River Fixers: Can citizen science push back pollution?
Sep 30, 2023
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Former punk icon Feargal Sharkey and Ben Morris, founder of Clean up the River Brent, discuss citizen science in monitoring and cleaning up polluted rivers. They talk about the efforts taken to clean up the River Brent in West London, the importance of sensors in measuring water quality, and the need for political involvement to address water quality issues.
Citizen science and monitoring are crucial for addressing water pollution and protecting our waterways.
Public awareness and involvement are essential in advocating for river restoration and improving water quality.
Deep dives
Summary of Main Idea 1
The podcast episode discusses the issue of water pollution in the River Brent and its implications on public health and the environment. The river, which serves as a tributary of the River Thames, has been contaminated with chemicals and sewage, leading to concerns and public outcry. Despite its visually idyllic surroundings, the river suffers from pollution, including increased levels of ammonia and various types of waste. Local residents, such as Ben Morris, have taken action to clean up the river and raise awareness of the problem. The podcast emphasizes the need for citizen science and monitoring to address water quality issues and highlights the importance of public involvement and investment in protecting our waterways.
Summary of Main Idea 2
The episode explores the role of citizen science in monitoring water quality and addressing pollution issues in rivers. Ben Morris and his team of volunteers have developed a low-budget system using sensors to monitor pollution incidents and gather data on water quality in the River Brent. With the help of innovative technology, they aim to raise public awareness about the state of the river and advocate for its restoration. The podcast highlights the value of citizen involvement in environmental conservation and the potential for expanding monitoring efforts nationwide. By providing comprehensive data on water quality, citizen science can prompt discussions and actions to protect our rivers and ecosystems.
Summary of Main Idea 3
The podcast delves into the political significance of water quality and pollution as a topic in the upcoming general election. With increasing public awareness and concern about water pollution, politicians are being pressured to address the issue and take meaningful action. Fergal Sharky, a water campaigner, highlights the need for strong leadership, investment, and regulatory changes to tackle the problem effectively. The episode underscores the link between water quality, public health, and the availability of drinking water, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue and the responsibility of the next administration to prioritize environmental protection. The podcast concludes with a call for political candidates to discuss and prioritize water quality and river restoration in public meetings and debates.
On this week's ClimateCast Tom Heap is in west London to talk about the quality of the UK's waterways, something that's causing a public and political outcry across the country.
With his waders on, he meets the brains behind water quality monitors handmade by local residents which are helping to monitor pollution in the River Brent, including founder of Clean up the River Brent, Ben Morris.
Plus, he speaks to former punk icon Feargal Sharkey about fears for future water quantity and how much of a factor water will be in the next general election.
Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Field producer: Gemma Watson Editors: Wendy Parker and Paul Stanworth
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