State of the Earth

About State of the Earth

Welcome to State of the Earth, the podcast from the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. Where we explore the issues shaping our planet’s future and take a look at the ways in which we can make a positive difference – through advances in technology and engineering, conservation science, health and social policy, business management, ecosystem ecology, and more. Each episode features thought-provoking interviews with experts from our community at the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability.

Publisher

Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Aug 2024

Latest episode

27 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Heat pumps and electric cars: the policy behind decarbonisation with Prof. Peter Connor

   In this podcast, host Sofia Salas Lopez speaks with Peter Connor, Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy at the University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering. In this conversation, we explore Peter’s journey from studying chemistry and environmental monitoring to becoming a leading researcher in renewable energy policy. We discuss the rapid development of wind and solar energy over the past three decades, how government policy has helped drive the transition to renewables, and the UK’s position in the global renewable energy sector. Peter also explains the challenges of decarbonising transport and heating, including the role of electric vehicles, heat pumps and district heating. We discuss the importance of public engagement and education, how communities can be involved in the energy transition, and the political challenges of securing support for renewable energy projects. The conversation also explores the future of offshore and floating wind, the role of nuclear power in a renewable energy system, and what gives Peter hope for the future of renewable energy and climate action. Highlights: Peter’s journey from chemistry to renewable energy policy How wind and solar energy have transformed over the past 30 years The role of government subsidies in developing renewable technologies The UK’s renewable energy progress and offshore wind sector The future of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea Public attitudes towards renewable energy and the politics of planning Decarbonising transport through electric vehicles The challenges of decarbonising heating Heat pumps, district heating and the future of UK homes Renewable energy policy in the UK compared with Europe The role of nuclear power in the future energy system Why wind and solar provide reasons for optimism

2. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Bristol Girls Surf Club: Carving out space for women in the lineup with Matilda Jackson

   How do we make surfing more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming? In this episode of State of the Earth, Sophie Crossley speaks with Matilda Jackson, founder of Bristol Girls Surf Club and Bristol Project Coordinator for The Wave Project. Matilda started Bristol Girls Surf Club after moving to Bristol during lockdown, creating a community for women to connect through surfing and helping make the sport feel more accessible, regardless of experience or ability. Alongside this, her work at The Wave Project sees her delivering surf therapy programmes with young people, bringing together her background in therapy, mental health, and surfing. In this episode, we cover: How Bristol Girls Surf Club started and how it has grown What accessibility really means within surfing The role of community, connection, and friendship in getting people into the water The growing demand for in-person community and shared experiences Advice for anyone who wants to start surfing but doesn't feel like they belong

3. 

   18 Aug 2026

   How to sell climate change: In conversation with Stephan Harrison

   Professor Stephan Harrison's work sits at the intersection of climate change, natural hazards, and policy implementation. A climate scientist and geomorphologist with more than 30 years of experience, he has advised governments, international organisations, and industry on climate risk and adaptation, helping decision-makers understand not only the risks posed by a changing climate, but also the opportunities that come from acting proactively. In this episode of State of the Earth, Sophie Crossley sits down with Professor Harrison to explore why mountain regions act as early warning systems for climate change, the growing importance of adaptation, and the challenge of "selling climate change" — communicating climate science and risk in ways that inspire meaningful action. We cover: How glaciers reveal the pace and scale of climate change The links between glacier retreat, water security, and natural hazards How governments and businesses assess climate risk Why effective climate communication may be one of the most important tools for driving action What climate scientists believe is still being underestimated Reasons for hope in the next decade of climate action

4. 

   10 Jul 2026

   Surf therapy: The science behind blue health with Nick Knowles

   Surf therapy is emerging as one of the most exciting areas of mental health research, combining the benefits of physical activity, blue spaces, and social connection to support wellbeing. In this episode of State of the Earth, Sophie Crossley sits down with Nick Knowles, PhD researcher in Health and Wellbeing at the University of Exeter and Research Manager for the International Surf Therapy Organisation (ISTO), to explore the evidence behind this growing field. Nick's research investigates how and why surf therapy works, who it benefits most, and what needs to happen for it to become more widely integrated into healthcare and community wellbeing initiatives. As one of the UK's leading early-career researchers in the field, Nick will also be speaking at this year's UK Surf Expo in Newquay, sharing the latest evidence shaping the future of surf therapy. In this episode, we cover: What surf therapy is, and how it differs from recreational surfing Why surf therapy is gaining recognition within healthcare and social prescribing Who benefits most, and why programmes don't work the same way for everyone The biggest challenges facing surf therapy research and implementation The future of surf therapy and blue health research Nick's latest research paper: Explaining how, why, for whom and when surf therapy improves mental health and wellbeing in adults: a realist synthesis Read the paper here. (https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Explaining_how_why_for_whom_and_when_surf_therapy_improves_mental_health_and_wellbeing_in_adults_a_realist_synthesis/31889926?file=63284371)

5. 

   30 Jun 2026

   The future of Coral reefs to Blue Planet II: In Conversation with Prof Callum Roberts

   In this podcast, host Sofia Salas Lopez speaks with Prof. Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter and one of the world's leading marine conservation scientists. In this conversation, we explore Callum’s journey from studying coral reef ecology in the Red Sea to becoming a leading voice in ocean conservation through policy. We discuss the impacts of climate change on coral reefs, the global 30 by 30 target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, the challenges of overfishing, and the role of science and media in shaping policy. Callum is the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Blue Marine Foundation, a WWF-UK Ambassador, and was a scientific advisor for the BBC's Blue Planet II. He is also the author of several influential books, including The Unnatural History of the Sea, Ocean of Life, and Reef Life: An Underwater Memoir. Highlights: Callum’s journey into marine conservation The importance of coral reefs Climate change and coral reef futures Marine protected areas and the 30 by 30 target Overfishing and bottom trawling Science communication and Blue Planet II The role of scientists in policy Reasons for optimism about ocean conservation Links to further explore his work: University of Exeter profile: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/35107-callum-roberts (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fexperts.exeter.ac.uk%2F35107-callum-roberts&data=05%7C02%7CH.Lavender%40exeter.ac.uk%7C49b717769e0a4891a1a408ded1d4be18%7C912a5d77fb984eeeaf321334d8f04a53%7C0%7C0%7C639178908799197367%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=63DfG6Iaypn4gnEKu%2FPlSwQIu%2FPVtCaQKY%2Bby8V%2F4ds%3D&reserved=0) Published books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/737994.Callum_Roberts (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fauthor%2Flist%2F737994.Callum_Roberts&data=05%7C02%7CH.Lavender%40exeter.ac.uk%7C49b717769e0a4891a1a408ded1d4be18%7C912a5d77fb984eeeaf321334d8f04a53%7C0%7C0%7C639178908799212833%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tpFo2qbx3hiaqTRM3PlAIFKvxKWRkGj6A%2BBwZ5JI9Lo%3D&reserved=0) Research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lRTJ4IQAAAAJ&hl=en (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fuser%3DlRTJ4IQAAAAJ%26hl%3Den&data=05%7C02%7CH.Lavender%40exeter.ac.uk%7C49b717769e0a4891a1a408ded1d4be18%7C912a5d77fb984eeeaf321334d8f04a53%7C0%7C0%7C639178908799223465%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DR3zhtdTdunR05g%2F2Ntsv5VY3zNXjNQymBySlgkAePo%3D&reserved=0)

6. 

   18 May 2026

   Critical minerals and Cornwall: Exploring the future of responsible mining

   Mining is essential to the technologies powering the transition to net zero, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. But as demand for critical minerals accelerates, how can mining become more responsible, circular, and sustainable? In this episode, Sophie Crossley speaks with Professor Frances Wall (https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/735-frances-wall), Professor of Applied Mineralogy at the Camborne School of Mines (https://dees.exeter.ac.uk/csm/) and one of the world’s leading experts on critical minerals and sustainable resource development. Recently awarded an OBE for services to geoscience and sustainable resource development, Frances shares insights into the future of mining, the growing importance of critical minerals, and Cornwall’s role in the global energy transition. In this episode, we discuss: Why critical minerals are essential for achieving net zero What “responsible mining” really means in practice The role of circular economy systems in reducing waste and improving sustainability Why mineral processing is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry Cornwall’s mining heritage, and why the region is back in the spotlight How the industry can rebuild public trust and operate more responsibly What developments in legislation, supply chains, and technology may shape mining in 2026

7. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Ice Sheets and the Sea Floor: Marine Geology of our Changing Planet with Prof James Scourse

