The Green Alliance Podcast

In this episode, Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resource policy, speaks to Patrick Grant, clothing designer and BBC's Sewing Bee judge, discussing Grant's book "Less." They delve into the shift taken over the last century from quality manufacturing that benefited communities to a fast fashion model that generates enormous waste and minimal value. In this conversation, Patrick Grant advocates for a "lower consumption, higher value economy," where people buy fewer but better quality items that last longer, create local repair economies and generate more satisfaction. He highlights how many consumers today lack a frame of reference for quality goods, having grown up with synthetic materials, and emphasises the distinction between enduring "clothing" versus disposable "fashion." The episode concludes with both speakers agreeing that while fashion has cultural value, the current system of AI-designed, oil-based disposable fashion is unsustainable and requires policy intervention to incentivise quality and local production.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Five years after Brexit, we take a moment to reflect on its impact on environmental protection. This episode of the Green Alliance podcast explores the fate of environmental laws inherited from the EU and the new systems put in place to watch over them. Ruth Chambers, Green Alliance senior fellow, is joined by Professor Maria Lee, an expert in environmental law, and Dame Glenys Stacey, Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection, for a discussion on the challenges and progress of the last five years. Together, they reflect on how our new environmental governance systems provide important checks and balances to bolster environmental protections through short term political cycles.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

In this episode, you'll hear highlights from our recent "in conversation" event with Guy Shrubsole where he and our head of natural environment, Lydia Collas, discussed his latest book “The Lie of the Land: Who Really Cares for the Countryside?”.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

In this week's episode of the Green Alliance podcast, we dive into the UK’s evolving transport policy discussion with Green Alliance's head of climate, Nick Davies. The conversation covers recent developments on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and the launch of the Integrated National Transport Strategy. Nick chats with experts including Michael Solomon Williams from Campaign for Better Transport, cycling journalist and author Laura Laker, and Green Alliance's Johann Beckford and Rosie Allen. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in decarbonising transport, from electric vehicles to active travel and the future of public transport. Tune in for expert insights on the policies shaping a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In this episode, Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resources policy, sits down with Emily Carr, policy adviser, alongside members of Green Alliance’s Circular Economy Task Force, including our chair, Dr Colin Church, CEO of IOM3, Iain Gulland, CEO of Zero Waste Scotland, Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, and Dr Adam Read, Director of External Affairs at SUEZ, to discuss the circular economy and what the new government needs to do to bring about the policies we need to see to reduce resource use. In this conversation, our guests discuss where previous administrations have failed and what the new government must do differently to avoid past mistakes. They explore the benefits of embracing circularity, including its potential to boost economic growth. They highlight the urgent need for policy interventions that will best enable businesses to innovate and embrace circularity. A linear system has no future, and transitioning to a circular economy is the clear path forward- our guests dig down into exactly how the government can lead the charge and make this crucial shift happen.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2024

In this episode, Ruth Chambers, senior fellow, sits down with crossbench Peer Lord Krebs and Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife & Countryside Link, to discuss the third anniversary of the Environment Act. In this conversation, our guests reflect on the colossal team effort required to get the Act onto the statute book, the standout moments from parliamentary debates and the collaboration between parliamentarians and campaigners required to push for high ambition legislation. We also evaluate whether the Environment Act has lived up to our expectations and discuss what more is needed to drive change in the future.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

In this episode, Rosie Allen, policy adviser at Green Alliance, sits down with Liam Hardy, our senior policy analyst, and Jenniffer Pedraza, a research associate at Stockholm Environment Institute Research, to discuss the need to raise ambition on methane ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29).

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

In this episode, Green Alliance's head of politics, Holly Brazier Tope, reflects on the first 100 days of the new Labour government, marking a pivotal shift after over a decade of Conservative leadership. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of how this new administration is laying the groundwork for ambitious environmental leadership in the UK.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from our recent “in conversation” event with Tom Heap where he and our executive director Shaun Spiers discussed his latest book “Land Smart: how to give people and nature the space to thrive” and answered audience questions.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

In this episode, Shaun Spiers, executive director of Green Alliance, chairs a panel discussion with four experts across policy and politics from across the organisation: Holly Brazier Tope, head of politics, Libby Peake, head of resource policy, Liam Hardy, senior policy analyst, and Lydia Collas, head of natural environment. This discussion, recorded one week after the election, delves into how the new Government will likely approach environmental policy and politics, what the results mean for future of UK energy, resources and nature policy, and what the key moments will be over the coming months.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

In this episode, Sophia Greacen, policy adviser at Green Alliance, narrates some highlights from our recent event "The Nature of Our Economy" where we were joined by Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of the City of London and Professor Anusha Shah, President of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). They provided insight into what's necessary to implement the findings of The Dasgupta Review, so that we better value nature and can begin to restore our natural assets and wealth, avoiding counterproductive losses.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

In this episode, Steve Coulter, Green Alliance’s head of economy, speaks to experts about why the UK is crying out for a green industrial strategy. Industrial strategies are driving change around the world, in the US, EU and China, but the UK has yet to follow suit. Green industrial strategy is more than just switching from carbon to electric power, it must encompass a broader vision integrating economic resilience by meeting environmental objectives across organisational, political and economic frameworks. We hear the case for the UK to join other leading nations by creating a bold vision for a green economic transformation from Matthew Lockwood, senior lecturer in energy and climate policy at Sussex University, who says the UK needs to be less reactive and start planning longer term, and Silvia Weko, postdoctoral researcher in European energy politics and policy with the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg in Germany.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

The benefits and challenges of participatory policy making are discussed with Stephen Frost, Co-Head of Participative Research and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research. Many climate experts have expressed the need to bring people along in the transition to net zero, ensuring it is one of social justice. The use of participatory research methods and policy making processes is one way to do so. Stephen discusses IPPR’s Environmental Justice Commission and how the outcomes of its citizen’s juries have shaped IPPR’s policy recommendations.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2024

How can inclusive policy making change policy outcomes? When individuals’ power and privilege often correlate with emission outputs, it is important to consider those involved in environmental policy making. Involving the public in policy making that impacts them often leads to ‘better’ policy and less backlash, yet it isn’t something think tanks consistently do. In this conversation Hirra explores what inclusive policy making means in practice and how Possible’s policies have consequently evolved.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2024

Including those impacted by policy in the policy making process is not always a given. Green Alliance has been exploring how and why policy makers should be inclusive of the public, marginalised communities and communities that typically have not been sought out for engagement and implementation processes of environmental policy. The importance of think tanks and NGOs having inclusive policy making processes is discussed with Emma Vogelmann, Policy, Public Affairs and Research Manager at Transport For All.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2024

Provisional figures from 2022 show a rise in transport emissions compared to the year previous. And while the transport system is already the largest emitting sector across the UK economy, this is a major obstacle for policymakers in their bid to reach net zero by 2050. In the last year, transport entered the political arena in a way not seen before. There were contradictory announcements on the sales of petrol and diesel cars and vans, conspiracy theories, strikes, budget cuts, headline announcements, world first flights and much more. In this episode, head of climate policy Helena Bennett sits down with members of the Green Alliance transport team to discuss an up and down year for transport policy.

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2023

Inflation hit a 41 year high in 2022. This was largely driven by high gas prices due to the war in Ukraine. Although that gas price spike is dropping out of inflation now, inflation is nowhere near pre-war levels and neither are energy bills. What is the policy response? Interest rates are currently at a 15 year high, the highest they've been since 2008. The Bank of England is raising interest rates to try and get inflation down closer to their target of two per cent. This is putting pressure on consumer spending and creating particular pain in housing costs through higher mortgage rates. So how do we get out of this high inflation, high interest rate world? To answer this question, our senior policy analyst Heather Plumpton speaks to our senior policy adviser Stuart Dossett and Eric Lonergan, policy economist and writer, about the role renewable energy can play in bringing down inflation.

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2023

The UK tax system is not fit for a net zero, nature positive future. So what needs to change? We hosted an expert panel on 21 June 2023 to discuss how to futureproof the tax system to support the wellbeing of people and the planet. This podcast summarises the event highlights.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2023

Reducing raw material consumption in the UK is essential to meeting climate targets. Circular businesses can offer a host of environmental benefits as well as saving money for consumers and bringing in just as much, if not more, profit than linear companies. Our report 'Ready steady grow: how the Treasury can mainstream circular business' looks at case studies from ten circular businesses to show how the economics of circularity stack up and find out what is holding circular businesses back from mainstream adoption. In this episode, Jasmine Dhaliwal speaks to three of the innovative circular businesses we interviewed in our report. Listen in to hear from The Little Loop's Charlotte Morley, Techbuyer's Rich Kenny and SUEZ's Adam Read as they shed light on how they work, the business case for circularity and what further support is needed from government. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up with our work.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2023

One of the biggest challenges for getting the UK to net zero is building enough grid infrastructure. This is also essential to improve energy security and bring down bills for households. Grid is repeatedly cited as one of the biggest blockers to fast decarbonisation. So what are the obstacles? Regen's new report 'Building a GB electricity network ready for net zero' explores the scale of the challenge, the initiatives underway and key priorities. In this episode, Flossie Boyd speaks with the report's lead author Frank Hodgson, senior energy analyst at Regen. They discuss the report's core findings, the government's recent decision to give Ofgem a net zero remit and why improvements to the grid must happen now.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2023

Air pollution is one of the most pressing issues faced by London today. Affecting both public health and the environment, improving air quality is essential to making the city a safer and more sustainable place to live. So how can this be achieved? Shirley Rodrigues, London's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, is working to deliver an environmental strategy for the city which will tackle air pollution. This includes policies ranging from implementing the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to rewilding London. Our policy adviser Sophie O'Connell sat down with the Deputy Mayor to discuss the rationale behind the planned ULEZ expansion and what it means for Londoners and the environment. This episode explores the relationship between health and the environment, clears the air around ULEZ and explains how people can support initiatives to green London. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up with our work and read our blog for the latest environmental commentary.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2023

The UK has shown strong climate leadership by setting a 2030 phase out date for ICE vehicles. But how can the automotive manufacturing sector secure a thriving electric vehicle supply chain in the UK? In this episode, Emma McKelvie speaks with Ian Constance, chief executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The APC provides funding and support to organisations across the electric vehicle supply chain, and publishes research and insights into how achieving a net zero transport system. They explore why domestic battery production is so important, the need for the UK to de-risk investment into battery manufacturing and build a narrative around being a globally competitive place to invest, and upcoming opportunities that the sector can take advantage of. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up with our work.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2023

The anticipated UK government's Energy Security Day on 30 March 2023 left much to be desired. While progress was made for heat pumps and the zero emission vehicles mandate, and the government seems to have abided by the High Court’s ruling, the UK's overall ambition to reduce emissions largely remained unchanged. In this special edition of the Green Alliance podcast, our research director Roz Bulleid sits down with our policy experts to discuss progress, where Energy Security Day fell short and what more this government can do before an election. Ahead of Energy Security Day, Green Alliance published a net zero policy tracker which revealed that the government is not on track to meet net zero by 2050, with a lack of ambition and policy delivery across all sectors. Look out for our updated analysis coming soon.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2023

Amidst a quickly evolving global political landscape, the scope of the green transition is constantly changing. Dr Nathalie Tocci is director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali and author of 'A Green and Global Europe', a book which affirms the inevitability of the green transition in Europe but sets out its complex social, economic and geopolitical challenges. Dr Tocci argues that these must be addressed head-on and collaboratively with other nations rather than in isolation. Our executive director Shaun Spiers spoke to Dr Tocci to discuss the book and its implications for how we approach the green transition. The episode covers the ramifications of the US Inflation Reduction Act, how we can ensure fairness in the move to green energy and why we are dealing with more of a revolution than a transition.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2023

The new Labour Climate and Environment Forum (LCEF) launched in December 2022 with the aim of strengthening climate and environmental ambition across the labour movement. But how does the organisation plan to achieve its goals? LCEF’s debut report uses polling to show that voters view Labour MPs are viewed more favourably by voters when talking about their support for environmental issues. With a UK general election expected in 2024, the position of the major political parties on the environment will be electorally crucial. Our Environment APPG co-ordinator and political adviser Robbie MacPherson sat down with Paul McNamee, director of LCEF, to discuss his long term aspirations for LCEF, the innate importance of climate action to achieving social justice and the Labour Party’s relationship with climate and nature policy.

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2023

In 2021, 95 per cent of global trade was moved by sea. If you look around you, it's likely that the nearby furniture, technology, or at least the parts that made them were at some point in a shipping container heading overseas. In comparison to other modes of transport, however, shipping is often overlooked when it comes to decarbonisation. The shipping sector already has a tool to make the systemic changes necessary to decarbonise: the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO has the power to set international regulatory standards. But how should the UK and the IMO balance the responsibility to steer policy that accelerates the decarbonisation of shipping at the pace required to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees? In this episode, Rosie Allen speaks to Tristan Smith, associate professor at UCL Energy Institute, to explore the barriers to shipping decarbonisation, the domestic picture and the role of the UK in raising the IMO’s ambition.

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2023

What's on parliament's transport agenda this year? As a cross party body, the transport select committee plays an important role in scrutinising the government's transport policy. Following the publication of Chris Skidmore MP's Net zero review, transport decarbonisation will be a key priority for the committee. But how does the committee work to hold the government to account? In this episode Alice Watson sits down with Iain Stewart MP, newly elected chair of the transport committee, to understand his day to day responsibilities, how issues like transport decarbonisation are picked up and considered by the committee, and how the public can get involved with shaping the future of the committee's work.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2023

Rising prices and falling wages are driving the cost of living crisis, making it harder for people to heat their homes and travel to work or appointments. By the end of 2022, more than 6 million UK households were living in fuel poverty while increasing public transport and petrol prices drove many households into transport poverty.  This comes at a time when the UK urgently needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero. Transport is responsible for more of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector, with residential properties the third most emitting.  Our report, 'Green uplift', showed how the scale of change to reach net zero in transport and home heating is a major opportunity to remove structural causes of fuel and transport poverty.   In this episode Stuart Dossett speaks to Mari Martiskainen and Neil Simcock, researchers for the CREDS FAIR project, to delve deeper into the report findings and highlight the experience of those living in fuel and transport poverty.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2023

What is the role of business in halting and reversing the decline of nature? At COP15 and COP27 this year, the interests of the private sector at these summits came under some scrutiny. There are concerns about large corporations having an outsize influence on international environmental agreements. To better understand the intention of businesses at summits like COP15, Jim Elliott speaks to Melissa Miners, global sustainability senior manager at Unilever. Ahead of travelling to Montreal to attend COP15, Melissa talked to us about what Unilever was hoping for out of the summit, the purpose of businesses being there and whether the outcomes of COP15 will lead to material changes in Unilever’s environmental impact.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2022

COP15 is a long awaited global moment for biodiversity. Countries around the world are joining together to agree on a new set of nature targets for the next decade. After two years of delay due to COVID-19, there is hope that COP15 will see meaningful action taken to end biodiversity loss. In this episode, Lydia Collas speaks to Patrick Greenfield, a reporter for The Guardian, who is in Montreal at COP15. Patrick provides an insight into the atmosphere on the ground and explains why we need a biodiversity COP, what some of the desired outcomes are and how this relates back to the UK context.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2022

The cost of energy has soared over the past year. As well as protecting consumers and industry from the higher energy bills, the UK government must address the root cause of the problem: the global price of gas. One solution to bring down energy costs is to reform electricity markets to make the most of low cost renewables. This proposal is known as the green power pool. In this episode, we speak to Marian D’Auria, global head of risk and sustainability at GFG Alliance (Liberty Steel Group), to explain how energy prices are affecting the steel industry, and Paul Drummond, senior research fellow at University College London’s Institute of Sustainable Resources, about the idea of a green power pool.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2022

Electrical waste (ewaste) is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. The UK is the second highest producer of ewaste globally, throwing away 350,000 tonnes of electricals yearly. From smartphones to single use vapes, disposable culture is contributing to an increasing environmental problem. Green Alliance recently hosted a discussion with Material Focus, the not for profit which works to transform the way we think about electrical waste. We wanted to explore the challenges and attitudes around ewaste. In this episode, we speak to Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, to recap the highlights of that discussion and delve deeper into this growing issue.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2022

Transport is responsible for almost a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, so something needs to change fast to reduce its climate impact. The UK government is currently seeking to introduce a zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate on manufacturers to increase the number and type of electric vehicles on the market. California has long been the leader of this strategy and first implemented a ‘ZEV requirement’ in 1990 to combat local air pollution. In this episode we speak to Professor Daniel Sperling of the University of California, who is a member of the California Air Resources Board which administers the state’s ZEV mandate to learn more about how it has worked.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2022

The way we use and manage land across the UK is changing in response to the climate and nature emergency. But private investments are worrying some communities that changes are being imposed on them by distant corporations. In this episode, we discuss two innovative approaches to giving local communities more control over decisions about what happens to the land around them. We discussed these approaches with Angela Williams, development manager at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve in Langholm, Scotland and Jenny Phelps MBE, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group’s senior farm conservation adviser.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2022

Since World War Two, farming has been synonymous with growing as much food as possible. In wealthy countries, this has led to overabundance, which is driving environmental and human health problems. We now know we need land to provide more than just food. This will involve rethinking what farming is about. We spoke to the Soil Association’s chief executive, Helen Browning, about agroecology, organic and regenerative farming, and what these traditions can do to help build a nature positive and carbon negative food system.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2022

Britain has some of the leakiest homes in Europe. As gas prices spiral, wasting energy is costing households and the planet dearly. However, insulating homes can have significant upfront costs. We spoke to Nationwide’s chief strategy and sustainability officer, Claire Tracey, about the role that lenders can play in financing retrofits and wider policy challenges in the sector.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2022

In this episode we bring you the highlights of an expert discussion around what Wales is doing to end policy bias towards road building and what the opportunities are to do the same elsewhere. Featuring Wales’ Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2022

What are the benefits of net zero for city regions like Greater Manchester? What are the solutions to the energy crisis? And how should Labour approach the climate and nature crisis? These are just some of the questions we put to Greater Manchester’s metro mayor Andy Burnham.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2022

In this episode, we hear from Professor Nick Eyre, one of the authors of the IPCC’s latest assessment on climate action, about the report’s conclusions and the UK’s progress against its climate pledges.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2022

In this episode, we speak to Pete Dyson, a behavioural scientist and co-author of a new book Transport for Humans, which he wrote in a personal capacity. He urges us to think differently about transport systems, arguing that “engineers plan transport systems – people use them”.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2022

In this episode, Green Alliance's Joe Tetlow talks to former energy minister Chris Skidmore MP about how net zero policies can cut energy bills and ease the cost of living for households.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2022

In this episode, Green Alliance’s senior policy adviser Helena Bennett talks to Melanie Windridge about how nuclear fusion could one day meet our energy needs. How could the fusion industry help us tackle the climate crisis? What might this new technology mean for our energy security?

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2022

In this episode, Green Alliance's deputy policy director Roz Bulleid chats to analyst Sarah Macnaughton, on CRU Group's Sustainability team, about greening the steel industry, a massive challenge for the shift to a net zero carbon economy, but one where there are reasons for optimism.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2022

In this episode, we speak to Baroness Anne Jenkin of Kennington, Conservative Party peer in the House of Lords. The baroness signed up to do Veganuary this month and we discuss animal welfare, climate change and why more parliamentarians should try a plant-based diet.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2022

In this episode, we speak to Camilla Born, adviser to the UK COP Presidency seconded from the climate think tank E3G, about COP26. She reflects on the outcomes of the climate summit in Glasgow and priorities for delivery over the next year.

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2022

In this episode, we speak to Anthony Breach, a researcher at the think tank Centre for Cities, about a new report comparing the public transport systems in UK cities with their European counterparts.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2021

In this episode, we speak to Dr Colin Church, CEO of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, about the role of the circular economy in achieving net zero emissions and tackling biodiversity loss. While world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26, rethinking resource use is the missing piece of the puzzle.

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2021

In this episode, we speak to Dr Matthew Agarwala, economist at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University, about the race to be the first green chancellor. After the Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared at the 2021 Labour Party conference that she would be Britain's first 'green chancellor', we discuss what a ‘green chancellor’ would mean for the UK economy.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2021

In this episode, we speak to Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden and chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG), about how the government can ensure clean power for the UK by 2035 and whether there is too much focus on ‘red wall’ seats.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2021

In this episode, Green Alliance’s executive director Shaun Spiers spoke to former environment secretary and MP for Leeds Central, Hilary Benn MP about the findings of IPPR’s Environmental Justice Commission, the politics of net zero and his hopes for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2021