of the APPG on Water. Prior to being an MP has spent his career building partnerships across the water sector and this episode we’re talking about…The threat of drought across the UK this summer as April temperatures were the 3rd warmest since records began.The Water Safety Bill – as a new MP this is Lee’s first
Ofwat Innovation Fund Winners
Jeannette Henderson, co-lead for Innovation at Ofwat shares some of the winners of the latest round of funding from the 5th Water Breakthrough Challenge.Hear some of the projects that are embracing drones, robotics and AI as Ofwat share £42m across 16 projects aiming to radically innovate within the water sector in England and Wales.Jeanette shares how Ofwat are working with other regulators to al
Biocides
Main interview guest: Natalie Bennett - Green Party Peer, Baroness Bennett of Manor CastleExpert co-host: Michael Mattle - Head of Wastewater Technology at Holinger We're exploring how biocides – human-made chemicals that we find in products like surface cleaners and toothpastes – are impacting the microbiomes in our bodies and our environmental systems. In 2025 Green Party Peer, Baroness Bennett
April MiniPod (Smart Meters, Data Centres & Diversity)
In today's episode we’re focusing on water that’s used by businesses, which makes up 30% of all the water that’s supplied in England. Join Sarah McMath, CEO of MOSl as we explore the challenges of needing to deliver an extra 5 billion litres of water each day into supply by 2050 and the opportunities - and challenges - presented by commercial water demand.We explore...Smart metering for business c
Could Rainwater fill the Water Demand Gap?
25% of all the water that comes into our homes is flushed down the toilet. By 2050, we’re going to need an extra 5 billion litres of water a day - almost a third more - available in 25 years.This increased need for water is driven by a growing population, new homes and a water hungry economy and there's an opportunity to reduce our demand for the highest quality drinking water by using an alternat
March MiniPod (Beavers, Western Forest & Communities and nature)
Welcome to our March MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Dave Slater, Regional Director for Natural England for the South West of England, and we explore...Whether beavers are a force for good after the news that the UK Government has announced its commit
Circular Economy - Passion, Progress and Profitability?
A circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. The UK government wants to transition the UK to a circular economy and in 2024 established a circular economy taskforce to consider the policy pathways, interventions and targets make this happen. We explore the circular economy in the UK and internationally and dig into a range of examples from both comm
February MiniPod (Flea Treatments, Ocean Nutrient Changes & AI and Bathing Waters)
Welcome to our February MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Dr Vera Jones, Technical Director and Global Technical Authority for Water Quality at AtkinsRéalis, and we explore...How pet owners might be having an unexpectedly negative impact on the health
Green Finance - Making Nature Valuable?
Interview guest - Bevis Watts (CEO of Triodos Bank UK, a leader in ethical and sustainable banking)Co-host - Ed Dick (CEO of Great Yellow, a company that sources long-term capital for nature restoration projects)We’re often joined by guests on Planet Possible who identify and look to take action to solve the challenges that we face in our water and environment. But we don’t often talk about how th
January MiniPod (Coastal Erosion Risk, Climate & Inclusion in Flood Projects)
Welcome to our January MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy & National Adaptation at the Environment Agency and we explore...The recently updated flood and coastal erosion risk information for England that mean
The Climate & Nature Bill (with Roz Savage MP and Lord Deben)
As we record this episode at the start of January, wherever you are in the world your news is likely to be filled with images of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, or temperatures well below freezing alongside flooding across much of the UK. And whilst climate and it’s impact on weather might be making the headlines, we know that nature and the biodiversity crises are inexorably linked to t
Valencia Floods: What Really Happened?
In this episode we explore the recent flooding that has happened across the south of Spain, resulting in the tragic loss of 224 lives, and resulting in Spain mounting it’s biggest peacetime disaster recovery operation. One of the consequences of a changing climate is more extreme weather and that’s what exactly what the Valencia region experienced in late October.You'll hear what happened, what
December MiniPod (Flooding Funding, Neonicitinoids & Nature Connection)
Welcome to our December MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Will McBain, a Director of Water at Arup and we explore...1. The UK Government review of partnership funding regime for Flood and coastal erosion risk management.2. New figures that reveal that 8
COP29
November 2024 has been a busy month in the news for conversations about our changing climate – from flooding due to Storm Bert in the UK, the tragic floods in southern Spain and wildfires in South America. It’s against this backdrop, that we’re digging into what happened at the recent Climate COP in Baku, Azerbaijan; whether it went as experts expected and what it all means at all scales from inte
Nov MiniPod (Trump, Planning Reform & AI)
Welcome to our November MiniPod!
