Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute

We know you often ask ‘if there’s a Zombie Apocalypse, how on Earth will we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?’. So, we have recorded a special double 🧟‍♂️ episode addressing this very question! The brilliant Jack Dinham (UG, Meliora producer & editor) and I discuss our nerdy love for dystopian Sci-fi and fantasy, explore the sustainability metaphors surrounding zombie culture, and determine whether a zombie apocalypse would be net positive or negative for the SDGs, or perhaps the World’s End 🌍. We even have a scoring system with the results in episode 2. Jack’s research for this episode is amazing!We hope you enjoy this light-hearted, popular-culture focused, off-beat and alternative entry point for addressing the SDGs, which is all for The Greater Good 🦢Just in case you don’t, Jack and I are off to The Winchester, to have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over……. 🧟‍♀️🍺🧟‍♂️Episode zombies: Jack Dinham and Simon KempProducer & Editor: Jack DinhamThis episode is for Lily Killner and Sophie Green

We're thrilled to welcome the wonderful Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of the EAUC and one of the true leaders of the Sustainability Education sector onto the Meliora Podcast!  In this episode we chat about Charlotte's passion for sustainability, how a chance encounter about bike storage changed her life, and every stage in her hugely impactful sustainability career.Charlotte is someone I've worked with for well over a decade, and is one of the most impactful, strategic and supportive sustainability leaders I know.  Chief Executive of EAUC since early 2023, Charlotte is responsible for the strategic leadership of the organisation, supported by the brilliant EAUC team and over fifteen years’ leadership experience across membership and tertiary education organisations, with a focus on business development, transformational engagement and policy and advocacy.We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it!Guest: Charlotte BonnerHost: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Ellie Howell 

We are delighted to welcome the excellent Bronwyn Lee, Consultant at Oil Spill Response Ltd onto the podcast to learn about she has managed to build a sustainability career as a recent Masters graduate.Bronwyn discusses her early love for the marine environment and how that has guided her trajectory throughout her education and employment.  We also discuss the important work provided by OSRL in mitigating impacts on the marine environment from accidents in the oil industry.Guest: Bronwyn Lee, OSRLHost: Prof Simon Kemp, University of Southampton Producer: Ellie HowellEditor: Jack Dinham

Michelle Papayannakos is a widely recognized and highly respected leader in the sustainability world, and someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for.  With a career that spans the media (BBC, Paramount), rail industry, safety, and Market Analysis working at a senior strategic level we hear from Michelle about her journey from studying Environmental Science at the University of Southampton, getting that first role, the importance of authenticity, and how to develop a high-impact long-term career that really makes a difference to the world.  We're delighted to have Michelle as a guest on the Meliora podcast and we hope you enjoy this episode.Guest: Michelle PapayannakosHost: Prof Simon KempProducer: Ellie HowellEditor: Mya Harvey

We are delighted to welcome Sarah Misselbrook, Director of the award-winning not-for-profit Riba Rocks association in Catalunya, Spain to this episode of the Meliora podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton.In this episode Sarah tells us all about her background in art and journey in sustainability, the challenges of growing her inspirational association away from her home in Southampton, and ultimately how Riba Rocks won the prestigious 'Best Festival for Contribution to Sustainability' award at the Iberian Festival Awards!Guest: Sarah MisselbrookHost: Prof Simon KempProducers: Ellie Howell and Mya HarveyEditor: Ellie Howell

Welcome to the second part of 'Sport and Sustainability' with Emily Cole, where we continue our chat exploring the complexity, joy, challenges and wellbeing benefits in this fascinating area of sustainability on this episode of the Green Gown Award winning Meliora podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton.In this two-part episode, Emily expands on a lecture she gave on our 'Global Sustainability Challenges' module where she discusses sporting events, sportswashing, the wellbeing benefits of sport and so many other angles!Relax and we hope you enjoy the final part of the episode!Guest: Emily ColeHost: Simon KempProducers: Jack Dinham and Mya HarveyEditors: Mya Harvey and Ellie Howell

We are joined again by Sustainability Teaching Fellow, PhD student and regular Meliora guest Emily Cole to discuss the complexity, joy and challenges in sport and sustainability on this episode of the Green Gown Award winning Meliora podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton.In this two-part episode, Emily expands on a lecture she gave on our 'Global Sustainability Challenges' module where she discusses sporting events, sportswashing, the wellbeing benefits of sport and so many other angles!Relax and we hope you enjoy the first part of the episode!Guest: Emily ColeHost: Simon KempProducers: Jack Dinham and Mya HarveyEditors: Mya Harvey and Ellie Howell

