PODCAST · science
Local Zero
by Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities
Climate action on your doorstep. Dr Jen Roberts, Prof Matt Hannon and Dr Fraser Stewart are your trusted guides to smart local energy and a zero carbon future. Find us at www.localzeropod.com
Episodes
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How is community-centred climate adaptation being nurtured and delivered?
Climate change adaptation is often discussed in terms of plans, policies and infrastructure, but what does it actually take to build climate-resilient communities? In this episode, Jen Roberts and Matt Hannon explore how adaptation is being delivered in practice, the role communities play in...
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What happens when multiple climate change hazards collide?
As our climate changes, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. But what happens when multiple climate hazards occur at the same time—or in quick succession? In this episode, Jen Roberts and Matt Hannon explore the concept of climate hazard stacking and what it means for...
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Dispatches from the grid frontline: How is the UK’s grid expansion impacting communities?
As renewable electricity generation grows and more sectors electrify, the UK needs a bigger and stronger electricity network to transport clean power where it is needed. But what does this unprecedented expansion mean for the communities hosting new grid infrastructure? In this episode, Matt…
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What Do the UK Elections Tell Us About Net Zero?
Public attitudes play a crucial role in shaping climate policy—but what can the May 2026 election results tell us about how people really feel about net zero? In this episode, Matt and Jen reflect on the outcomes of the UK’s devolved administration and local council elections in May 2026 and...
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Coming soon: new episodes of Local Zero
New episodes of Local Zero Podcast are on the way! After a bit of a break, we’re back with fresh conversations—featuring new guests alongside some familiar voices. In the meantime, you can catch up on all past episodes and explore full transcripts on your favourite podcast platform or at...
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Bye for now: a message from team Local Zero
After 113 episodes, reaching 35,000 unique listeners, in 150 countries - the award-winning Local Zero podcast is having to say 'bye for now'. Sadly, we’ve reached a point where continuing to fund production of Local Zero has become a challenge. We are working hard to identify a way forward, and...
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The UK Co-Benefits Atlas: mapping the positive side-effects of reaching net zero
Matt and Fraser explore the UK Co-Benefits Atlas, a new, interactive platform for communicating the co-benefits of reaching net zero across the UK. Co-benefits are the positive changes that could happen as a side-effect of cutting carbon emissions – such as cleaner air, healthier homes, and…
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Van dwelling versus #vanlife: the reality of life on the road
Matt and Fraser hit the road to explore the reality of "van life", going beyond the glossy image often presented on social media. To what extent is van dwelling really a choice, and how easy – or otherwise – is it to live sustainably in a vehicle? This episode is the second in our series focusing...
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Climate change and infrastructures of care
What does it mean to respond to climate change with care? And how might we do a better job of caring for the environment, for each other, and for ourselves? This episode is the first of a series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance of Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL).…
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Adapting our homes and communities to a changing climate
When it comes to climate change in our homes and neighbourhoods, much of the focus has so far been on mitigation – reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. But with the impacts of climate change increasingly tangible, how can we adapt our buildings and infrastructure – as well as our culture and...
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Water scarcity: a growing problem
The UK isn't exactly famous for its dry, sunny weather – and yet, water scarcity is an increasingly widespread and urgent problem. Why? And what are the implications – environmental, economic, and cultural? Jen and Matt explore causes and impacts of water scarcity, with Laura Major, Research…
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Community benefit funds: how can we enhance their impact?
What is good practice for setting up and operating community benefit funds? And how do we make sure communities really do properly benefit from renewable energy (and other) projects? In this episode, Fraser gets the low-down from Matt and Jen on a new framework from the Strathclyde Institute for...
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Climate change adaptation: a primer
Matt and Jen are joined by researcher Dr Emma Yule for a comprehensive primer on climate change adaptation. What is it, and how does it interact with mitigation? What could adaptation look like in practical terms? How do we measure success? What are some of the challenges to effective adaptation…
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Local authorities, community energy and a just transition
How can local authorities collaborate with community energy groups to deliver a just transition? To explore this question, Fraser and Jen – making their co-hosting debut – are joined by Ellie Radcliffe, Project Manager at Carbon Co-op, and Charlotte Norton, Associate Director at The Carbon Trust....
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The Local Power Plan and community energy - with Energy Minister Michael Shanks: FULL EVENT RECORDING
This is a full recording of the event "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE). The event featured a keynote speech from Michael Shanks,...
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The Local Power Plan and community energy - with Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP
Matt and Fraser discuss some of the highlights from our event at Strathclyde Business School, "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE). The…
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Arup's Tom Butterworth
We're all familiar with the concept of Net Zero – but what about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)? Joining Matt and Jen to explain BNG and its implications is Tom Butterworth, Nature Lead at ARUP for the UK, India, the Middle East and Africa. Onward links: Episode 74 with nature writer and journalist...
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A new year for climate action: looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025
As we start the new year, Matt and Jen reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, and share their hopes and expectations – and a few fears – for 2025. Plus: there’s exciting news on the future of the podcast. Links: https://www.localzeropod.com/ Episode 76 – Water, water... everywhere?:...
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Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?
What is shared ownership of energy? What opportunities and challenges does it present, both for communities and private companies? And how might it help accelerate the transition to net zero? Fraser and Matt are joined by Jake Burnyeat, Director of Communities for Renewables CIC, and Jessica…
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What to expect from COP29, following Trump’s victory?
Joining Matt and Jen for a look-ahead to COP29 are Dr Simon Evans, Deputy Editor and Senior Policy Editor at Carbon Brief, and Professor Francesco Sindico, Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Strathclyde Law School and Director of the Climate Change Legal Initiative....
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Episode 100 - four years of Local Zero
It's a landmark episode! Somehow, this is the 100th episode of Local Zero. A big thanks to our listeners, guests, and supporters, without whom, we definitely would not have made it to three figures. One last time, we're joined by our co-host Becky, who has some news to share about her new...
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Waste not, want not: top tips to tackle household food waste
After the unveiling of a new co-host (!!!), and some discussion about recent visits to Orkney and Ayrshire, we are joined on the pod by Laura Young (@LessWasteLaura) and Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland to examine how we can avoid creating unnecessary food waste in the home. Reducing…
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A new dawn for net zero? A forward look at Labour’s plan for government
Matt and Fraser return after a (washout) summer to share their expectations, hopes and any potential concerns about the new Labour government's Net Zero manifesto and policies. There is also an important update on the future of Local Zero. Linkedin - Local Zero Podcast https://www.localzeropod.com
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Election Special with Sir John Curtice and Daisy Powell-Chandler
The long-awaited 2024 General Election is just around the corner - but how important will climate change be in the context of voting intention? Joining Matt and Fraser to discuss this, and analyse the key differences between the manifestos, are Daisy Powell-Chandler from Public First, and Sir…
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Food and farming in a net-zero Scotland
How do agriculture and food production affect climate change and biodiversity, and can we fully decarbonise this industry? Becky, Fraser and Matt are joined by agriculture and environment consultant Keesje Avis, and Mike Robinson, Chief Exec of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and Co-Chair...
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Launch of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities
Matt is joined by Dr Jen Roberts as they share the launch of their brand new institute - the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities, or SISC for short. We hear from some of the attendees and also some selected highlights from the event itself.
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Waste not, want not: leasing, fixing and borrowing to reduce consumption
How to reduce consumption and cut waste, with a focus on re-use and sharing. Joining the Local Zero team are Samantha Moir from Zero Waste Scotland, and Jo Hartga, who runs the Southside Tool Library at South Seeds, a Glasgow charity helping people to live more sustainably.
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Community Benefit Funds - what does success look like?
Matt and Becky return from their Easter breaks to welcome Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, and Fiona Smith, chair of Glenkens and District Trust, to discuss the successes and difficulties of community benefit funds from two different perspectives....
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Harnessing the Power of Open Data
Fraser and Becky (& Becky's dog Kaya!) are joined by Angus Paterson, Electric Vehicles Strategy Senior Officer at Essex County Council, and Joe Ash, Net Zero Associate at UK Power Networks. In this episode we chat about how Essex is harnessing the power of open data to fulfil their net zero...
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Greener Better Living: Finance for the Future
Living Places is a social enterprise focused on funding and delivery of community focused, place-based models for a just net zero transition. Becky and Fraser are joined by their co-founder, Rufus Grantham, to discuss his work in this space. There's a bit of maths and finance - but stick with it!...
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The Fuel Poverty Research Network: Understanding Fuel Poverty
What can we do to tackle fuel poverty more effectively? A busy episode of Local Zero as Matt, Becky and Fraser are joined by Dr Nicola Willand from RMIT University in Melbourne, Professor Lucie Middlemiss from the University of Leeds, and Dr Neil Simcock from Liverpool John Moores University....
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Citizens assemble: participatory approaches for climate action
After catching up on professional and personal news, Matt, Becky and Fraser welcome Rachel Coxcoon to the pod. Rachel, a former councillor and founder/director of Climate Guide, and is currently doing a PHD at Lancaster University. In this episode, we talk about the role of deliberative democracy...
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Every Tree Tells a Story
Matt has very exciting news to share before he and Becky welcome James Bonner from Every Tree Tells a Story to discuss his work. https://everytree.uk/
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Origami Activism - Paperboats, The Arts, and Local Climate Action
Joining Becky and Fraser for the first episode of 2024 are Scotland's Makar (National Poet) Kathleen Jamie, and writer Sandy Winterbottom, who talk to us about 'Paperboats' - a campaign led by Scottish writers, poets and creatives, and about the need to repair the divide between the arts and...
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2023 Wrapped: Local Zero's Festive Review of the Year
Somehow it's that time of the year once again! Becky, Matt and Fraser break down the highlights and lowlights of the year, are joined by Patrick from the production team to pick out their favourite episodes, and there might - MIGHT - be a Future or Fiction in there somewhere! Thank you to you…
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Is your local council a climate leader?
In January this year, Hannah Jewell, then of Climate Emergency UK, joined us to discuss their Council Climate Plan scorecards. Months later, the results are in, and Isaac Beevor joins the pod to discuss how the roll-out went and discuss the key findings. Before this, Matt and Fraser break down a...
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Countdown to the UK General Election - full panel discussion
Recently, we brought you edited highlights from a live panel discussion held in Edinburgh, entitled Countdown to the General Election: Scotland’s next steps to net-zero. This episode is the panel discussion in full, including 10 minutes of opening remarks from Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the...
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The Ashden Awards: celebrating local and sustainable energy
Matt and Fraser welcome Nick Lyth, Founder of Green Angel Ventures, and Stephen Hall, Head of Awards at Ashden. The Ashden Awards are given to organisations and businesses that deliver local, sustainable energy schemes with social, economic and environmental benefits - and this year, Fraser was...
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Countdown to the UK General Election: next steps for net-zero
A different episode format for you this time round - Matt and Fraser dissect the key highlights from a recent live panel discussion in Edinburgh, titled Countdown to the General Election: Scotland’s next steps to net-zero. The next general election is widely expected to take place during 2024....
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Swaffham Prior: Lessons from the UK's first rural heat network
In 2022, Swaffham Prior, a village in East Cambridgeshire, became the first village to develop a rural heat network. Before welcoming Emma Flether, who worked on this project and is now Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Becky and Fraser discuss what we can expect from fuel bills this...
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Making our homes smarter and fairer
Fraser is back, just in time to discuss the recent party conferences - before the team welcome Rachel Mills from Citizens Advice, and Mairi Brookes from Low Carbon Hub, to discuss how soon we can make our homes smarter and faster.
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Low-carbon islands
In 2021, Scottish Government committed to making four Scottish Islands Carbon Neutral by 2040. This was increased to six islands following COP26. The ‘lucky six’ islands selected were Barra, Great Cumbrae, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell – and, to quote the Scottish Government, this would ‘lay the...
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All Aboard the Glasgow Bike Bus
Matt and Becky reveal some very exciting news from the Local Zero team (!) before discussing the logistics of the school commute - and then welcome Camille Warrington from the Shawlands Bike Bus to discuss this movement in more detail.
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2023 so far - a stock take on the UK’s climate ambitions
How is it August already?!... As the summer holidays come to an end, Matt, Becky and Fraser are joined by Local Zero icon Dr Jeff Hardy to discuss both their personal and broader highlights and lowlights of the year so far.
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Hugo Tagholm: Water, water... everywhere?
We can’t live without water, but who controls the supply, and who looks after it, has been a highly debated and contentious issue in the UK, particularly in recent years. Matt, Becky and Fraser catch up on a hefty week of climate-related headlines before welcoming Hugo Tagholm, formerly of…
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Rights Community Action
Why is place-based work so important? For the 75th (!) episode of Local Zero, Becky and a rain-battered Fraser are joined by Naomi Luhde-Thompson, leader of Rights Community Action, to discuss how we can work with communities, not for them. www.rightscommunityaction.co.uk
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How can our gardens protect the environment?
How can we utilise our garden spaces, balconies, window boxes and/or pots to benefit the environment? Matt, Fraser and Becky catch up on all things summer, and discuss their own gardening skills before being joined by Kate Bradbury, an award-winning author and journalist, who specialises in...
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Carbon Offsetting for Communities 4: Empowerment, Enrichment & Impact
What actions could usefully be taken to ensure these projects empower and enrich communities? In the fourth and final episode of our Carbon Offsetting for Communities mini-series, we explore how projects associated with nature-based carbon offsetting positively and negatively impact communities.
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Carbon Offsetting for Communities 3: Ownership, Governance and Finance
How are these carbon offsetting schemes financed and governed, and who actually owns these projects? The third and penultimate episode in our Community Carbon Offsetting mini series features many different voices and perspectives from the event held at the University of Strathclyde in March 2023....
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Decarbonising the UK music industry
The UK music industry contributes billions of pounds to the economy every year, but just how carbon intensive is streaming and touring? Becky and Matt are joined for a fascinating discussion by Lewis Jamieson from Music Declares Emergency, and Carly McLachlan and Christopher Jones from the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Climate action on your doorstep. Dr Jen Roberts, Prof Matt Hannon and Dr Fraser Stewart are your trusted guides to smart local energy and a zero carbon future. Find us at www.localzeropod.com
HOSTED BY
Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Local Zero have?
Local Zero currently has 124 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Local Zero about?
Climate action on your doorstep. Dr Jen Roberts, Prof Matt Hannon and Dr Fraser Stewart are your trusted guides to smart local energy and a zero carbon future. Find us at www.localzeropod.com
How often does Local Zero release new episodes?
Local Zero publishes regularly with 124 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Local Zero?
You can listen to Local Zero on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Local Zero?
Local Zero is created and hosted by Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities.
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