Living Planet

What happens when science collides with conspiracy? When a weather forecast sparks hate mail and even death threats? In this episode, we follow the journey of a meteorologist who risked his career - and peace of mind - to bring climate truth to the airwaves, and explore how misinformation is fueling hostility against those on the frontlines of communication.

Mark Smith, a train travel enthusiast and creator of seat61.com, shares his passion for rail journeys and the advantages they hold over flying. He discusses how trains can significantly cut travel emissions and offer a more authentic experience. Mark reflects on the struggles of navigating fragmented ticketing systems and how airline subsidies hinder rail investment. The duo explores the emotional nostalgia tied to train travel, the growing global interest in rail, and why convenience often sways travelers towards cars and planes.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, leaving behind a deadly path of destruction. It was the costliest disaster in US history. As E'jaaz Mason can attest, many kids like himself didn't talk about their experiences for years after the storm. It wasn't until working on the award-winning documentary "Katrina Babies" that he heard those stories — and began reflecting back on his own.

Tea and coffee. Millennia-old drinks that fuel our mornings and shape our cultures. But behind every steaming cup lies a journey across continents, a web of farms and workers, and a pretty hefty environmental tab. Which one leaves the bigger footprint, and how can we shrink it? We trace their histories, their impact, and some things we can do to brew a better future.

We love the smell of fresh laundry – but at what cost? In Episode Four of our Greener Living series, we unpack how our quest for "clean" has been shaped by marketing, not necessity – and how it’s filling our air, water, and bodies with microplastics and nasty chemicals. The good news? A few simple changes can lighten the load.

Angela Frimberger, a veterinarian and climate advocate, and Peter Alexander, a researcher on global food systems, dive into the surprising environmental impact of our beloved pets. They discuss how pet ownership reflects our consumption habits and the climate risks pets face from extreme weather. Peter highlights that pet food, particularly meat, is a major contributor to emissions, while Angela emphasizes the importance of breed suitability for climate challenges. Together, they explore responsible pet ownership, urging a balance between caring for pets and minimizing their ecological pawprint.

Decipher the back of your sunscreen bottle with the help of an ecotoxicologist in Episode Two of our Greener Living series. Craig Downs helps us understand, and if we're honest, pronounce, the chemicals that have become the norm for protecting ourselves from skin cancer. But what exactly are they doing to the marine life at our favorite beaches?

Connor Dillon, an early EV adopter, shares his journey into electric vehicle ownership, revealing his personal motivations and practical charging experiences. He discusses the real impacts of battery materials and highlights the social and environmental issues tied to cobalt mining. Connor also touches on how EVs can support the power grid and reflects on the benefits of driving electric, including fun acceleration. However, he notes the drawbacks of larger electric SUVs regarding tire wear and microplastic pollution.

Summer is here and the living is easy. Well, maybe not so easy when it comes to making environmentally friendly choices! From sunscreen to your next car, your pet's diet to your morning caffeine fix, our Greener Living series shares useful tips to make better decisions for yourself and the planet. Download this series for some easy listening on your next family road trip or day at the beach.

By day Matt Winning works on climate policy. By night, he’s turning scientific data into jokes. Fusing razor-sharp research with dry Scottish wit, Matt uses stand-up to make the climate crisis feel less distant, more human, and a lot harder to ignore.