The Social Impact Lab, hosted by the Meliora podcast, is delighted to be joined by Steve Fleming MBE to discuss the inspirational work of Kick4Life F.C., a football club dedicated to social change.  Kick4Life is a multi-award-winning charity and social enterprise using the power of sport to transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho, helping to promote long-term sustainable development in the Mountain Kingdom.https://www.kick4life.org/Episode guest: Steve Fleming MBE, Kick4Life F.C.Episode host: David Light, Social Impact Lab Director University of SouthamptonEpisode producer: Ali Walker, Digital Media Developer, Faculty of Social SciencesEpisode editor: Jack Dinham, Meliora podcast intern

The Meliora podcast is delighted to share that we have partnered with the Social Impact Lab (SIL) at the University of Southampton to release episodes all about their wonderfully transformative work.  In this introductory episode we chat with the SIL Director David Light to find out all about their work, the history of SIL from its formation by our much missed friend Prof Pathik Pathak, and David's fascinating career journey.Join us for future SIL episodes, starting with an episode all about the inspirational Kick4Life progamme.Guest: David Light, Director of the Social Impact Lab University of SouthamptonHost: Prof Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability and Resilience Institute, University of SouthamptonProducer: Ali Walker, Digital Media Developer Faculty of Social SciencesEditor: Jack Dinham, Meliora podcast Intern

We are delighted to be joined by the brilliant Rebecca Kinge and Izzy Sargent of the Southampton Climate Action Network (SoCAN) to discuss the crucial work they and community collective colleagues are conducting across the city of Southampton. Although climate focused in the name, their work addresses all the different dimensions of sustainability and this episode explores this through a local community action group.We also get to learn about the sustainability journeys of both Rebecca and Izzy, showing how different peoples paths can be, but how they can end at a convergence point that makes the best of personal skills and experience.If you would like to learn more, please visit these pages:Local is the New Global film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOs5T-R2p8kSouthampton National Park City - https://southampton-national-park.comSo Collective Climate Futures - http://www.socollective.org.uk/Imagine-Climate-Friendly-FuturesSoCAN calendar of events - https://www.sotoncan.org.uk/calendar/Transition Southampton Repair Café - https://transitionsouthampton.org/projects-repair-cafe/Episode Guests: Rebecca Kinge and Izzy SargentEpisode Host: Simon KempEpisode Producer and Editor: Eleanor Howell

In the summer of 2025 the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam and the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton UK worked together on a research exchange programme for undergraduates, masters students, postgraduate research students, and early career academics.  This programme is all about transformative impact in the broadest fields of sustainability centred around the climate change and adaptation challenges facing communities along the Mekong River Delta. In episode 3 we address the visit of four sustainability researchers from the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam to the University of Southampton to continue the collaboration on climate change and adaptation research projects.Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp Episode guests: Phan Ky Trung, Le Kim Ngan, Nguyễn Kiểu Điểm, Nguyễn Tan LoiEpisode producer: Libby KaleEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

In the summer of 2025 the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam and the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton UK worked together on a research exchange programme for undergraduates, masters students, postgraduate research students, and early career academics.  This programme is all about transformative impact in the broadest fields of sustainability centred around the climate change and adaptation challenges facing communities along the Mekong River Delta. In episode 2 we continue to discuss  the opening visit where nine students and researchers from the University of Southampton visited the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam to collaborate on climate change research projects and undertake cultural exchange activities to develop an understanding of the people and the environment of the region.We recognise that some may feel flying to a region to collaborate on climate and sustainability research is counterintuitive, possibly even hypocritical. However, conducting partnership research on these crucial challenges can only be authentic if it is achieved by understanding the real-life complexities facing people and working with these communities, and not by researchers stating what the possible solutions may be from a wholly different part of the world.Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp Episode guests: Angelina Spilnyk, Daniel Locke, Irene Ruiz Espejo, Jamie Robinson, Lily Rudduck, Massimo Risoli, Samuel Inkster, Stefania-Myrto StaiculescuEpisode producer: Jack DinhamEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

In the summer of 2025 the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam and the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton UK worked together on a research exchange programme for undergraduates, masters students, postgraduate research students, and early career academics.  This programme is all about transformative impact in the broadest fields of sustainability centred around the climate change and adaptation challenges facing communities along the Mekong River Delta. In episode 1 we address the opening visit where nine students and researchers from the University of Southampton visited the DRAGON-Mekong Institute at Can Tho University Viet Nam to collaborate on climate change research projects and undertake cultural exchange activities to develop an understanding of the people and the environment of the region.We recognise that some may feel flying to a region to collaborate on climate and sustainability research is counterintuitive, possibly even hypocritical. However, conducting partnership research on these crucial challenges can only be authentic if it is achieved by understanding the real-life complexities facing people and working with these communities, and not by researchers stating what the possible solutions may be from a wholly different part of the world.Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp Episode guests: Angelina Spilnyk, Daniel Locke, Irene Ruiz Espejo, Jamie Robinson, Lily Rudduck, Massimo Risoli, Samuel Inkster, Stefania-Myrto StaiculescuEpisode producer: Jack DinhamEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