It's a monthly update where we’re joined by an expert guest and we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.
And in this episode hear from the CIWEM Junior President Peter Rook as we discuss-
• What a Donald Trump Presidency means for climate and the environment.
• The opportunities of planning reform in the UK.
• How AI cou
Citizen Science
Get Involved:Rivers Trust Big Riverwatch - https://theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watchEarthwatch Europes Great Water Blitz - https://earthwatch.org.uk/greatukwaterblitz/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Yy5BhD-ARIsAI0RbXbP0LGenvFditCly4FiZ6lMRAksO7qXflyKjQZNbyYkDu7ZiNIl8-waAoqyEALw_wcBOur 2024 season of Planet Possible is supported by Atkins Realis.
Credits Presented & Produced
Oct MiniPod (Smart Meters, Water Security and UK Water Review)
Find out more about The Water Report here:www.thewaterreport.co.uk
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland
Chris Packham
Chris Packham spoke to Niki Roach in a special live recording of Planet Possible at ESS Expo (Environmental Services & Technology Solutions 2024) at the NEC in Birmingham.
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland
Sept MiniPod (Social Prescribing, The Big River Watch & Street Trees)
Green Social Prescribing study:https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/new-research-has-found-prescribing-nature-can-improve-happiness-and-reduce-anxiety/Get involved in the Big River Watch here: https://theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watchFind out what’s happening in Hackney here:https://hackney.gov.uk/trees/
Credits Presented & Produced by Niki Roach
Circular Farming
Agriculture has a major role in determining water availability and quality, especially in a region like Yorkshire where a large amount of catchment water moves over and through farmland.In this episode, host Niki Roach visits the Biohub at Ings Farm near Harrogate to see a load of innovative farming practices being trialled. The aim is to increase biodiversity, enable sustainable and commercially
August MiniPod (NZ focus on Water Reform & the Politics of Water)
Welcome to our MiniPod!It's an extra once-a-month update episode that will react to current events in water, climate and nature. It's a MiniPod because it'll only take about 15 minutes of your time.. and it means you get a Planet Possible episode every two weeks.Each mini pod you'll hear from an environmental expert guest and together we will discuss 3 key current talking points that will keep you
How to Handle a Moving Coastline
Join Niki and her co-host Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy and Natural Adaptation at the Environment Agency in England to explore how to manage a moving coastline.With one of the fastest changing coastlines in Europe, we focus on North Norfolk and hear from Councillor Harry Blathwayt on how communities prepare for coastal erosion and the potential loss of their homes to the sea.This se
New! MiniPod July (Draft Determination, King's Speech and Sustainable Homes)
Welcome to our first MiniPod!It's an extra once-a-month update episode that will react to current events in water, climate and nature. It's a MiniPod because it'll only take about 15 minutes of your time.. and it means you get a Planet Possible episode every two weeks.Each mini pod I will be joined by an environmental expert guest and together we will discuss 3 key current talking points that will
The Thames: Campaigners and Company Have Their Say
What does the cleanliness of England's longest river say about the debate around river quality the role of the UK's biggest water company, Thames Water? This episode aims to find out by telling two sides of the story - what the campaigners say... and what the company itself says.We're joined by broadcaster and environmentalist, Steve Backshall and the CEO of River Action, James Wallace to hear the
What the Next Government Should Do for Water and the Environment
Everyone got a bit of a shock when a General Election was announced for July 4th. So, we know there is going to be a new government. Whoever ends up in power, what should they be doing - in the first 100 days and beyond - to do right by water and the environment?Host Niki Roach and CIWEM Director of Policy Al Chisholm pick their 3 wishes (they actually end up with 4) for the new incoming governmen
Activism
Can you be an activist and an environmental professional? How do we tackle eco-anxiety, especially for the next generation and is activism be something everyone can get involved in?In today’s episode we’re exploring the role that activism plays in driving positive environmental and climate outcomes. Increasingly we’re seeing and he
Bioresources
We're exploring the topic of bioresources - sometimes called sewage sludge - and our interview is with Georgia Elliot-Smith, who's heading up 'Fighting Dirty' - a campaign to ensure environmental regulation around sewage sludge - last updated in 1989 in England and Wales - remains effective. Niki's co-host is the Director of Innovation & Delivery at CIWEM and supported the creation of the National
Highway Runoff
The water that runs off our traffic-filled roads ends up in our rivers, but we know little about it, it's hardly monitored and improving the quality of that runoff is a huge task.Join us for this special episode of Planet Possible in collaboration with Watershed Investigations as we dig into the realities of highway runoff . . We’re joined from the front line by Jo Bradley from Stormwater Shepherd
Flood Ready?
