Local Zero

Climate change adaptation is often discussed in terms of plans, policies and infrastructure, but what does it actually take to build climate-resilient communities? In this episode, Jen Roberts and Matt Hannon explore how adaptation is being delivered in practice, the role communities play in inspiring, shaping and leading resilience, and what we've learned about what works – and what doesn’t. Joined by Jo Kerr, CEO of Verture, the climate resilience charity, they discuss the importance of locally led action, partnership working, and ensuring climate resilience goes hand in hand with social justice. Together, they unpack the key ingredients for nurturing and delivering community-centred climate adaptation.  Links:Verture website: https://verture.org.uk/Adaptation Scotland: Home - Adaptation ScotlandClimate Change Committee report A Well Adapted UK: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/a-well-adapted-uk/ 

As our climate changes, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. But what happens when multiple climate hazards occur at the same time—or in quick succession? In this episode, Jen Roberts and Matt Hannon explore the concept of climate hazard stacking and what it means for climate resilience. How common are these overlapping risks already, and how might they change in a future shaped by more extreme weather? What challenges do they create for communities, infrastructure and decision-makers—and how should adaptation strategies respond? To unpack these questions, they are joined by Professor Chris White (https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/whitechristopherdr/), Professor in Climate Extremes and Resilience at the University of Strathclyde and an expert on multi-hazard risks across systems and society. Chris explains why understanding climate hazards in combination, rather than in isolation, is essential for building resilient communities and preparing for a changing climate.  Links: - UNICEF’s Children's Climate Risk Report (2026): https://data.unicef.org/resources/childrens-climate-risk-report-2026/  - Climate Change Committee (https://www.theccc.org.uk/) report (May 2026) A Well-Adapted UK - The Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/a-well-adapted-uk/ - Book recommendation: The Response by David Shukman “A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain’s New World of Extremes” https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/469146/the-response-by-shukman-david/9781529144284republished following a technical glitch!

As renewable electricity generation grows and more sectors electrify, the UK needs a bigger and stronger electricity network to transport clean power where it is needed. But what does this unprecedented expansion mean for the communities hosting new grid infrastructure?In this episode, Matt Hannon and Jen Roberts explore the experiences of people living on the frontline of the UK's electricity grid expansion. How are communities being affected by the construction and disruption associated with new transmission infrastructure? And what challenges and opportunities does this present for the electricity network companies responsible for delivering it?To discuss these questions, they are joined by Clare Harris, Scotland Lead for the Local Storytelling Exchange, which shines a spotlight on local experiences of the green transition, and David Murray, former Executive Director of Sustainability First, an independent charity and think tank focused on improving environmental, social and economic wellbeing across UK utilities.Together, they explore how the UK's grid expansion can support both the transition to net zero and positive outcomes for the communities at its heart.Links:National Grid: Delivering for 2035 (where you can download the summary report Delivering for 2035: Upgrading the grid for a secure, clean and affordable energy future)Local Storytelling Exchange Dispatches from the grid frontlineSustainability First: People Power: Best practice engagement with communities most affected by electricity grid developme…People Power: Best practice engagement with communities most affected by electricity grid development…Sustainability First: The Transmission Owners Principles for Effective Engagement in Community Benefit Funds 

Public attitudes play a crucial role in shaping climate policy—but what can the May 2026 election results tell us about how people really feel about net zero? In this episode, Matt and Jen reflect on the outcomes of the UK’s devolved administration and local council elections in May 2026 and explore what they might reveal about public views on sustainability and climate change. Are current approaches to net zero resonating with voters, or is there a need to rethink how climate action is framed and delivered? To unpack these questions, they’re joined by Professor Tavis Potts, Professor of Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance at the University of Aberdeen, and Daisy Powell-Chandler, Partner and Head of Energy and Environment Practice at Public First. Stick or twist? Why the UK's net-zero strategy is faltering and may need to change https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/publications/stick-or-twist-why-the-uks-net-zero-strategy-is-faltering-and-may/fingerprints/ environmental, climate change, sustainability, education

New episodes of Local Zero Podcast are on the way!After a bit of a break, we’re back with fresh conversations—featuring new guests alongside some familiar voices. In the meantime, you can catch up on all past episodes and explore full transcripts on your favourite podcast platform or at www.localzeropod.com.We’d love to hear from you—drop us a line at [email protected] or contact us on LinkedIn.Local Zero