This is just a bit of fun. Not a serious sustainability research, education or careers episode, this is an informal recording of some of the Meliora team chatting before, during and after the 2025 Green Gown Awards.  We reflect on the podcast journey to this point, discuss our favourite episodes to date & the 2024 awards in the pub before the awards, attend the 2025 ceremony, chat to one of the co-chairs of the EAUC who run the GGA the brilliant Prof Zoe Robinson, the announcement of the Next Generation Learning & Skills award, the thoughts of the production and editing team after the awards (I'm not really 'that' competitive honest), and a closing reflection at a horribly early time the morning after at Birmingham New Street Railway Station.We recognise this episode may be seen as a little self-indulgent, but we thought some people may enjoy a light-hearted insight into the more informal celebratory side of sustainability in the HE sector.  We hope you enjoy it :)Episode hosts: Prof Simon Kemp, Jack Dinham, Libby Kale, Ellie HowellEpisode guests: Prof Zoe Robinson and the background comments of the Green Gown Award guestsEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

We are delighted to welcome the inspirational and all round wonderful sustainability expert Professor Denise Baden to what is now the 'Green Gown Award Winning' Meliora podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton.Denise continues to innovate in her approach to maximising the sustainability impact of her work.  We chat about her journey to sustainability, her academic expertise and teaching, creativity leading to research awards, and her current work as a sustainability fiction author.  Links to Denise's highly recommended brilliant work are below:https://www.dabaden.com/https://www.greenstories.org.uk/https://habitatpress.com/linkedin.com/in/denise-baden-3742793https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/creative-climate-communication-7300475505529540608https://bsky.app/profile/dabaden.bsky.socialhttps://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5wzjrb/professor-denise-badenEpisode guest: Professor Denise Baden, University of SouthamptonEpisode host: Professor Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

The Meliora podcast is back for a new academic year, and we're joined by the brilliant Jenny Abery (Principal Educator) at the wonderful Hawk Conservancy Trust (https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/) to chat all things wildlife, studying, building a conservation education career, and the lifelong relationships and connections from studying at University.  We always love having our alumni join us on the Meliora podcast, and as ever it was an absolute joy to welcome Jenny back. She was always such an impressive natural communicator and excellent student when studying with us at the University of Southampton, and it's always so great when someone has the job that so perfectly suits them!Episode guest: Jenny Abery, Principal Educator at the Hawk Conservancy TrustEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Ellie Howell

Billy Weir MSci Environmental Science joins us again for his episode, this time on his Masters research project "Assessing the impact of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction on fish populations in Plymouth, England".Abstract - Rewilding has become an aim for conservation across the globe, and a crucial aspect of that is species reintroductions. Ecosystem engineers such as Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) are an excellent example of a species that can return to nature-deprived countries, such as the UK, and increase biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. The return of Eurasian beavers across Europe and the UK represents a conservation success story, despite some controversies surrounding localised flooding. This study investigated the impact Eurasian Beavers have on fish populations at a reintroduction project at Poole Farm, Plymouth, England. Seine netting sampling was conducted and eDNA samples were collected across three sites at Poole Farm. This data was compared to a fish population survey that occurred in October 2021 and supplemented with land imagery of the enclosure to assess beaver impact. The data suggests that Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) dominate the stream at all sites, and that the beaver dam provides Brown trout (Salmo trutta) with a large obstacle that they cannot pass to upstream areas, despite other literature finding otherwise. We suggest it’s crucial to continue monitoring the fish population at Poole Farm, and at beaver reintroduction projects across the country, as beavers become more established.Episode guest: Billy Weir MSci Environmental ScienceEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Libby Kale

Nurulhuda Gumay Riswandi BA Philosophy and Politics joins us to discuss their research project "How can we explore and compare health infrastructures and delivery of healthcare services of two regions affected by conflict and political instability?".This research explores and compares the health infrastructures and healthcare delivery systems of four post-conflict countries: Rwanda and Liberia in Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq and Kuwait in the Middle East. By using a comparative case study methodology, the research investigates how conflict and political instability shape healthcare recovery. It focuses on governance capacity, international aid and gender equity to evaluate factors that support or hinder long-term health system resilience and inclusivity. The research directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by analysing how conflict-affected states rebuild healthcare services to promote universal health coverage and improve health outcomes. It also supports SDG 5: Gender Equality, through its gender-sensitive analysis of health governance and the inclusion of women in post-conflict healthcare delivery. Additionally, the study engages with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by evaluating how institutional coherence and governance reform contribute to equitable and sustainable recovery in fragile contexts.Episode guest: Nurulhuda Gumay Riswandi BA Philosophy and PoliticsEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

Joelle Foster BSc Psychology joins us to discuss her research project titled "An investigation into music engagement in adults in the UK and its relationship with general levels of nostalgia and mental well-being".Research on music listening is vast in showing the mental health benefits of such a practice. Nostalgia has also shown great effect in eliciting positive emotions. Emerging research looks at music-evoked nostalgia but not much research has been conducted on music composers in this area. This  research project investigated this population with regards to general levels of nostalgia and well-being, important for tackling SDG3 'Good Health and Well-being'.Episode guest: Joelle Foster, BSc PsychologyEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

We’re joined by three of our students - Jack Carter and Shaska Nicholson, who are studying BSc Biology, and Montasir Ahmed, who is studying BSc Pharmacology to discuss their research project ‘The Use of GenAI in Higher Education’Over the past 6 months, they have been working on their Capstone Research Project as part of their School of Biological Sciences ‘Science Communication’ module. They investigated how students in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton are using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for learning purposes.In this episode, they discuss how widely GenAI is being used by students, which AI platforms are most popular, and student opinions on whether GenAI has improved their learning experience and academic performance. They also explore how education might adapt in the future, either by integrating GenAI more fully into everyday learning or by finding ways to mitigate its potential negative impacts through changes to assessment. Recommended papers:Exploring the integration of ChatGPT in education: adapting for the future – (Elbanna et al., 2024).https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/msar-03-2023-0016/full/html Leadership is needed for ethical ChatGPT: Character, assessment, and learning using artificial intelligence (AI) – (Crawford et al., 2023) https://open-publishing.org/journals/index.php/jutlp/article/view/645Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education - (Nguen et al., 2022). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-022-11316-wEpisode guests: Jack Carter and Shaska Nicholson, who are studying BSc Biology, and Montasir Ahmed, BSc PharmacologyEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producers: Libby Kale and Ellie HowellEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

Joseph Gray, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project 'Exploring how international visitors perceive the sustainability of transport at Milford Sound & the role of COVID-19 in reimagining travel at the site.'Abstract: Environmental sustainability contradictions are at the heart of national park tourism. Increased transport accessibility allows tourists to experience the natural character but causes environmental degradation. COVID-19 was an unprecedented moment that catalysed a rethink of tourism transport, as reduced tourism activity saw the renaissance of the natural environment. This study used Milford Sound to explore the overlooked perspectives of international visitors. The study’s inquiry aimed to understand their engagement with transport, their perception of environmental sustainability, and their vision of tourism transport post-COVID-19. Inspired by the researcher’s visit, the research adopted a qualitative methodology. It took a novel approach, supplementing semi-structured interviews with photo-elicitation and a reflective visual autoethnography to deeply understand participants' lived experiences at Milford Sound, with the data combined for thematic analysis. The study uncovered participants’ complex perceptions of environmental sustainability, and they supported new transport policies post-COVID-19 to safeguard the site's long-term natural integrity. Milford Sound requires participatory transport policymaking that combines visitor preferences and overcomes structural barriers at the site. The study's outcomes appeal to audiences concerned with sustainable tourism transport and national park policymakers, where fresh insights from international visitors can resolve the current policy deadlock plaguing the industry’s environmental sustainability ambitions post-COVID-19. Section of my Introduction: Increasing international tourism is contributing to tourism’s growing contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, which recently stood at 8% (Lenzen et al., 2018). Under current trajectories, carbon dioxide emissions from tourism transport will rise 25% by 2030 compared with 2016 (UNWTO and ITF, 2019). Therefore, it is a significant obstacle in achieving tourism’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 13, ‘Climate Action’ (UNWTO, n.d.). National Park tourism destinations are both climate change contributors and victims through transport. In New Zealand, transport accounts for 90% of the overall carbon footprint of tourism (Tourism Industry Aotearoa, 2023), 18% higher than the global average (Peeters and Dubois, 2010).Episode guest: Joseph Gray, BA GeographyEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode editor: Ellie Howell

James Machay, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project 'The Catalyst for change - exploring sustainability and pressures in non-league football'.Abstract - Attentiveness towards sustainability has expeditiously intensified due to the evolving climate emergency. Yet non-league football remains neglected in academic and media discourse regarding its capacity to become more sustainable. With non-league clubs at the heart of communities and climate change posing an imminent threat to society, this contemporary area warrants further exploration. Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate sustainable practices and challenges restricting implementation across non-league football clubs in the South of England. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study employs semi-structured interviews with 12 club representatives, alongside observations of club facilities. Analysis of these results conveys a prominent enthusiasm from clubs in improving their sustainability, with observations highlighting efforts in revenue diversification and a strong social sustainability focus. However, clubs encounter significant financial constraints and weak governance, hindering efforts. Despite these obstacles, this study concludes by identifying several opportunities for improving sustainability, including enhanced education, financial interventions, and increased regulatory support from the Football Association. Aligning with existing research on football’s financial disparities, this study challenges elite football’s resource-intensive operations and commercialisation. This is effectively achieved by elucidating the potential for non-league football to be a catalyst for positive sustainable change.Episode guest: James MachayEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Jack Dinham

Sophie Vokes, BSc Geography joins us to discuss her research project "Does Crymlyn Bog follow the traditional theory of hydrosphere wetlands?"AbstractThis study employed macrofossil analysis to investigate environmental changes in Crymlyn Bog (Swansea) and assessed the site's compliance with the conventional hydrosphere hypothesis of wetland succession. Based on distribution and abundance, macrofossil remains from the peat cores were identified and documented, with a particular emphasis on Sphagnum species. With a delayed decline in Sphagnum austinii and drier conditions near the margin mires, the results indicate a departure from earlier studies. The results further contradict Walker's (1970) hydrosphere theory by indicating a reversal in the predicted successional trajectory. The results have significant ecological implications, as peatlands are crucial hotspots for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Natural succession changes may result from external factors, such as climate change or internal factors such as hydrological alterations. For the preservation of peatlands and the long-term resilience of ecosystems, these dynamics are crucial. These results relate to the UNSDGs: SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation: through the preservation of wetland health and an analysis of hydrological processes. SGD13: Climate Action: Understanding Peatlands' Capacity to Store Carbon and Adapt to Changing Climates. SDG15: Life on Land can be applied to understand wetland degradation, biodiversity loss, and habitat resilience by examining how it affects biodiversity and ecologically important plant habitats.Episode Guest: Sophie Votes, BSc GeographyEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Ellie Howell

Eleanor Toppin, BA Geography, joins us to discuss her research project 'A Comparative Study: Exploring Student Consumer Perspectives on the Transition from Non-Ethical to Ethical Fashion Purchases'.Despite many students having an ethical mindset, they often fail to translate their intentions and attitudes into ethical purchases. This study aims to understand whether sustainability- based education can bridge these behavioural gaps in ethical fashion consumption. It examines students’ desire to shift towards ethical consumption, the challenges they encounter during this transition, and potential strategies to facilitate this change. To assess knowledge’s role, a total of 10 qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed. The interviewees were reached through stratified sampling. The average age of the participants was 20 years ranging from 20-21. Five participants were female and five were male. The results show that completing the USOM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module enhanced students’ commitment to ethical fashion consumption by deepening sustainability- based knowledge and equipping them with the skills to assess ethical claims. Completers faced post-intentional barriers, while non-completers struggled with foundational uncertainties. Solutions differed, emphasizing the need for both awareness-building and systemic changes to support ethical consumption. Future research should use in-person or hybrid formats to encourage more reflective discussions on ethical consumption. Practical implications emphasise bridging knowledge gaps and raising awareness of consumer impacts.Episode guest: Eleanor Toppin, BA GeographyEpisode host: Prof Simon KempEpisode producer and editor: Libby Kale

Sam Atkinson, BSc Geography, joins us to discuss his research project "Is the Siberian Boreal Forest nearing a Tipping Point?"AbstractIncreasing air temperatures, drought and wildfire is impacting the health of the Siberian Boreal Forest, with the boreal biome being predicted to be replaced by grasslands/steppe. Multiple scholars have referred to this transition as a 'tipping point' however few studies have tested whether any signals of a tipping point are present. Using remote sensing, the health of vegetation in the Siberian Boreal Forest, over the past 30 Summers was assessed. Statistics were calculated from quantitative data to determine whether the early warning signals of a tipping point were present. The results suggested that the state of the system in Eastern Siberia is closer to tipping than in the West and Central Siberian Boreal forest, with minimal early warning signals present in West and Central Siberia. However, these indicators cannot be used to predict a timeframe for tipping or quantify a likelihood of tipping, yet simply give indications of 'the state of play', they would be useful to be used (subjectively) alongside modelled predictions. With regards to the SDGs, the potential for the system to collapse and change state, has implications for Goal 15, and the release of terrestrial carbon which is currently stored in boreal forests has implications for Goal 13 and knock on impacts for Goal 15. There is the potential for a decline in species richness, as a changing climate causes competition between species to decline, with the Siberian Larch becoming unable to survive with warmer, wetter conditions. In addition to this, if conditions become too wet for the other main species, Siberian Pine, this is where the system will be replaced by non-boreal vegetation.Episode Guest: Sam Atkinson, BSc GeographyEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Libby Kale