Are you flood ready? How do you find out if your home is at risk of flooding? What can you do to protect your home and if water does suddenly come through your door, what should you do next?With much of England and Scotland experiencing rainfall 70% above average for December, flooding has impacted thousands of homes and businesses. Join Niki and her co-host and Environment Agency Environment Mana
COP28
2023 is set to be the hottest year on record with temperatures 1.4 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average and sea surface temperatures for the polar oceans reaching almost 21 degrees C in October. In recent years we’ve seen the climate COPs making headline news - so what was it like to attend COP28, how significant were the outputs - and how did the paradox of a fossil fuel economy hosti
Plastic Grass
You might already have a view on whether it’s a helpful way of bringing some greenery to a tricky space – or that it should be banned entirely. Either way, we’re going to explore in this episode some of the science and evidence behind the use of plastic grass, think about why it’s proving so popular and explore some great alternatives for people to think about. We’re joined by a fantastic co-host,
How To Fix The UK Water Sector
Water in the UK has become both a political football and a source of vast public anger. Storm overflows, sewage spills, dying rivers and dividend payouts have dominated debates everywhere from parliament to the pub. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and clearly there are huge and complex issues... but what are the answers?CIWEM Director of Policy Al Chisholm is in a unique position of objectivity
Nutrient Neutrality
If you’re in the UK you’ll have heard about recent proposed changes to nutrient neutrality. Adding to the wider debate about the health of our rivers across England in particular, we explore the proposed changes & what they could mean for river health.Niki is joined by Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow and the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee who in 2021 put forward the private members bill th
Uruguay
Uruguay has been facing the longest drought the country has ever recorded in it’s capital Montevideo, leaving the city almost completely dry and the Paso Severino reservoir, supplying over half the country’s 3.4 millions people, at 2.4% capacity in late June. This is especially fascinating for a country that in 2004 enshrined access to water as a fundamental right in it’s constitution.To help us u
Neurodiversity
*Content warning: This podcast contains brief mentions of experiences around mental ill-health and miscarriage which some listeners may find upsetting.Many different types of neurodivergence exist, and it can be hard to understand what workplace adjustments we can make that will support everyone. What constitutes a reasonable request? Whose responsibility is it? Niki Roach is joined by Lea Nightin
A Fresh Water Future?
What does the future of water look like? Do we need a single organisation managing our water catchments and do we need more resources to regulate the quality and quantity of our water? Join the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, John Curtin and CIWEM's Director of Policy, Alastair Chisholm as we explore these topics - and find out what John's biggest environmental concern is.A fresh water
The WaterUK apology storm
On the day we hear an apology from WaterUK on behalf of the water sector for sewage pollution from storm overflows, we wanted to explore what this really means for customers and the environment and whether there are any unintended consequences. We’re joined by the acting CEO of the Environment Agency John Curtin and Niki’s co-host and CIWEM Director of Policy, Al Chisholm to discuss their reflecti
Valuing our land
Join us for the Season Finale of the pod and our first on-location episode! Niki and co-host Alastair Chisholm head to Spains Hall Estate in north Essex to meet Archie Ruggles-Brise and explore some of his innovative approaches to managing the land - and water - across the estate. Listen as we explore the estate, hear about the approaches to natural flood management, biodiversity net gain, natur
The business of climate change
Join Niki and her co-host, Susan Stockwell, Managing Director of Skewb Green, as they explore how business are approaching the challenge of climate change. Our guest interview is with the Rt. Hon John Gummer, Lord Deben, Chair of the Committee on Climate Change and formerly the longest serving Secretary of State for the Environment for UK (1993-97).
We explore the legacy of COP27 and what action
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