Rare Earth Podcast
New science documentary series for BBC Radio 4
Episodes to download
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Set in Concrete
Fri 11 Apr 2025
Our civilisation is based on concrete. Can we build in a cleaner way?
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Paradise on the Edge
Fri 4 Apr 2025
Travel to the beautiful islands of the Pacific - the front line of climate change.
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How to Clean Up the Shipping Industry
Fri 28 Mar 2025
The shipping industry is a big polluter. Tom Heap and Helen Czerski search for solutions.
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Forever Chemicals
Fri 21 Mar 2025
The health impact of PFAS chemicals used in everything from frying pans to coats.
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The Hole That Changed the World
Fri 14 Mar 2025
40 years ago a hole was discovered in the ozone layer. It caused an international crisis.
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Arctic Goldrush
Fri 28 Feb 2025
President Trump wants a slice of the Arctic. What does it mean for the region's wildlife?
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Good Clean Fun
Fri 13 Dec 2024
How to cut the carbon from live music and sport and film and TV production.
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Amazon Future
Fri 6 Dec 2024
Drought and fire are devastating the Amazon rainforest. What can be done to save it?
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The Final Frontier
Fri 29 Nov 2024
Is space colonisation the last hope for mankind or a dangerous distraction?
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Beak and Talon
Fri 15 Nov 2024
Britain's birds of prey seem to be bouncing back. Can their momentum continue?
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Clean energy or green fields?
Fri 8 Nov 2024
Is it possible to build new green infrastructure without wrecking the countryside?
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Rise of the Tuna
Fri 1 Nov 2024
4 metres long and the weight of 2 grizzly bears. Meet the bluefin tuna, back in Britain
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Battle for the Planet
Fri 25 Oct 2024
Which way will America vote and what will it mean for the planet?
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The Magic of Microbes
Fri 18 Oct 2024
Tom Heap and Helen Czerski reveal the role of microbes in the fight against climate change
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How to Floodproof A City
Fri 2 Aug 2024
Tom Heap and Helen Czerski meet the people with fresh ideas to combat rising sea levels
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The Seabed: out of sight, out of mind?
Fri 26 Jul 2024
How can we protect our sea beds from environmental damage?
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The Future of Meat
Fri 12 Jul 2024
Can meat ever be environmentally friendly, or do we need better substitutes?
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Save Our Seabirds
Fri 5 Jul 2024
After years of decline, what can we do to help our seabird populations thrive?
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Can an oil rig be a nature reserve?
Fri 28 Jun 2024
What should we do with our old oil rigs? Dismantle and recycle or turn them into reefs?
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Environment and the General Election
Fri 21 Jun 2024
How are wildlife and the environment treated in the election manifestos?
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Can writers save the planet?
Fri 14 Jun 2024
Tom Heap and Helen Czerski discuss the evolution of nature-writing with a panel of guests.
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Hush! Don't Mention the Environment
Fri 7 Jun 2024
Are companies going quiet on the environment to avoid greenwash allegations?
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How do we get our healthy rivers back?
Fri 1 Mar 2024
Tom Heap and Helen Czerski investigate the health of our rivers.
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Can the Oceans Save Us from Climate Change?
Fri 23 Feb 2024
The oceans have absorbed the worst impacts of climate change, but for how much longer?
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Can Politicians Save the Planet?
Fri 16 Feb 2024
Why do politicians have trouble sticking to their green promises?
Explore environmental issues across the lifecycle of daily products with The Open University.
The Open University investigate human impact on the planet.