Heidi Wheatley, BSc Environmental Science, joins us to discuss her research project "Invasive non-native species impacts on invertebrate communities".AbstractInvasive non-native (INN) plants pose an increasing ecological threat worldwide, creating monocultured plant communities and causing ripple effects across various species. Invertebrates are particularly affected due to habitat and food resource alteration, leading to changes in ecosystem services and trophic cascades. However, not all INN plants exert the same influence, and effects differ depending on species and invasion area, with some offering positive outcomes, particularly in urbanised regions with diminished biodiversity. Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is an INN plant of concern in some European countries. Although it has spread considerably within the UK, research on its impacts on UK habitats is scant, and it is not yet deemed a species of concern. This research examined a Canadian goldenrod invasion within a meadow in Southampton, focusing on its impacts on invertebrate abundance. Variability was noted in pollinator, in-vegetation, and ground invertebrate abundance using pitfall traps, beat sheets, and visual observation methods. Findings indicated that goldenrod did not lead to a significant change in overall species abundance. However, some species exhibited marked changes in their abundance distribution. This novel research kickstarts critical data collection on Canadian goldenrod’s potential interactions and impacts on invertebrates in the UK and serves as a precedent for widening research on other known INN plants, not only those already classified as species of concern.Episode Guest: Heidi Wheatley, BSc Environmental ScienceEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer & Editor: Ellie Howell

Darius Printer, BA Geography, joins us to discuss his research project "Left Behind Places as an Explanation for Geographies of Political Discontent - explaining right-wing populism rising trends"Abstract My Thesis is about mapping political discontent in the UK through the rise of RUK. Using ArcGIS I plotted left-behind neighbourhoods identified by the OSCII study in 2019 who were concerned with the most deprived areas in the UK in order to allocate the Stronger Towns Fund of £2 billion in the most deprived areas in the UK. My Thesis used electoral data to compare these left behind neighbourhoods to areas of high Right-Wing Populism (RWP) to identify patterns between deprivation and political discontent in the UK. Findings show a strong relationship between economic deprivation being a key driver for RWP rises through political discontent mostly in the North-East and East of England due to de-industrialisation or coastal communities experiencing long-term economic grievances. Through using economic and cultural explanations for RWP in these areas my study's application is to reduce inequalities between regions in the UK by identifying the reasons for political discontent in those neighbourhoods. Identifying the most Left-Behind neighbourhoods that require the most regional economic development and links to SDG 10, 8 & 11.Episode Guest: Darius Printer, BA GeographyEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Jack Dinham

Julia Dines, BSc Environmental Science, joins us to discuss her research project "Growth vs Conservation - how can trekking tourism in Nepal adapt to a sustainable future?"AbstractThe Himalayas are facing an ultimatum: limit trekking or lose the beauty of the mountains to environmental degradation, water contamination and waste accumulation. This research project aims to identify ways in which stakeholders can adapt their practices to protect the Himalayas, and their livelihoods, against climate change and anthropogenic destruction. To address these complex issues, four key stakeholder groups were researched using a mixed- methods approach. Data was collected from tourists, tour companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Nepalese government using a variety of qualitative research methods including an online survey, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal a critical gap between environmental awareness and the adoption of sustainable practices, underscoring the need for enhanced policy support and increased stakeholder collaboration. This research advances academic discourse on sustainable tourism and provides actionable recommendations to effectively safeguard the Himalayas against irreversible environmental damage. The fight against climate change is fundamental not only to protect the environment, but also to safeguard human health and the global economy. In an era of accelerating climate change, research into the world’s most vulnerable regions, such as the Himalayas, is crucial.Episode Guest: Julia Dines, BSc Environmental ScienceEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Ellie Howell

Ethan Dennis, BSc Psychology joins us to discuss his research into the role of sub-clinical narcissism in the climate crisis, investigating the research on the relationship between narcissism and pro-environmental behaviour, and how this can be remedied. Three types of narcissism are examined: grandiose, vulnerable and communal. Literature suggests grandiose narcissists are detrimental to the environment, with communal narcissists claiming to be more environmental than they actually are. Research on the conspicuous consumption of material goods and the experiential consumption within tourism is analysed for each form of narcissism, within the context of the environment. Two potential ways narcissists can be encouraged to engage in pro-environmental behaviour and reduce their environmental impact are proposed, as well as recommendations for the future of research into narcissists’ environmental behaviour.Episode Guest: Ethan Dennis, BSc PsychologyEpisode Host: Prof Simon KempProducer and Editor: Jack Dinham

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are discussing “Food for Thought: Rethinking Meat for a Sustainable Future”.  Globally, we consume around 350 million tons of meat a year. Problems concerned with the future of our planet, the welfare of animals, and our health all come to mind because of this. In 2015, the WHO categorised red meat as carcinogenic to humans (Marinova, 2019) but this is yet to act as the wake-up call it should be to encourage people to rethink their diet.Host: Lily Guest: Kenton 

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are discussing the impact of meat production and the potential of lab-grown meat as a sustainable alternative. We discuss the current and future projections of sustainability challenges in relation to the widespread consumption of meat-incorporated diets. We will be discussing the pros of the newly emerging product of lab-made meats and the positive impacts they could have on reducing this burden.  We highlight some of the challenges of introducing lab-made meats to the public, considering market potential and cultural impact, to show how they are not an effective or practical means of lowering meat consumption from a sustainability perspectiveHost: HannahGuests: Paloma and Asmi

