21 Environmental Fallacies

<p >A global transition to renewable energy presents enormous challenges both in delivering the capacity required and in building an energy infrastructure capable of responding to fluctuating energy demand. This podcast...

<p >This podcast considers the impact of plastic pollution and explains why recycling is not a long-term solution. We discuss potential alternatives to oil-based plastic and identify a possible risk if scientists...

<p >Aviation is going green. The development of 'sustainable aviation fuels' (SAF) can significantly reduce emissions from flying and offers the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. Well, … that is the...

<p >This podcast episode considers the potential flaws and benefits of carbon capture technologies. We discuss the challenges facing carbon capture projects, including: the financial costs, implications for renewable...

<p >Fallacy 12: Prosperity requires economic growth. This podcast episode considers the relationship between economic growth and prosperity. It looks at what we mean by prosperity and whether it is possible to have...

<p >This podcast considers whether we can adapt to a changing climate. Our sophisticated global economies face huge challenges, and an effective response requires effective strategies and major investment...

<p >This podcast episode explores how token gestures are used to justify our unsustainable lifestyles. We also discuss the characteristics of the human brain, which responds rapidly to threats that are obviously...

<p >The challenge of a growing global population is frequently linked to the threat of climate change. This is not surprising as a growing population will increase the demand for consumer goods and energy. This will...

<p>This episode considers the challenge of transitioning to renewable energy. Rapid adoption of renewables is essential, but many governments appear reluctant to intervene in the energy market. Instead, there appears to...

<p >The carbon credit industry is integral to many of the strategies designed to limit the rise in global temperatures. Carbon credits provide a trading mechanism that enables the producers of carbon emissions to pay...

<p >This episode considers the characteristics of good and bad environmental policies plus the complexities of cost-benefit analysis - who pays the cost and who enjoys the benefit. We also examine why governments might...

<p >This episode considers whether we should feel reassured by political claims that 'We are on track'. What does 'On Track' mean? Is this 'On Track' to achieve Net Zero? Is this 'On Track' to avoid temperatures...

<p >The stated purpose of The Conference of The Parties is to ' …stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system'. </p> <p...

<p >This episode questions the concept of a 'safe limit'. Is this safe for people living at subsistence levels in developing countries? Or is it safe for people living in the major, western cities. Is it safe for the...

<p >The goal of 'net zero' has been widely adopted by governments, the United Nations and many large corporate organisations. There seems to be broad consensus that achieving net zero will address the impending threat...