Rare Earth

In 2008 the UK made an all-party legally-binding commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since then the consensus has broken down and analysts doubt that current government policy has any chance of reaching that goal. Tom Heap, Helen Czerski and an expert panel stress-test net zero. Is it still achievable? Is it even politically possible in a world of trade wars, Trump's anti-environment agenda and the rise of Reform?Producer: Emma CampbellRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

Insects are the quiet engineers of the environment - pollinating our plants, balancing our ecosystems and clearing up our waste. Some insects can digest plastic, and they play a vital role in crop production. At the same time their populations are under threat from pesticides, habitat loss and climate change. In this programme, Helen Czerski and Tom Heap explore the largely ignored world of insects. Could they be the answer to some of the environmental problems we have created? Would eating them help lower our carbon footprint, and will the western world ever overcome its squeamishness to the idea? Helen and Tom explore the weird and wonderful world of insects with a panel of experts.Producer: Emma CampbellAssistant Producer: Toby FieldRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

From ancient Rome onwards our civilisation has been built on concrete. It's incredibly useful but emits huge quantities of carbon dioxide in its production. What are the alternatives? Tom Heap and Helen Czerski explore the issues with a panel of experts: Professor Colin Hills from Greenwich University, Smith Mordak Chief Executive of UK Green Building Council, and structural engineer Roma Agrawal, who worked on the construction of London's tallest building, the Shard.Producer: Emma CampbellAssistant Producer: Toby FieldResearcher: Harrison JonesRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

The islands of the Pacific Ocean are on the frontline of climate change. Sea level rise will eventually erase some from the map and make many more uninhabitable. Tom Heap and Helen Czerski hear from the people of the region and explore its stunning wildlife both above and below the waves.With them in the studio are Professor Tammy Horton from the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and BBC One Show naturalist, Mike Dilger. Tammy studies- and names- some of the thousands of creatures recently discovered living at depths of 4-6km in the Pacific's Clarion Clipperton Zone, while Mike has just returned from the bird-watching trip of a lifetime, spotting the extraordinary Birds of Paradise of Papua New Guinea.Samoan climate journalist Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson joins in the conversation to consider how Pacific islanders respond to the prevailing narratives around climate change. She says that the islanders have no wish to be presented as victims and are well placed to stand up for their rights in international climate negotiations and to actively lead efforts to maintain their rich cultures, despite the rising tides.Producer: Alasdair CrossAssistant Producer: Toby FieldResearcher: Harrison JonesRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

The shipping industry is an enormous source of pollution. Ships burn dirty fuel oil that helps contribute to the industry's global carbon emissions and even in port they continue to belch out noxious fumes that pollute the air of many of our major port cities. Tom Heap and Helen Czerski search for the solutions, from a return to sailing ships to new fuels - and even the possibility of ships being more like penguins - with a panel including:Paddy Rodgers, Director (Chief Executive) of Royal Museums Greenwich and former CEO of EuronavTristan Smith, Professor of Energy and Transport, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources (UCL) Aoife O’Leary, CEO of Opportunity GreenProducer: Beth Sagar-FentonAssistant Producers: Toby Field and Harrison JonesRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

PFAS chemicals are all around us. They're used in frying pans, food packaging and waterproof coats but they have been linked to thyroid disease, liver damage and cancer. The trouble is that PFAS just doesn't go away- these 'forever chemicals' build up in our bodies and the environment.Tom Heap and Helen Czerski look back at the invention of these miracle chemicals, their use in the Second World War and the Space Race and meet Robert Bilott, the American lawyer who held the PFAS manufacturers to account, going head to head with the enormous DuPont corporation. They're also joined by Stephanie Metzger of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Hannah Evans from the environmental charity Fidra and by the journalist Leana Hosea of Watershed Investigations.Producer: Alasdair CrossAssistant Producer: Toby FieldRare Earth is produced in association with the Open University

40 years ago a hole was discovered in the ozone layer. It provoked an international effort to ban the chemicals that were destroying our protection from the sun. Tom Heap and Helen Czerski are joined by Jonathan Shanklin, one of the team that realised that CFC chemicals used in aerosol cans and refrigerants were helping to create a 20 million square kilometre hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica. Also on the panel they speak to Alice Bell, author of ‘Our Biggest Experiment: a history of the climate crisis’ and head of policy, climate and health at Wellcome, and Bristol University's Professor Matt Rigby who helps monitor how well countries are sticking to their promises on protecting the ozone layer.They discuss the unparalleled international unity that swiftly banned the worst of the ozone-destroying chemicals, and ask why we can't come up with a similar solution for manmade climate change. Tom will be meeting the detectives dedicated to hunting down the chemicals that still threaten the ozone layer and come with an enormous cost to the climate.Featuring contributions from:Jonathan Shanklin - Emeritus Fellow, British Antarctic SurveyMatthew Rigby - Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry, University of BristolAlice Bell - Head of Policy: Climate and Health, WellcomeProducer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Assistant Producer: Toby FieldRare Earth is produced in collaboration with the Open University

Travel writer Adam Weymouth and Professor Erica Fudge discuss the incredible comeback of wolves in Europe. Adam shares insights on the journey of a pioneering wolf named Slavc, while Erica explores the historical myths surrounding wolves, including the roots of werewolf tales. They delve into cultural perceptions, the interplay between conservation and farming, and the complexities of human-wolf relationships. Their conversation uncovers both the ecological benefits of wolves and the challenges posed to rural communities, calling for a deeper understanding of these majestic creatures.

Eleanor Barraclough, historian and author, shares insights on the Viking Age's adaptation to Arctic climate changes. Duncan Depledge discusses the geopolitical race for Arctic resources, highlighting interests from the US, Russia, and China. Elder Olufsen, CEO of a mining company in Greenland, weighs in on balancing exploitation with indigenous rights. The discussion intertwines past Norse settlements with today's challenges, stressing the urgency of understanding the effects of climate change on both history and modern geopolitics.

Caroline Lucas, a former Green MP renowned for her environmental advocacy, joins James Murray, editor-in-chief of Business Green, and comedian Stuart Goldsmith, who brings humor to climate discussions. They explore the UK's energy transition, discussing how renewable energy is set to surpass fossil fuels. The conversation dives into climate legislation's impact, the moral responsibility of nations, and the critical link between economic growth and sustainability. With a touch of humor, they share festive sustainable wishes, emphasizing the importance of connections with nature and community in driving climate action.