Paul Eakins, an expert in energy policy, discusses the closure of the UK’s final coal-fired power station and its potential to usher in a new era of renewable energy. Deborah Greaves emphasizes the necessity of advancing wind and solar technologies for a clean future. Meanwhile, Hugo Spears sheds light on human navigation in public spaces, revealing fascinating insights into our emotional responses. Finally, zoologist Jules Howard analyzes the social media phenomenon surrounding Moo Deng, the endangered pygmy hippo, and its effects on conservation awareness.
The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station symbolizes a major step towards the country's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The pervasive issue of microplastics raises concerns about environmental impact and human health, though direct evidence of harm remains limited and requires further research.
Deep dives
The End of Coal Power in the UK
The closure of the UK's last coal-fired power station marks a significant milestone in the country's transition to renewable energy. This plant previously emitted 2.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which accounted for 1% of the nation's total emissions. As the UK moves away from its reliance on coal, it demonstrates leadership and the feasibility of transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar. With renewables now generating more than half of the electricity, this moment symbolizes progress towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Challenges in Renewable Energy Transition
The UK aims for all electricity to come from clean sources by 2030, but achieving this ambitious goal presents significant challenges. Current development rates for offshore wind need to increase dramatically to meet government targets for renewable capacity. Additionally, the renewable sector must address workforce shortages, requiring a sixfold increase in personnel to ensure a smooth transition away from fossil fuels. Continuous innovation and technological advancements in offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy are crucial for reaching sustainability goals.
Microplastics and Their Ubiquity
Microplastics, defined as tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a pervasive issue, found in various environments worldwide. From oceans to the top of Mount Everest, these particles originate from numerous sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and microbeads in cosmetics. While there is growing concern about their presence in human bodies, evidence linking microplastics directly to harm remains limited. The key challenge lies in balancing scientific research on human health impacts while urgently addressing the environmental consequences of plastic pollution.
“That’s the end of coal in the UK for electricity.”
The UK’s last coal-fired power station has closed, ending Britain's 142-year reliance on coal.
But what difference will the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar make – and could it mark a new dawn for clean energy?
After 20 years of research into microplastics and headline upon headline on their potential harms, how much do we really know about these tiny particles?
Also this week, Marnie turns lab rat for a navigation experiment, and why are we all so obsessed with Moo Deng?
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producers: Sophie Ormiston, Ella Hubber & Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Andrew Rhys Lewis
BBC Inside Science is produced in partnership with the Open University.
If you want to test your climate change knowledge, head to bbc.co.uk - search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to the Open University.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode