Planet Possible

In this episode, Niki Roach chats to our expert guests - Jonathon Porritt (author and campaigner) and Niamh Lynch (Just Stop Oil activist and campaigner) who share their insights, motivations, hopes, fears and expectations on climate change.A sobering and insightful listen for anyone who lives on planet Earth. Two campaigners of different generations, they also share their thoughts on inter-generational justice when it comes to climate.Read the UN's 'Limiting Overshoot' report hereFind out more about Jonathon Porritt's new book 'Love, Anger & Betrayal' here Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this episode, Niki Roach is joined by expert guests: Davey Jones - Professor in Environmental Science & Public Health at Bangor University and Dr Helen Howard-Jones - Research Project Manager (Wastewater) at Bangor University. Sewage contains a whole lot of substances and a whole lot of data. Pathogens, pollution, illicit substances... even human DNA. Analysing sewage, detecting what's present in it, tracking and mapping it - this is an emerging science that holds a lot more potential than has yet been harnessed.  First tried back in World War 2, the techniques have modernised and came to the fore during the COVID pandemic. Now, there is an opportunity to collect more data, better analyse it, and create a kind of national health early warning system that is cost effective, and works across the country. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Katie Hargrave-Smith sits in for Niki Roach as host for this August 2026 edition of Planet Possible News - 3 stories making the headlines in water, nature and climate in the UK and around the world. Al Chisholm (Policy, Regulation and Governance lead for Water at ARUP) joins as our expert guest. The three stories being discussed are: The latest UK Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (WFDR) classifications - published by the Environment Agency - have been released. These stats are published every 6 years and tell us the quality of water bodies in the UK. Al gives his analysis. UK Drought - what are the patterns underneath the heatwave dry summer we have experienced in the UK and what does it tell us about the pace of climate change (and our pace of adaptation in response)? Plus, why have the new terms "flash drought" and "whiplash weather" had to be coined? El Niño - what is it, what are the latest predictions of the scale and impact of this iteration... why are financial markets and hedge funds hopeful of making profit out of it... and what does this all say about climate justice? Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Welcome to the first of two 'Best Of' compilation episodes we will make this year (one in the summer and one at Christmas).  This collection of highlights covers the first half of 2026, and features some incredible guests.  A great chance to catch-up on some of our most-listened-to, and most-talked-about, episodes that you may have missed first time around. The three guests featured here are... Mónica Feria-Tinta - the "Barrister for the Earth" who has moved the law forward by representing the interests of indigenous populations, coastal communities, and even nature and the climate themselves, in international courts of law. A fascinating discussion on how the law is changing, and how that could enable breakthroughs on environmental progress. Vincent Lee (ARUP) - a native New Yorker who has worked on some of the most ambitious projects in the Big Apple, that have attempted (and succeeded) in enabling the city to become more sustainable, work more with nature and water... and be better adapted to (and prepared for) climate change. Lizzie Frost - a UK water professional at Anglian Water, giving her honest reaction to the Channel 4 docudrama 'Dirty Business' which portrayed a challenging depiction of the UK water sector, and its environmental performance. We hope you enjoy this look back at some of the best bits of 2026, so far. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Vast kelp beds once supported a wondrous diversity of marine life, off the coast of Sussex in the UK. They filtered the water, protected the coast from storms and supported local fisheries. By the mid-1980s, 96% of Sussex kelp had disappeared. However, there is an ambitious project underway to bring it back.  This is an example of rewilding - an approach that can enable progress in the face of today’s biggest global issues, from biodiversity loss to the climate crisis. In this episode host Niki is joined by two expert guests. Rebecca Wrigley (CEO, Rewilding Britain) and George Short (Sussex Kelp Recovery Project), to discuss rewilding as a concept... and see how it works in action. By understanding the case study of taking a nature-led approach to the recovery of kelp beds, off the Sussex coast. In this episode, topics discussed include: - What rewilding is and how it can offer a "buy one - get five free" list of additional benefits. - How the Sussex kelp beds got so degraded, and what the process is to enable them to recover. - Early signs of hope in the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, and the emotional impact they have had on the passionate delivery team. - How rewilding can work, at both vast and tiny scales, enabling anyone to get involved. - A fascinating provocation for those living in the British Isles, to get more in touch with an island mentality (and how that could help environmental progress). Find out more about Rewilding Britain here Find out more about the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project here Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Originally published in June 2025, this interview with one of the UK's most influential voices on nature - Tony Juniper - is well worth a revisit. In this episode, host Niki and Tony discuss: - How there can be a "both and" approach to nature and economy, not an "either or". - The scale of the challenge facing the planet, and what can be done. - The vital roles of media, and culture, in enabling people and politics to make the changes necessary. - How environmental challenges and inequality are linked, (and how addressing one helps the other). - Where there is hope, and what people listening can do (plus how they can influence people in power to do more). (The original episode has been abridged with some time-specific references removed). Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Guy Thompson is an expert in clean energy transition, nature positive economy and environmental policy and regulation, having worked at Natural England, Wessex Water and EnTrade (environmental market/credits startup).  In this episode, he discussed with Niki the challenges facing the new Burnham-led government, particularly in terms of addressing the root causes of environmental issues, as opposed to addressing the symptoms with surface-level policy tweaks. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this episode of Planet Possible News, Emily Blaney and Niki Roach discuss:  - Extreme weather becoming the new norm in the UK. - Whether water-saving campaigns work? - and why do animal "characters" go viral, without the wider environmental message connecting? Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Our climate is changing. When it rains, it’s often more frequent, heavier and likely to cause flooded roads, gardens or even properties. In this episode, we explore how we can create homes, cities and infrastructure that can cope with these changing rainfall patterns. Niki is joined by expert and subject champion, CIWEM’s Director of Policy and Projects - Paul Shaffer, and Cristina Refolo - Founding Director of Refolo Landscape Architects. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this episode, we explore how the change in our climate is likely to change the economics of free resources, as well. Niki is joined by Adam Lovell - Executive Director at The Water Services Association of Australia, and Karma Loveday - Water sector journalist and Founder and Editor, at The UK Water Report.   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

David Shukman is shocked. Both at the climate change induced extremes that Britain now faces... and the nation's lack of preparedness. In his new book 'The Response - A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain's New World of Extremes' makes the argument that things are probably worse than we think... but also that there's more than can be done than we realise. David joins host Niki to discuss his new book, the research behind it and the future that could lie ahead. You can buy David’s book here… https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/210672/david-shukman     Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this episode of Planet Possible News, Niki is joined by Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East & the Isle of Axholme. The topics being discussed are: -The UK national water safety campaign. - The hidden human health costs for the decline of bees. - News that the UK government has set a target of 87% of a cut in carbon emissions, by 2042. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Guests and themes: New ways to fund nature-based solutions at a catchment scale with Jonathan Moxon from The Aire Resilience Company Tim Armour & Johnny Phillips from United Utilities show Niki a variety of projects designed to make Liverpool more flood resilient Garden Designer Leon Davis on making rainwater management in gardens more effective and beautiful Mary Long-Dhonau OBE on the latest tech that homeowners and renters can use to prepare for, stop and recover from flooding Tor Coombes (Leicestershire County Council) on how flood risk management is done best at local authority level   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Niki Roach is joined by Steve Elderkin - Director of Environmental Sustainability for National Highways and Evan Bowen-Jones, Chief Executive - Kent Wildlife Trust and MD of Wilder Carbon, co-founder of Rebuilding Nature. In this episode, our guests speak to Niki about a visit to the Netherlands to see how the Dutch were delivering on their nature objectives. Inspired by what they learnt, they went on to develop a similar approach in the UK through the launch of the Strategic Nature Network. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

'Dirty Business' is a Channel 4 docudrama, released a few weeks ago, that focuses on England's water companies and sewage spills.  The docudrama reported on real life dramas that have surrounded the water industry over the last five years.  Environment harm, sewage spills, pollutions, and customerscommunities saying that these are no longer acceptable.  Lizzie Frost and host Niki discuss their reactions, and reflect on the programme. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Planet Possible News - once a month an environmental expert joins Niki to highlight 3 big recent news stories in climate, nature and water from around the world. This month's guest is George Wade, co-Founder and COO of Zevero (helps companies calculate their carbon footprint) and blogger behind the Grumpy Optimists (collates climate positive news) Find out more about Zevero here Find out more about The Grumpy Optimists here Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

The winners of the sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge, part of the OFWAT £600 million Water Innovation Fund, have just been announced. In this episode, Hannah Muirhead joins Niki to discuss some of winners. Together, they highlight the emerging themes in innovation in the UK water sector, and some of the most exciting concepts. Find out more about the OFWAT Innovation Fund here Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Jim Tan is CEO of Kuzuko Private Game Reserve, which has connected and rewilded 35,000 acres of un-economic and over-farmed areas in the Eastern Cape of South Africa since 2001. In this episode you’ll hear how Kuzuko is now a thriving wildlife reserve home to elephants, buffalos, lions and three of South Africas 9 biomes. Kuzuko has enabled local flora and fauna to re-populate huge swathes of land whilst providing a significant boost to the economy of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The project is also sequestering 1.5 million tonnes of carbon each year through the planting of 26 million cuttings of spekboom. Importantly, the principles pioneered here could be used in other locations around the world to provide environmental recovery that is investable. To find out more about Kuzuko, click here For weekly updates on the latest episodes of Planet Possible sign up to our mailing list    Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this week’s episode, we dig into soils - both literally and metaphorically. Soils aren’t really visible to us, but they underpin every single life system on planet earth. Soil is one of our most important carbon sinks, critical to water, home to 60% of all bio-diversity and helping to produce 98% of our food. In this episode, Niki goes on location to a soil-progressive farm where Yorkshire Farmer, Paul Temple, is managing his soils a little differently and she is joined by Expert co-host, Ellen Fay, Founder and Executive Director of the Sustainable Soils Alliance.   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Each month Planet Possible News will bring you an update on the latest big environmental stories. Host Niki will be joined by an expert guest to discuss recent events in climate, nature and water. In this episode... Climate adaptation in the UK - what's coming in terms of reports, policy and progress How the Iran conflict is impacting the environment Crisis management - are extreme weather and flood warnings being communicated effectively? Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Niki is joined by Amandeep Kaur Maan, Founder of EcoSikh UK and Mumin Islam, a water industry leader with a passion for water demand management, equity, diversity and environmental and social justice to explore the relationship between faith, culture and our environment. Both guests have worked on the delivery of a groundbreaking project with Cambridge Central Mosque - the first 'eco Mosque' in the UK - and the conversation covers: The opportunities for conversations about environmental sustainability and water demand management through the lenses of faith and culture. Where Mumin and Amandeep see organisations that are getting this right - and what we can learn from these experiences. What needs to be in place to enable stronger relationships that deliver meaningful change for our environment.   Find out more about the projects and organisations discussed in todays episode in the links below. https://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/media/ykypg2ho/water-efficiency-in-faith-and-diverse-communities-final-report.pdf https://cambridgecentralmosque.org/environment/ https://ecosikhukdotorg.wordpress.com/ https://waterwise.org.uk/project/wefdc-toolkit/   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Monica Feria-Tinta is a lawyer based in England and Wales but with an international outlook . She has a passion for, and a world-leading expertise in, representing climate, nature, water and indigenous peoples in high-profile legal cases.  In this episode she discusses: how she was the first lawyer to bring climate claims to court successfully. her famous work with indigenous people around the world. why she believes, eventually, rivers will have statutory protection in the UK. why the law needs to move from its previously anthropocentric focus, towards an environmentally inclusive approach. Monica Feria-Tinta's new book 'A Barrister for the Earth' is out now. Click here to find out more. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

New York City is the most densely populated city in the USA and, famously the "concrete jungle" of all those famous movies and TV shows. Surrounded by water on 3 sides and with old infrastructure, how does the Big Apple cope with rising sea levels, pressure on water quality and very little room for nature? Vincent worked on high profile projects like Hunter's Point and Little Island - pairing beautiful design with futureproof sustainability functions. Sarah was involved in a decades long project to lower the levels of nutrients in the water surrounding Manhattan. Both native New Yorkers, what are their professional and personal takes on how New York is doing? Are there lessons for other cities around the world? Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Al Chisholm is CIWEM's Director of Policy, though he will be soon be leaving to take on a new role at a different organisation.  In his last appearance on the podcast in his current role, he gives his thoughts on 3 big current nature, climate and water news stories. Niki and Alastair discuss:  The new strategic policy statement for the Environment Agency and Natural England. How citizen science is being carried out in one of London’s rivers. The National Emergency briefing. Find out more about the stories Niki and Al discussed here... Strategic Policy Statement Citizen Science Project National Emergency Briefing   Join the Planet Possible mailing list to hear first about new episode releases… Click here to subscribe  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

The King’s Foundation, founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1990, was inspired by his philosophy of Harmony: that by understanding the balance, order and relationships between ourselves and the natural world, we can create a more sustainable future. Niki heads to Dumfries House, home of The King’s Foundation, to see how the concept of Harmony comes to life.  Hear from Dr Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Education at the Foundation about the impacts both locally and internationally of the work happening on site and how the principle of interconnectedness is at the heart of their work. The episode accompanies the recent release of Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision - available now on Prime Video. Find out more here.  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

On this MiniPod episode, Niki Roach is joined by The Guardian’s Biodiversity correspondent - Phoebe Weston. Together, they discuss: 1) Why honey bees aren’t necessarily good for ecosystems and the Italian island that’s banned them. 2) China’s carbon dioxide emissions fall by 1% in the final quarter of 2025. 3) And a radical project in Belgium that’s turning off street lights to preserve wildlife. Thanks to our sponsors BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment for their support of Planet Possible. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

To meet future water demands we will have to embrace water reuse and advanced water recycling. What's possible? What's best practice? What do the public think? Traditionally there has been a public perception challenge over reusing water (the so-called "yuck factor") - how do we get past that?The UK is just starting to really get going on water reuse, while in the USA they're further ahead. So, in this episode we talk to experts on both sides of the pond to get the latest thinking...UK Experts:Simon Langley from MWH Treatment and Heather Smith from Cranfield UniversityUS Experts:Paul Pitt and Gaya Ram Mohan from Hazen and Sawyer  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

The Planet Possible MiniPod focuses on big current stories in climate, water and nature, providing a detailed update in just 15 mins. Our guest on this episode is Lee Pitcher, the Labour MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water. Water is firmly in the spotlight in the UK, with recent supply outages in the South East Water region making headlines. Alongside this, and following last year's Cunliffe Review, the government has published a white paper called 'A New Vision For Water'.Lee, who previously worked in the water sector before becoming an MP, joins host Niki Roach to unpack both of these topics. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this month’s Planet Possible, Niki Roach is joined by Ruth Chambers OBE - a Senior Fellow at Green Alliance, and honorary professor of practice at the UCL Centre for law and the environment.Ruth, and host Niki, metaphorically travel around the nations of the UK - identifying what will be making the headlines in UK environmental policy, in 2026.In Wales, the Environmental Governance Bill will be a new legislation allowing future Welsh governments to set long-term environmental targets.The Environment Minister of Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir, has outlined how environmental governance is currently operating, highlighting implementation.The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill - Introduces statutory environmental targets that politicians will be required to meet in the future.The UK Government has added 13 new deliverables, expanding the scope and ambition of environmental action at UK-wide level. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Our last Minipod of 2025 welcomes John Curtin, the president of CIWEM. John joins Niki Roach in this 15 minute episode, to discuss the following 3 current stories in Water, Climate and Nature:Infrastructure Risks - How should we approach building new infrastructure in a world shaped by climate change, and shifting environmental issues and politics? And how do we move beyond short-term fixes and improve our acceptance of the need to build for 2050 and beyond?A piece of research, supported by the natural science foundation of China, shows a new technique that could let us generate electricity from water in an entirely new way. With the potential to scale, and real promise for countries with large water masses, such as the UK.John Curtin explains the new CIWEM presidential theme of “Green Roots, Growing Prosperity” policy and why protecting the environment, and growing the economy, don’t have to be opposing forces despite how they’re often framed in politics and the media.  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this month’s Planet Possible, we’re going beyond the specifics of COP30 and reflect on the shifting geo politics of climate leadership, and what it could mean for our future generations.Niki Roach is joined by two experts in this field - Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow, a Political Economist with a focus on the Asia specific region, and Professor of International Politics at the University of Leeds - Richard Beardsworth.Together, they discuss:COP30 - The climate change conference that has just taken place in Brazil,  why it matters so much and the context in which it’s happening, as emissions continue to rise.  How are the road maps going to be implemented, and where are the delivery on targets that have been set for the countries in attendance?China - The world’s largest emitter and how its leadership responds to those emissions. The country is also the largest investor in renewables, and the largest manufacturer of clean technology.The challenges around a just transition here in the UK, from fossil fuels, and the political recognition required regarding how difficult it will be to move towards a greener future. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this MiniPod episode, Niki is joined by freelance environmental journalist Jo Caird, whose portfolio includes Editor of The Environment Magazine - a CIWEM publication.They discuss:1) Using geoengineering to repair the climate, and how the technology has the potential to adjust global temperatures. The process of solar radiation modification could see injecting aerosol compounds and potential refreezing of the arctic.2) The unprecedented drought impacting Tehran, Iran, where the main source of drinking water for residents is at risk of running dry within a matter of weeks. 9 million people may need to be evacuated from the city.3) The Tropical Forests Forever Facility - The facility’s mission is to protect tropical forests for indigenous peoples and future generations. It will create long-term financial stability for countries that commit to lasting forest protection, linking economic opportunity with conservation. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

On this month’s Planet Possible, Niki is joined by co-host Polly Cook - Chief Officer for Climate, Energy and Green Spaces at Leeds City Council. And for our deep dive interview, on this episode into Heat Networks, Niki and Polly are joined by David Riley - Head of Carbon and Climate Adaptation within Anglian Water and Michael Avant Smith - Senior VP for Decarbonisation at BMA. This Episode is an introduction to Heat Networks and a look at an innovative plan to harness waste heat from sewers: We’re going to hear about the innovative TORCH Project which is a research and development initiative focused on assessing, and promoting, the viability of recovering heat from urban sewer systems in the UK. It aims to address the current evidence gap and de-risk the concept for wider adoption.   We find out: • What TORCH stands for and what’s it aiming to achieve and by when.• What’s going to happen in practice.• How far along the project is and who’s involved.• What makes it so innovative.• If successful, what scaling looks like and what the enablers, and barriers, are to implementation. As we think about the energy mix we want in the UK, moving forwards, heat networks could play a really interesting role.   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

The stories on this week's Minipod are:Finnish researchers have been exploring what happens when we bring a little more wild back into our everyday lives. Their “rewilding” experiment shows the link between increasing our nature exposure and better microbiome biodiversity.There’s good news, and perhaps some not so good news, about renewables. Solar power has now been the largest source of new electricity globally for three years in a row. Some nations are increasing their reliability on fossil fuels. However, solar prices have fallen making it more much accessible for lower income countries.Why the changing migration routes for birds, once defined seasons, are bending, shifting north, skipping stops they’ve made for centuries. Each altered flight path is a living chart of how fast habitats are shrinking and ecosystems are changing.Show Notes:Read the BBC article on renewable energy hereRead the Guardian article on bird migration here Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Lord Zac Goldsmith has been a voice for environmental issues throughout his political career. He has held vital positions of power in government that have made him able to move the needle on climate and nature. His insights take us inside the cabinet meetings, international negotiations and global summits where progress can be encouraged and delivered... but also stifled.In this wide-ranging interview he talks candidly about:His opinion on current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's desire to repeal the Climate Change ActWhy he felt he had to resign from the Rishi Sunak-led Conservative government over a move away from green issuesHow he judges the current UK government to be doing on climate, nature and waterWhat the biggest global challenges are and how to solve themHow - done right - governments and campaigners can work together to bring about meaningful changeWhat he thinks lies behind the current trend for right-leaning political parties to de-prioritise the environmentWhy he believes it is possible for us to make the progress we need to on the environment  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Emma Reynolds has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK. How will she sort through all the recent reports and reviews into the highly contentious future of the water sector in the UK? What actions will she take from the various recommendationsThere is drought in many parts of the UK. Should it be water companies that decide (and announce) when things like hosepipe bans are implemented or could there be a better process?What are Sponge Cities? How has China had so much success with them and should the approach be replicated in other parts of the world?Host Niki Roach and CIWEM Director of Policy Al Chisholm discuss all of the above current issues in this month's Planet Possible MiniPod.If you want to find out more about the 'A Fresh Water Future Conference' in December, visit:www.ciwem.org/events/a-fresh-water-future-conference-2025 Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

This episode explores Niki's visit to Havant Thicket, the first new reservoir to be built in the UK, in 30 years.Niki spoke to Terry Fuller from Future Water, Robert Taylor CEO of Portsmouth Water and other key members of the delivery team about this ambitious project.The site is owned by Portsmouth Water, who will store and supply Southern Water, as part of a water cooperative.Once complete, the site will hold 9 billion litres of water and will serve 160,000 customers. It’s also the first of ten further reservoirs that are planned to be built across the country, in the next 20 years.The project balances the difficult trade-offs, such as loss of ancient woodland, against major rewilding, habitat restoration, and reduced pressure on water supply.As a sustainability lead project and with a collaboration focus between water companies and environmental groups, the huge build plans to leave a strong legacy of education, recruitment, training, and a new recreational space for the local community.  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In this month's MiniPod, we're joined by CIWEM President Hannah Burgess and we discuss...1. The consultation on how flood funding is awarded and how that opens the door to more voluntary groups, and environmental NGOs, directly accessing funding.2. The news that a global plastics treaty is being debated, alongside some ideas for individual actions.3. We also consider the updated national sustainable drainage standards which should drive more consistency in what's delivered. Useful LinksJoin our mailing list to be the first to hear about new episodes - http://eepurl.com/i7VmiA Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Have we reached an important positive tipping point where more people than ever of power and influence want to talk about - and take action on - the challenges facing our planet in climate, nature and water?It certainly seems to us - making this podcast - that more people want to talk about environmental issues, and we want to play our part by amplifying planet positive messages both from people of real influence... and people making real progress.In this episode we bring you a collection of interviews. First up, two new conversations, recorded at Northumbrian Water's Innovation Festival in Newcastle, with George Clarke (architect and TV presenter on Channel 4) and Simon Reeve (TV adventurer and author).Plus, we revisit some of our most powerful conversations from the last 12 months, including...Chris Packham talking about biodiversity and his call-to-action for all individuals wanting to help the planetDr Roz Savage MP explains how her own passion for nature led her to lead the Climate & Nature BillSue Jefferson from Circular Molton and Norton talks about how she is making huge progress on making the circular economy a reality at a local scale. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

We're joined by Adam Bedford - Collaborative Projects Director at FERA Science, in this month’s MiniPod and we discuss...1. The news that more than 80% of famers are worried about the climate crisis harming their livelihood.2. A group of British, Ukrainian and Dutch engineers trying to rebuild Ukraine as efficiently and sustainably as possible, by recycling the rubble from bombed buildings to make new concrete.3. We also consider the impact of the recent final report, from the Independent Water Commission, on our farming communities and agriculture.Useful LinksRead The Guardian’s article on UK farmers, and their worries about the climate crisis https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/02/farmers-climate-crisis-livelihood-extreme-weather-studyThe Times article on the smart way to rebuild Ukraine can be read https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/smart-way-rebuild-recycle-rubble-mbbhgdl32Find the Independent Water Commission review of the water sector https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-water-commission-review-of-the-water-sectorJoin our mailing list to be the first to hear about new episodes - http://eepurl.com/i7VmiA Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

The Cunliffe Review has just been published and proposes massive change to the UK water sector.  What are the headlines? Are the recommendations right? Do they go far enough? What are the implications for the water companies, campaigners, the general public... and the bigger picture of climate, nature and the environment as a whole?CIWEM's Director of Policy Al Chisholm and host Niki Roach give their expert analysis. Read the summary report hereRead the full report herePlanet Possible is supported by BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Nature is in decline across the UK. 2023 data shows the abundance of terrestrial and freshwater species has on average fallen by 19% across the UK since 1970. Yet working with nature may be part of the answer to reversing this decline.  As the Environment Agency release a new position statement on nature-based solutions, we’re joined by their Director of Water, Helen Wakeham and the CEO of the Rivers Trust, Mark Lloyd.Hear Helen and Mark discuss the rationale behind sharing their position on these types of solutions and what role they have to play in the environment we want to nurture.  We explore whether they can be seen as greenwash and if the wider value of these solutions is really accounted for by our current regulations.  And we discuss the challenge of insufficient performance data making it difficult to confidently allow wider scale adoption.  There are seeds of positivity as we consider how taking a catchment-view could enable some bold decisions that leave a positive legacy for our environment.As ever, find out what Helen and Mark both want to make possible with the Planet Possible Magic Wand.Read the new position statement on Nature-based Solutions. (Launched 17th July '25)Join our mailing list to head first about the latest episodes.Thanks to our sponsors BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment for supporting Planet Possible. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

We're joined by The Guardian newspaper Biodiversity Reporter, Phoebe Weston in this months MiniPod and we discuss...The news that water contamination by forever chemicals from an airport in eastern France has resulted in 3000 vulnerable residents unable to drink their tap water.A groundbreaking tree-planting programme that is uniting farmers and rewilders in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.UK data shows 60% of adults think climate and the environment are important issues – we’ll explore the role of the media in portraying these topics responsibly.Useful LinksRead Phoebe's article on ghost woodlands and rewilding hereRead the Office of National Statistics – public and business attitudes to environment and climate change 2024 survey hereJoin our mailing list to be the first to hear about new episodes - click here to sign up Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

For many in the environment sector the name Tony Juniper is synonymous with the defence of nature. He has led major organisations, run global campaigns and advised at the highest levels, including co-authoring  ‘Harmony’ with His Majesty King Charles II. He was recently re-appointed as the Chair of Natural England and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. In our June episode we explore how we achieve the pace and scale of change that is needed to create a system that meets the needs of people thriving on a living planet - and what still gives Tony hope.Find out more about Just Earth, Tony's latest book hereSubscribe to email alerts to hear first about the latest Planet Possible episodes. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Niki is joined by Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme and Chair of the APPG on Water. Prior to being an MP has spent his career building partnerships across the water sector and this episode we’re talking about…The threat of drought across the UK this summer as April temperatures were the 3rd warmest since records began.The Water Safety Bill – as a new MP this is Lee’s first Bill to pass through parliament, we hear why it's so important and why it's not already part of legislation.The Climate Change Committee progress report that states the UK is not prepared for the impact of climate change.Planet Possible is support by BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment.Join the Planet Possible mailing list and be the first to hear about new episodes... Join HereShow NotesWater Safety BillClimate Change Committee report Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Jeannette Henderson, co-lead for Innovation at Ofwat shares some of the winners of the latest round of funding from the 5th Water Breakthrough Challenge.Hear some of the projects that are embracing drones, robotics and AI as Ofwat share £42m across 16 projects aiming to radically innovate within the water sector in England and Wales.Jeanette shares how Ofwat are working with other regulators to also drive  innovation in the way they regulate.Finally find out what the future holds for the Innovation Fund, aiming to share £600m across by 2030.Find out more about the 16 winning projects here: waterinnovation.challenges.org Planet Possible is sponsored by BMA, Macklay and MWH Treatment Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Main interview guest: Natalie Bennett - Green Party Peer, Baroness Bennett of Manor CastleExpert co-host: Michael Mattle - Head of Wastewater Technology at Holinger We're exploring how biocides – human-made chemicals that we find in products like surface cleaners and toothpastes – are impacting the microbiomes in our bodies and our environmental systems. In 2025 Green Party Peer, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, Natalie Bennett, brought a private members bill to Westminster to regulate the use of these chemicals in consumer products intended for human consumption.  We hear what Biocides are, where we'll find them and why Natalie is pushing for a legislative change to regulate their use. Co-host Michael Mattle, Head of Wastewater Technology at Hollinger reflects on what happens to these chemicals after use when they're released into the environment and explains how Switzerland has radically changed their approach to wastewater treatment, pushing beyond EU standards, to remove these types of chemicals.SponsorsPlanet Possible is grateful to Mackley, Business Modelling Applications & MWH Treatment for their support.Show NotesYou can read more about Natalie's thinking in her latest book - Change Everything.Hear more on the specifics of Lake Geneva from Michael Mattle in this Guardian podcast. Join our mailing listTo be first to hear about the latest episodes click here to join our mailing list.   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

In today's episode we’re focusing on water that’s used by businesses, which makes up 30% of all the water that’s supplied in England. Join Sarah McMath, CEO of MOSl as we explore the challenges of needing to deliver an extra 5 billion litres of water each day into supply by 2050 and the opportunities - and challenges - presented by commercial water demand.We explore...Smart metering for business customers and the current lack of data to understand how much water they're using - and when.News that Amazon, Microsoft and Google are planning to build hundreds of data centres across the globe, including in areas of water scarcity.The opportunities to bring more diverse voices into the water sector to help tackle some of the challenges it faces over the next 10 years.Planet Possible is supported by BMA, Mackley and MWH Treatment Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

25% of all the water that comes into our homes is flushed down the toilet. By 2050, we’re going to need an extra 5 billion litres of water a day - almost a third more - available in 25 years.This increased need for water is driven by a growing population, new homes and a water hungry economy and there's an opportunity to reduce our demand for the highest quality drinking water by using an alternative for things like flushing the toilet and watering the garden. So in todays episode we explore whether harvesting rainwater and using it in our homes could be part of the solution to closing the 5 billion litre shortfall.  You'll hear from George Warren, from Anglian Water, who's driving the 'Enabling Water Smart Communities' project to see how rainwater and water reuse in new housing developments can be scaled up.  Niki's co-host is Tom Chance, the CEO of the Community Land Trust Network,  representing community-led affordable housing projects - who shares the wider landscape around building new homes - and how rainwater harvesting could be included.SponsorsPlanet Possible is grateful to Mackley, Business Modelling Applications & MWH Treatment for their support. Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland

Welcome to our March MiniPod - a monthly update where we're joined by an expert guest & we react to current events in water, climate and nature - all in about 15 minutes.In this episode we're joined by Dave Slater, Regional Director for Natural England for the South West of England, and we explore...Whether beavers are a force for good after the news that the UK Government has announced its commitment to reintroducing beavers into the wild. The creation of the Western Forest – the first new national forest in 30 years.How  we ensure nature has an enduring impact and changes – like the ones above – aren’t forced on people.Planet Possible is grateful to Atkins Réalis for supporting the podcast.Want to find out more about the topics in the show? Click the links below...https://connectingtheculm.com/https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/our-conservation-work/on-land/penwith-landscape-partnershiphttps://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-foresthttps://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/beaver-wild-release-a-milestone-for-nature-recovery-in-england/https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2024/06/PWS-statsnotice-20jun24-FINAL.pdf  Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland