Rare Earth

Over the centuries, bottom-trawling activities have transformed our coastal seas both ecologically and physically, mostly for the worse. As the habitat has declined, so has the success of fisheries. Is it time we said goodbye to bottom trawling? Or can we manage our coastal seas more effectively to protect nature and provide seafood and jobs?Tom Heap and Helen Czerski discuss the issues with a panel of experts.Producer: Emma CampbellAssistant Producer: Toby Field and Christina SinclairRare Earth is a BBC Audio Wales and West production in conjunction with the Open University

Is the rise in global wild fires unstoppable? Helen Czerski and Tom Heap discuss the terrifying march of the flames and search for fresh answers. They're joined by John Vaillant, author of the award-wining exploration of Canada's Fort McMurray disaster, 'Fire Weather' and by Dr Stacey New from the Met Office.Tom and Helen take a look at the ways in which indigenous knowledge is being applied to fire prevention in California and visit the Blodgett Research Forest where experts study the best ways to make America's threatened forests more resilient.They're also joined by Grant Moir of the Cairngorms National Park to discuss new by-laws banning campfires in the area. Do we need to restrict our freedom in the wilderness to protect it for the future? Producer: Alasdair Cross

Can meat ever be environmentally friendly, or do we need better substitutes? Helen Czerski and Tom Heap discuss the cutting edge technology being developed to reduce the carbon cost of our diet.Producer: Emma CampbellAssistant Producer: Toby FieldRare Earth is a BBC Audio Wales and West production in conjunction with the Open University

The podcast explores what to do with aging oil rigs and their unexpected potential for wildlife. Experts discuss the idea of transforming these decommissioned structures into artificial reefs, fostering marine biodiversity. Listeners hear about innovative recycling methods and the ethical dilemmas tied to environmental stewardship. The conversation balances ecological benefits with economic challenges, emphasizing the duality of human impact on marine ecosystems, and raises thought-provoking questions about the future of these colossal remnants of the fossil fuel age.

With the general election now two weeks away, Helen Czerski and Tom Heap take a look at how the environment is featuring on the political agenda. They are joined by a panel of guests: energy and climate commentator Sepi Golzari-Munro; senior policy editor at the independent climate news website Carbon Brief, Simon Evans; Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett; and environment correspondent for BBC News, Matt McGrath. Together they take a look through the manifestos of the main political parties, exploring their policies and pledges when it comes to the environment and wildlife. They ask whether green issues are taking a back seat in this general election compared with previous ones - and if so, why? They examine how the parties are talking about the environment in their campaigning, including the language they're using and how they're positioning environmental concerns in relation to other issues such as healthcare and the cost of living. Do politicians see environmental promises as a vote-winner or a vote-loser? We also hear from the polling organisation YouGov, which has carried out research assessing which issues are most important to voters.Producer: Sarah SwadlingRare Earth is a BBC Audio Wales and West production in conjunction with the Open University.

Nature-writing is going through a renaissance. What started largely with TV tie-ins has evolved into a genre encompassing books about climate change, the countryside, walking, and off-grid living. For Radio 4's new landmark environment and nature series, Rare Earth, presenters Tom Heap and Helen Czerski are joined on-stage at the Hay Festival by Mark Cocker, Philippa Forrester and Chris Thorogood to discuss the purpose of nature-writing, why it's important, and how nature-writing can help shape our understanding of the natural world. Produced by Emma Campbell for BBC Audio Wales and West in conjunction with the Open University Assistant producer: Toby Field

In the first edition of a new series of Rare Earth Tom Heap and Helen Czerski reveal a new phenomenon- 'Greenhushing'. Big corporations that once trumpeted their green credentials are now staying very quiet about the environment. From the left they've been attacked by green zealots eager to expose greenwashing, when their claims don't stand up to scrutiny. Meanwhile from the right any hint of environmental action is condemned as 'woke'. Better, some business advisors believe, to keep quiet about the issue and avoid offending any of their potential customers or falling foul of new regulations.Tom and Helen discover how hotel towels inspired the coining of the term greenwash, by ecologist Jay Westerveld. Moving on to greenhushing, they're joined by business experts and PR gurus to consider the broader impact of business and industry disengaging from the core issue of our time. Solutionist Solitaire Townsend explains why she thinks some greenhushing is a good thing. Tom and Helen take a deep dive into what might be driving greenhushing with the former CEO of French food giant Danone, and now head of the International Sustainability Standards Board, Emmanuel Faber, international trade and sustainability expert Dr Rebecca Harding, and journalist turned PR advisor Piers Scholfield. Producer: Sarah Swadling

Exploring the history of water systems from Victorian sewers to modern super-sewers. Delving into the challenges of restoring river health and the impact of pollution. Discovering the power of water fleas in cleaning up wastewater and the importance of nature-based solutions for river restoration.

Experts Jeremy Werdell from NASA and Jaime Palter from Rhode Island University discuss the oceans' vital role in combating climate change. They explore the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the challenges of enhancing its capacity, and the financial and ethical dilemmas in climate initiatives. The podcast also highlights the fascinating sounds of marine life and the importance of storytelling in connecting humanity with the oceans.

Exploring the challenges politicians face in honoring environmental promises, with insights from Sophie Howe, Tara Singh, and Professor Colin Davis. Discussing the impact of political backtracking on green investments, public willingness towards climate action, and the balance between economic growth and conservation. Delving into the importance of sustainable policies, accountability, and writing letters to future generations to support climate policies.