   In this podcast, host Sofia Salas Lopez speaks with Prof. James Scourse, a marine geologist and the Head of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter. In this conversation, we explore James’s career in marine geology, his research on Quaternary environments and climate change, and how geological records help us better understand past and future environmental change. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge. His doctoral research focused on the Quaternary stratigraphy and palaeoenvironments of the Celtic Sea, Isles of Scilly, and West Cornwall. Following his PhD, James was elected to a Research Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Shortly after, he was appointed to a Lectureship at Bangor University in the School of Ocean Sciences in 1985 and was awarded a Personal Chair in 2005. In February 2017, he moved his research group to the Penryn Campus at the University of Exeter. James has held numerous leadership roles within the academic community. He served as President of the Quaternary Research Association (2008–2011) and as Chair of the NERC Radiocarbon Facility Steering Committee (2007–2011). He was Editor of the Journal of Quaternary Science (2000–2004) and was awarded a Royal Society–Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship in 2008–2009. He was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in 2014, directed the Climate Change Consortium of Wales from 2011 to 2016, and received a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree from the University of Cambridge in 2023. Highlights: Introduction to Prof. Scourse and his journey into marine geology The importance of marine geology Experiences conducting field work in the Antarctic The work of Sclero Marine environmental dating applications Climate change, tipping points and glaciers Deep-sea mining Policy The future of his work Links to further explore his work: University of Exeter profile:  https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/26104-james-scourse (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fexperts.exeter.ac.uk%2F26104-james-scourse&data=05%7C02%7CH.Lavender%40exeter.ac.uk%7C798ff912c5624bf8654308de746f4ce3%7C912a5d77fb984eeeaf321334d8f04a53%7C0%7C0%7C639076218524330177%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p%2F22r4YX5CorZQdOE14Va1bQ9p7RcwXiyIMydyS5jrs%3D&reserved=0) Sclero: https://sclerogroupexeter.co.uk/ (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsclerogroupexeter.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CH.Lavender%40exeter.ac.uk%7C798ff912c5624bf8654308de746f4ce3%7C912a5d77fb984eeeaf321334d8f04a53%7C0%7C0%7C639076218524351827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y65XM8oCQAs%2BmuKSJoLT4Kxwg7xurbcdsR1B8RSiF6M%3D&reserved=0)

8. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Sustainable tourism, unpacked: Governance, ethics, and hidden costs with Jose Melenez Roman

   Tourism connects people, cultures, and economies, but it also places growing pressure on communities and environments around the world. So what does sustainable tourism really mean in practice, and how can such a complex global industry become more equitable and resilient? In this episode, Sophie Crossley speaks with Jose Melenez Roman, Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism at the University of Exeter. With more than 14 years of experience working across public and private sector tourism projects worldwide, Jose explores how collaboration, governance, and innovation can help tackle some of tourism’s toughest sustainability challenges. In this episode, we discuss: What “sustainable tourism” really means beyond the buzzword The hidden social and environmental costs of tourism How participatory governance helps destinations design better solutions Greenwashing in tourism and how organisations can build credibility Whether regulation or collaboration will drive change in the years ahead Advice for students and professionals entering the sustainable tourism field

9. 

   12 Dec 2025

   Primates and the Future of Conservation: In conversation with Dr Kimberley Hockings

   In this podcast, Host Sofia Salas Lopez speaks with Dr Kimberley Hockings, Associate Professor in Conservation Science at the University of Exeter. She is an active member of many conservation organisations, such as the Great Ape Section of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group, and as the co-Director of the Cantanhez Chimpanzee Project Dr Kimberley is a conservation biologist, with her work mainly focused on studying and facilitating human-wildlife interactions, especially with great apes. Dr Kimberley has extensive experience with fieldwork across West Africa, working on conservation projects and policy. In this conversation, we will learn more about the biggest issues facing primates and how different forms of conservation can shape the future of wildlife by creating a symbiosis between people and nature. Highlights: Introduction to Dr Hockings and her journey into conservation The importance of studying primates Threats to primates (Human-wildlife interactions, disease, land loss…) The role of community work in conservation AI and technology in conservation Hopes for the future Links to further explore her work: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/26467-kimberley-hockings/about (https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/26467-kimberley-hockings/about)

10. 

    25 Nov 2025

    Rethinking nature: How inclusive design can transform our connection to the world

    In this episode, Sophie is joined by Dr Sarah Bell, Senior Lecturer in Health Geography at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health. Sarah is a health and disability geographer whose research explores how wellbeing, social inequality, and disability intersect with our changing environments, from parks, gardens, and coastlines to the weather, seasons, and climate change. Our conversation covers how our environments shape who we are and how we live — and what it really means to design a fairer, healthier world for everyone. Highlights: How disability, wellbeing, and environment intersect across the life course Lessons from the Sensing Nature project and multisensory access to the outdoors The balance between research, real-world impact, and policy change Short-termism vs long-term investment in health and nature initiatives Staying motivated in the face of climate challenges and systemic barriers Shownotes: Sensing Nature program: https://sensing-nature.com (https://sensing-nature.com)

11. 

    15 Jul 2025

    Navigating Climate Change: A Deep Dive into Glacial Science with Professor Martin Siegert

    In this episode, Sophie is joined by Professor Martin Siegert, Vice President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus. Martin is a leading expert in polar science, glaciology, and climate science. With over 30 years of experience, Professor Siegert shares his inspiring, albeit unconventional, journey into academia, demonstrating that a career in science is “for everybody,” no matter your background! The conversation dives into the critical issue of global sea level rise and the dramatic changes occurring in the polar regions, particularly Antarctica, one of the fastest warming places on Earth. Professor Siegert explains how melting polar ice sheets are now controlling global sea levels, potentially leading to significant rises measured in metres rather than centimetres. He highlights two key effects: the gravitational impact that raises sea levels in mid-latitudes like the UK, and the albedo effect, where melting ice causes polar regions to absorb heat instead of reflecting it, creating a planetary problem. Listeners will discover Professor Siegert's groundbreaking research using radio-echo sounding to map hidden subglacial environments and hundreds of lakes, which is essential for developing accurate ice sheet models to predict future sea level rise. With current CO2 levels far exceeding natural norms, he emphasises that significant sea level rise is inevitable. Professor Siegert outlines a feasible decarbonised pathway as the only viable solution, firmly rejecting impractical geoengineering strategies. He concludes with a powerful call to action for individuals, businesses, and institutions, leaving listeners inspired to engage in the fight against climate change. This insightful and optimistic conversation highlights the interconnectedness of human activities and the Earth's polar regions, underscoring the urgent need for collective action.

12. 

    29 May 2025

    The Future of Biodiversity Monitoring: Mapping Biodiversity with Remote Sensing

    PhD Researcher Bri Pickstone discusses how remote sensing and machine learning revolutionize biodiversity monitoring, offering insights into using technology to understand ecosystems and promote sustainable land management in an interview with Mark.

13. 

    12 Mar 2025

    From Everyday Actions to Global Impact: Rethinking Our Role in Climate Change with Professor Catherine Leyshon

    In this episode of the State of the Earth Podcast, Mark is joined by Catherine Leyshon, a senior lecturer in Geography at the University of Exeter. They discuss how to unravel the hidden systems behind our daily routines to make a difference on the climate change impact and how the system itself can be redesigned. Mark and Catherine explore how simple activities like showering, shopping and commuting aren’t just routine but could be powerful practices that shape our planet’s future. Using Elizabeth Shove’s Theory of Enabled Practices helps us discover how shifting these ingrained behaviours can ignite a local revolution for sustainability and learn why every small choice you make matters in the fight against climate change. Whether you’re driven by a desire to make a personal change or eager to be part of a broader movement, this conversation will inspire you to rethink, act, and transform your everyday life for a healthier, greener tomorrow.

14. 

    14 Feb 2025

    UNESCO Biospheres and Cornwall: The path to UNESCO Status with Dr Tiago De Melo Cartaxo

    In this episode of the State of the Earth podcast, Sophie and Mark are joined by Tiago De Melo Cartaxo, a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law at the University of Exeter. They discuss Tiago's professional background, the concept of UNESCO biospheres, and the potential for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to be designated as such a reserve. The conversation explores the benefits of biosphere status, including improved conservation, economic development, and community engagement. Tiago shares his experiences working on biosphere projects in Portugal and offers insights on the steps required for Cornwall to achieve this designation. The discussion highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration, cultural heritage conservation, and research in sustaining biodiversity and environmental justice.

15. 

    15 Jan 2025

    Transforming Management Education: Exploring Civic Management and Interdisciplinary Approaches for a Sustainable Future with Dr Laura Colombo

    Dr. Laura Colombo, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Business School, argues that civic management education must shift towards interdisciplinary approaches to address pressing environmental and social challenges.

16. 

    5 Dec 2024

    Nature and Cities: Can We Make Cities Sustainable?

    Dr. Maike Hamann, a sustainability scientist, discusses the intricate relationship between nature and human well-being, highlighting the critical benefits urban nature provides to city residents.

17. 

    11 Oct 2024

    Safeguarding sea turtles

    In this episode we talk to Professor Brendan Godley, a world renowned marine biologist and conservationist, all about his work protecting sea turtles across the globe. Hear about some of the biggest threats to the species, the important initiatives being undertaken to save them, and understand why sea turtles are so important to us all.

18. 

    5 Sept 2024

    The politics of climate and society

    MSc Marine Environmental Management student, Daniel, talks to Professor Clare Saunders from the University of Exeter, Cornwall about the role of protest and activism in the development of social and environmental policy.

19. 

    6 Aug 2024

    Mining for a sustainable future

    MSc Marine Environmental Management student, Daniel, talks to Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards from the Camborne School of Mines about the importance of mining to the net zero transition, how we can mine sustainably for the future, and the opportunities in the sector both locally and globally. Karen leads the MSc Mining Environmental Management programme at the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Exeter, Cornwall.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

9,756,196

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.