Rare Earth Podcast
Environmental journalist Tom Heap and physicist Helen Czerski tackle major stories about our environment and wildlife, celebrate the wonder of nature and meet the people determined to keep it wonderful.
Episodes to download
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The Risk Takers
Friday
Can the insurance industry save the planet? Tom Heap and Helen Czerski report.
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After the Bomb
Fri 4 Jul 2025
Eighty years since Hiroshima, how has our relationship with atomic power changed?
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A Whale's Life
Fri 27 Jun 2025
Whales have been protected from hunting for 40 years. Have they recovered from us?
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Metals and Minerals
Fri 20 Jun 2025
Where can we get the materials we need for the transition to a green economy?
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Powering Our Robot Overlords
Fri 13 Jun 2025
The energy used by a simple internet search is increasing. Can we cut the cost?
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Are insects the answer?
Fri 30 May 2025
Helen Czerski and Tom Heap discuss the environmental importance of insects.
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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?
Explore how we can adapt to the ever changing environment with The Open University
The Open University investigates the climate challenges we face
