Planet Possible

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 

A circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. The UK government wants to transition the UK to a circular economy and in  2024 established a circular economy taskforce to consider the policy pathways, interventions and targets make this happen. We explore the circular economy in the UK and internationally and dig into a range of examples from both community action and the water sector. Our main interview is with Rick Lancaster, Global Bioresrouces Director for Atkins Réalis and to help us navigate this topic our Co-Host is Sue Jefferson, Co-founder of Circular Malton and Norton. with a mission to create the first circular economy market town in the UK to see the multiple circular benefits realised and be a showcase for replicating this across the country.Planet Possible is supported by Atkins RéalisFind out more about Circular Malton & Norton here: http://www.circularmaltonnorton.orgChapters and Timings0:01:36 In today's show0:03:14 Circular econ in water sector 0:04:50 UK lagging behind? 0:06:40 What is recoverable? 0:10:27 What else can we recover? 0:16:54 Grit and heat and cellulose 0:17:50 Sustainable Aviation Fuel 0:21:07 Advert 1 0:21:36 What are enablers to do more? 0:26:02 What else needs to happen? 0:29:55 Rick's magic wand 0:30:35 Sue's initial reaction 0:31:11 Sue's circular economy market town project 0:32:14 What are they actually doing? 0:33:29 Food collection and digester 0:34:55 What has reaction been? 0:36:34 How keep community engaged long term? 0:38:44 Where does the value sit? 0:41:02 Sue's magic wand 0:42:22 Thank you Sue0:42:34 Outro   Credits Presented & Produced by Niki RoachExecutive Producer Andy Taylor - Bwlb LimitedWith thanks to Alastair ChisholmHonorary Executive Producer Jane Boland