State of the Earth

Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability
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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.

  1. 1d ago

    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 changeThe links between glacier retreat, water security, and natural hazardsHow governments and businesses assess climate riskWhy effective climate communication may be one of the most important tools for driving actionWhat climate scientists believe is still being underestimatedReasons for hope in the next decade of climate action

    How to sell climate change: In conversation with Stephan Harrison

  2. Jul 10

    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 surfingWhy surf therapy is gaining recognition within healthcare and social prescribingWho benefits most, and why programmes don't work the same way for everyoneThe biggest challenges facing surf therapy research and implementationThe 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.

    Surf therapy: The science behind blue health with Nick Knowles

  3. Jun 30

    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 conservationThe importance of coral reefsClimate change and coral reef futuresMarine protected areas and the 30 by 30 targetOverfishing and bottom trawlingScience communication and Blue Planet IIThe role of scientists in policyReasons for optimism about ocean conservationLinks to further explore his work: University of Exeter profile: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/35107-callum-roberts Published books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/737994.Callum_Roberts Research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lRTJ4IQAAAAJ&hl=en

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

  4. May 18

    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, Professor of Applied Mineralogy at the Camborne School of Mines 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 zeroWhat “responsible mining” really means in practiceThe role of circular economy systems in reducing waste and improving sustainabilityWhy mineral processing is one of the biggest challenges facing the industryCornwall’s mining heritage, and why the region is back in the spotlightHow the industry can rebuild public trust and operate more responsiblyWhat developments in legislation, supply chains, and technology may shape mining in 2026

    Critical minerals and Cornwall: Exploring the future of responsible mining

  5. Mar 2

    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 geologyThe importance of marine geologyExperiences conducting field work in the AntarcticThe work of ScleroMarine environmental dating applicationsClimate change, tipping points and glaciersDeep-sea mining PolicyThe future of his workLinks to further explore his work: University of Exeter profile:  https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/26104-james-scourse Sclero: https://sclerogroupexeter.co.uk/

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

  6. Feb 16

    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 buzzwordThe hidden social and environmental costs of tourismHow participatory governance helps destinations design better solutionsGreenwashing in tourism and how organisations can build credibilityWhether regulation or collaboration will drive change in the years aheadAdvice for students and professionals entering the sustainable tourism field

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

  7. 12/12/2025

    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

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

  8. 11/25/2025

    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 courseLessons from the Sensing Nature project and multisensory access to the outdoorsThe balance between research, real-world impact, and policy changeShort-termism vs long-term investment in health and nature initiativesStaying motivated in the face of climate challenges and systemic barriersShownotes: Sensing Nature program: https://sensing-nature.com

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

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability
  • Show Website
    State of the Earth