Phoebe Weston

Phoebe Weston, a biodiversity reporter at The Guardian, dives deep into the alarming issue of pharmaceutical pollution in the UK's pristine rivers. She reveals that even protected national parks are not safe, with many contaminated by various medications. The conversation highlights the role of ineffective sewage treatment and the health risks linked to rising antimicrobial resistance. Phoebe also discusses the hidden impact of household and veterinary chemicals on wildlife, emphasizing an urgent need for better monitoring and pollution control.

Phoebe Weston, a biodiversity reporter at The Guardian, shares insights on Switzerland's impressive water purification efforts. She details how the country transformed its rivers from polluted hazards into pristine swimming spots, driven by a public health crisis in the 1960s. The discussion highlights the ecological impact of pharmaceuticals in waterways and showcases Switzerland’s innovative treatment practices. Phoebe emphasizes what the UK could learn from Switzerland's proactive approach to preserving clean water resources.