Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute

University of Southampton

Welcome to the Green Gown Award winning Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton! This podcast  explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge. Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast. In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders. The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world. Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of SouthamptonPodcast editors: Jack Dinham, Ellie Howell, Mya Harvey, Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton Podcast communications: Tyler Domone-Hollands, Hannah Parish, Alexander Ayerst, Maya Stevens, University of SouthamptonPlease do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.ukFollow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast 

  1. 11h ago

    Uncovering the environmental costs of the fast fashion industry

    In this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season we are discussing the environmental impacts of fast fashion, including the production of water waste, carbon emissions and energy usage relative to the garment industry, using Shein and sweat shops in Bangladesh as a case study example for the effects of fast fashion in low-income countries. Along with the environmental impacts, the economic benefits for newly emerging economies are discussed, linking this together in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 12 'Responsible Consumption and Production'. Host: Alishba Guest: Yamin Episode editors: Ben Episode researchers and scriptwriters: Alishba, Ben, Yamin, Fabio, Edmund This episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.

    13 min

  2. 1d ago

    The Shrimp farming dilemma

    In this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast we explore the rapid growth of shrimp aquaculture in India within a globalised food system. We examine the economic opportunities the industry creates, including export growth and employment, while critically analysing its environmental and social impacts.  Key issues include mangrove deforestation, water pollution, labour conditions, and the displacement of local farmers, alongside the imbalance between production in the Global South and consumption in wealthier regions.  The episode concludes by assessing whether shrimp farming can become sustainable through improved regulation and ecosystem-based approaches, or whether its current model remains inherently unsustainable. Episode Host: Eleanor Greed Episode Guests: Tegan Ashford, Georgianna Baker Episode Editors: Aneisha Guha, Nishita Gopi Episode Scriptwriters/Research: Tegan Ashford, Georgianna Baker, Eleanor Greed, Aneisha Guha and Nishita Gopi. This episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.

    13 min

  3. 3d ago

    Sustainable Food Systems: Corporate vs Individual Responsibility

    From discussions surrounding food packaging waste to food waste itself, this student takeover episode of the Meliora podcast explores the notion of “who is really responsible” for these issues in sustainable food systems. Is there a lack of action on individual and household levels, or is it more corporate and systemic faults? Listen to this episode and find out more about what guest speakers Leah and Jessica have to say for each side of the argument. Episode host – Kathryn Rhodes Episode guests – Jessica Morgan, Leah Norman Episode editor – Kathryn Rhodes Episode researchers and scriptwriters – Kyra-loana O’Connor, Ella Millard This episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.

    14 min

  4. 4d ago

    Sustaining our Coastlines: Pressures and Pathways for Coastal Futures

    This student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast is hosted by Sandeep and colleagues David, Evelyn, and Dalma. The episode explores some of the major human pressures the coastlines face and how that impacts sustainability, along with potential solutions.  Coastlines are important in a range of contexts from social to economic to environmental making it essential to improve its sustainability to protect people livelihoods (Neumann et al., 2015). Coastlines are home to ~ three quarters of the global population and 12 of the 15 largest cities. The ocean economy contributes ~$1.5 trillion annually supporting diverse cultures. It is also one of the largest carbon sinks, taking up 25% of anthropogenic emissions and it holds so much of the earth’s biodiversity. Major threats to the coastline include tourism, coastal management (erosion), aquaculture, sea level rise, pollution and many more. This episode will discuss the impacts and potential solutions for tourism, coastal management, and aquaculture.  Want to read more about the issues and solutions for sustainability at the coastlines? We recommend the following papers:  ·      Noor, N.M. and Abdul Maulud, K.N. (2022). Coastal Vulnerability: A Brief Review on Integrated Assessment in Southeast Asia. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, [online] 10(5), p.595. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10050595. ·      Phillips, M.R. and Jones, A.L. (2006). Erosion and tourism infrastructure in the coastal zone: Problems, consequences, and management. Tourism Management, 27(3), pp.517–524. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.10.019.  ·      Klinger, D. and Naylor, R. (2012). Searching for Solutions in Aquaculture: Charting a Sustainable Course. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, [online] 37(1), pp.247–276. doi: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-021111-161531. Episode Host: Sandeep Kour Episode Guests: Evelyn O’Connor, David Ramm, Dalma Peller Editor: Ethan Stubbs This episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.

    15 min

  5. 5d ago

    World Cup Sustainability: Qatar 2022 vs North America 2026

    In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we discuss sustainability in sports comparing the 2022 Qatar and 2026 United States, Canada, and Mexico FIFA World Cups. We discuss similarities and differences in consumption, infrastructure, resources, transport and energy use evaluating their sustainability in relation to the sustainable development goals. Episode host – Mackenzie Norris Episode guest – Raphael Matti Episode editor – Rapheal Matti Episode researchers and script-writers – Kira Owen and Samuel Paget This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.

    14 min

  6. 6d ago

    The Impacts of Fishing for Sustainable Futures

    In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we address sustainability in our oceans, specifically focusing on how the environmental, economic and social impacts of fishing shape our futures. We discuss mangrove deforestation for fishing and most vulnerable communities affected, overfishing causing population decrease and the impacts of people's diets on fishing and the environment, and how fishing pollutes the oceans, while linking to Sustainable development goals 3, 12, 13 and 14. Episode host - Cassie Chapman  Episode guests - Jessica Cullinane and Millie Clarke  Episode editors - Rebecca Keen and Scarlett Whitfield Episode researchers and script writers - Cassie Chapman, Jessica Cullinane, Millie Clarke, Rebecca Keen, Scarlett Whitfield  This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.

    16 min

  7. Jun 30

    “Is AI for good?: A sustainable synergy”

    In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we ask 'Is our continued use of AI a sustainability problem solver, or is it just creating new issues'? This episode explores both sides of the debate, investigating the modern-day uses of AI, including its role in education, and the subsequent impacts on sustainability. We discuss AI’s potential to support and sustain climate ac-on and sustainable innovation, alongside its growing environmental carbon footprint and governance challenges. This podcast links findings to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, 2025), and stirs a key conservation: is AI ultimately accelerating or hindering sustainable development? Roles: Episode host: Maisie Kemp Episode guests: Oliver S-les and Jacob Kopparambil Episode Editor: Oliver King Episode Researchers and script writers: Lewis Kerekgyarto and Lily Silvester-Wheeler This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.

    15 min

  8. Jun 29

    “Behind the Screen: The Sustainability of Remote Work”

    In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we explore the sustainability of remote working and whether it is truly a long-term solution or comes with hidden costs. We discuss its social, economic, and environmental impacts, linking to key Sustainable Development Goals including health and wellbeing, decent work, reduced inequalities, and life on land. Through this, we consider whether working from home supports or challenges a more sustainable future.  Host: Mia  Guests: Emily and Johnny This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.

    13 min
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About

Welcome to the Green Gown Award winning Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton! This podcast  explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge. Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast. In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders. The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world. Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of SouthamptonPodcast editors: Jack Dinham, Ellie Howell, Mya Harvey, Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton Podcast communications: Tyler Domone-Hollands, Hannah Parish, Alexander Ayerst, Maya Stevens, University of SouthamptonPlease do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.ukFollow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast 

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