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are discussing the impacts and sustainability of a meat tax on society. The three aspects we will be exploring are the social, economic and environmental impacts. Implementing a meat-tax based on the Carbon Footprint of a product can lead to reduced consumer spending and therefore decreased demand and production of these high-carbon foods. We are going to explore what this would look like in practice and whether this will have positive impacts regarding climate change and working towards achieving a number of the Sustainable Development GoalsHost: Emma Guests: Luca, Ajay and Jojo

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we will be discussing Feeding the Trends: who's controlling what's on your plate. We will look at ultra processed foods and government inaction, government schemes and legislation controlling what is on our plate, and why and how social media is the biggest controller of the food we consume.Host: Tejal Guests: Jessica, Mia and Megan 

In this episode, we will be discussing some of the sustainability issues surrounding the food delivery industry. We may not be able to cover the topic in full but aim to highlight some key areas of concern and offer some insight into these areas.Host: AlfieGuests: Jamie, Akshyan, Jamie

Welcome to the Meliora podcast, from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton. This episode is part of the Global Sustainability Challenges module student takeover season where are discussing the sustainability impacts of university socials and nightlife.Host: Cian Guests: Lucy, Natalie and Alex

Welcome to the Meliora podcast, brought to you by the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton. This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season, produced for the Global Sustainability Challenges module where we debate some critical social justice aspects of 15-minute city concept, to conclude how it might be sustainably implemented in Southampton, UK.Host: JosephGuests: Ruby and Trinity

Welcome to the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton. This episode is part of the Global Sustainability Challenges module student takeover season where we discuss the opportunities and challenges of ecotourism in the Arctic. Host: Luc Guests: Joe and Megan

Welcome to this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season where we explore a groundbreaking urban development project that's sparked a global debate: The Line in Saudi Arabia. Today, we'll evaluate its sustainability impact, both in the short and long term, through the lens of sustainability.The Line is located in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, stretching approximately 170 kilometres from the Red Sea coast towards the desert interior. It’s a key part of the $500 billion NEOM project, an ambitious venture led by the Saudi Arabians Public Investment Fund. The structure will be an impressive 200 meters wide and 500 meters tall, housing 9 million residents in a vertical living arrangement and running on 100% renewable energy, with no cars or roads.This futuristic city promises to revolutionise urban living with its innovative design and sustainability goals and has already ‘attracted significant partners and investors interested in testing and implementing renewable energy technologies, and it is being developed as a test case for sustainable and economically feasible planned cities’ Host: HollyGuests: Caleb and Ben

Welcome to Beyond The Clouds (The Impact of Vapes), a Meliora podcast episode from the Global Sustainability Challenges module students takeover season, where we will be discussing the impact of vapes from an environmental and socio-economic perspective in relation to SDG 12: Sustainable consumption and production. Host: AlexanderGuests: Millie, Will, Xinye, Swayam, and Eleanor

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we discuss equity in medical care in this short but sweet episode. This topic came to our interest due to both recent events in the world of healthcare, and its role as a proxy for many of the Sustainability Development Goals beyond just “good health and well-being”. For example, you can't have good health and well-being without food and clean water, equity and global partnerships.Host: Joseph Guests: Bobby, Adchaya, George and Jack

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we discuss the invisible threat to our planet and sustainability … antibiotic resistance.Host: Harry Guests: Flo, Holly and Bess

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we explore if vertical farming could be a sustainable solution to Britain's Food Supply Crisis. Join us as we delve into the environmental impacts of importing fruit and vegetables into the UK and discover if vertical farming has the potential to solve these issuesHost: CatGuests: Alice and Eve

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we discuss sustainability within international sporting events. Join us as we explore the environmental and socioeconomic impacts these events may bring, as well as how they contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how they can continue to do so into the future.Host: EllenGuests: Jazz, Anna and Isla

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are going to talk about sustainability in research. With a global push towards sustainability such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there’s a growing conversation around whether scientists have an obligation to conduct research in ways that minimize environmental impact.Host: JulianGuests:  Bronwyn and Jake

In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we’re going to be discussing UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (clean and affordable energy). But also looking at the power of the atom: Can nuclear save the planet?So why is this topic relevant now? With global energy demands rising, sustainability and energy are a hot topic at international events like CERAWeek, which is one of the most influential international conferences of the energy sector, and just recently over 10,000 officials and top world leaders discussed the future of energy where the most debated topic in energy was back- is Nuclear Power truly sustainable?Host: SamuelGuests: Stefy and Alex

Welcome to the Meliora podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton. This episode is part of the Global Sustainability Challenges Module Student Takeover Season where we discuss ‘toxic colonialism’. We explore disturbing form of modern exploitation, where wealthy developed nations offload their hazardous waste onto less developed countries. It's cheap, convenient, and out of sight for waste-producing nations, but the consequences for the receiving countries is devastating. We’ll explore how toxic colonialism has evolved from historical colonial exploitation; examine shocking case-studies, including recent incidents and discuss the impact on vulnerable communities. We’ll also look ahead to futuristic waste disposal proposals such as space burial and sub-sea containment, and whether they hold any merit, or just raise further ethical and environmental dilemmas. Host: Luke, Guests: Ruby, Peter, and Jamie 

In this opening episode of the Meliora Student Takeover Season we’re tackling the California wildfires—with a focus on Los Angeles—and what they reveal about a growing sustainability crisis. With lives, ecosystems, and the future of our planet at stake, wildfires are leaving a trail of devastation across the globe— from loss of life and property to widespread environmental and economic disruption. In regions like Southern California, once-seasonal fires are becoming longer, hotter, and more destructive, threatening lives, wildlife, and vital infrastructure.This crisis isn’t just a natural hazard—it’s a sustainability emergency. It directly challenges the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 11: to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. LA’s wildfire reality shows how far we still have to go.  These repeated disasters raise urgent questions: how can we prevent future wildfires? And what do they mean for global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Forest Goals and climate resilience?Host: JasperGuests: Alice, Hannah, Meg, and Claudiu

Welcome to the second part of an episode covering our recently published book 'Perspectives and Practices of Education for Sustainable Development: a critical guide for Higher Education Part 1' where the editors Rehema White, Simon Kemp, Liz Price and Jim Longhurst discuss the purpose of the book, where it came from, and an overview of each of the chapters. This episode covers chapter 7 'Innovating Assessment for Education for Sustainable Development (Simon Kemp and Rehema White), chapter 8 'Sustainability Research, Teaching and Practice: Towards Transdisciplinary Knowledge Co-Production in Universities (Rehema White, Clare Saunders and Zoe Robinson), chapter 9 'Leadership and Governance for Education for Sustainable Development: Engagement, Strategy and Transformation'  (Jim Longhurst, Zoe Robinson and Liz Price), chapter 10 'Professional Development for All: Enabling Advocates for Education for Sustainable Development' (Patrick Baughan, Liz Price and Jim Longhurst), chapter 11 'Monitoring and Evaluating Education for Sustainable Development: Co-Creating Quality Learning Experiences and Outcomes' (Rehema White, Carolyn Haynes and Georgina Gough), chapter 12 'Graduate Futures: Embodying Education for Sustainable Development' (Simon Kemp) and Chapter 13 "Conclusions: Creating Hope Through Education for Future Generations' (Rehema White).Episode host: Simon KempEpisode guests: Rehema White, Liz Price, Jim LonghurstEpisode editor: Jack DinhamEngage with us on Instagram, Blue Sky, X: @MelioraPodcast

Welcome to the first part of an episode covering our recently published book 'Perspectives and Practices of Education for Sustainable Development: a critical guide for Higher Education Part 1' where the editors Rehema White, Simon Kemp, Liz Price and Jim Longhurst discuss the purpose of the book, where it came from, and an overview of each of the chapters. This episode covers chapter 1 'Introduction: A Book to Co-Create Sustainable Futures'  (Simon Kemp), chapter 2 'Education for Sustainable Development: Definitions, Debates and Design' (Liz Price and Rehema White), chapter 3 'Towards a Sustainable University: People, Purpose and Paradigm Shifts'  (Zoe Robinson, Petra Molthan-Hill and Peter Higgins), chapter 4 'Education for Sustainable Development: From Disciplinary to Transdisciplinary Approaches' (Rehema White and Chris Preist), chapter 5 'Education for Sustainable Development: Curriculum Design, Content and Challenges'  (Georgina Gough and Simon Kemp), and chapter 6 'Critical Pedagogies to Engage Heart, Hand and Head in Education for Sustainable Development' (Rehema White, Liz Price, Kay Hack).Episode host: Simon KempEpisode guests: Rehema White, Liz Price, Jim LonghurstEpisode editor: Libby KaleEngage with us on Instagram, Blue Sky, X: @MelioraPodcast

We have a real treat for you on this episode of the Meliora Podcast! We recently had the privilege of spending a couple of hours chatting with the truly inspirational Felicity Aston, Polar Explorer - http://www.felicityaston.co.uk. We promise you will be blown away by Felicity's expeditions, the transformative impact she has had on the lives of so many women, her life in Iceland, and her ongoing research based at the University of Southampton.  Enough words. Stop reading this and listen to Felicity. We promise you won't be disappointed!Episode Guest: Felicity AstonEpisode Host: Simon KempProducer & Editor: Jack DinhamSocial Media Comms: Hannah ParishEngage with us @MelioraPodcast on Instagram, X, and Blue Sky