Story of Human Progress Through Six Materials

Journalist Ed Conway went on a journey to discover where the things we use in everyday life come from. He narrowed that search down to six vital materials: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil and lithium. These materials, he says, are like a gateway allowing us to see the spectrum of different things around us that really do matter. These materials from the ground that have enabled us to connect with each other, to provide energy and make machines. 

Guest: 

Ed Conway, Economics and Data Editor of Sky News and columnist for The Times and Sunday Times. He is the author of: 

Material World: a substantial story of our past and future published by Penguin.

Credits: 

Presenter: Richard Aedy

Producer: Kate MacDonald

This program was first broadcast on 15th February, 2024