AntiSocial BBC Radio 4

The greenhouse gas emissions caused by meat, dairy, and plant-based alternatives.
Sarah Bridle, professor of food, climate, and society at the University of York, digests the data.

Should meat and dairy be taken off menus to help save the planet from climate change?
A university is accused of “going woke” after reports it is transitioning to 100% plant-based catering by 2027. Climate activists are calling on universities and other public bodies like councils to ditch animal food products to help tackle the climate crisis. But what did the university in question actually decide and how widespread is the shift to plant-based menus? What’s the evidence about the climate impact of meat and dairy versus vegan alternatives? And what is the best way to change people’s behaviour when it comes to what they eat?
Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Simon Maybin, Jordan Dunbar, Ellie House, Natasha Fernandes
Editor: Bridget Harney

The term “Anglo-Saxon” has become controversial, but where does it come from?
As people argue online about whether the term is tainted by racism, history professor Joanna Story tells its origin story.

Should the term “Anglo-Saxon” be dropped because it’s been adopted by racists?
People online are angry because a history journal has dropped “Anglo-Saxon” from its title. Critics say it is pandering to American academics who are unduly worried about the term being used by white supremacists. The journal says that’s got nothing to do with it. It’s part of an ongoing debate about whether “Anglo Saxon” is useful and appropriate. How did the argument start? Where did the term actually come from? And how has it been used in modern times to talk about race?
Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Natasha Fernandes
Editors: Bridget Harney, Sam Bonham

Pro-Palestinian student protesters have called for their universities to divest from firms with links to Israel, and specifically the conflict in Gaza, but how would that actually work? Adam Fleming discusses the practicalities and protest history of divestment with Chris Marsicano, assistant professor of higher education and public policy at Davidson College, in North Carolina.

The debate about protestors calling for their universities to cut ties with Israel.
Encampments of students protesting about Israel’s military action in Gaza have been popping up on campuses across the UK. They’re calling for their institutions to divest from - sell their stakes in - companies linked to the conflict or Israel, but others say they’re demonising the country and stoking antisemitism. How did the movement start and how have universities been responding? What’s the history of political activism around university investments? And what does the law say about pitching tents on university land?
Presenter: Adam Fleming
Producers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Jameel Shariff