In this series Imperial PhD student Peter Knapp speaks with scientists from multiple disciplines who are concerned about the current state and future of the climate and life on Earth.
They share their personal stories, explaining what led them to be interested in the environmental and ecological crises. They discuss their opinions on public communication, politics, divestment campaigns, having children, Greta Thunberg, travel, carbon footprints, what they hope to see in the future and much more.
Dr Shauna Golden, who is an A&E doctor in Scotland and is studying for a Masters in global health, and Dr Patrick Hart, a GP in Bristol who has been arrested for his climate activism, discuss how the climate and ecological crisis is a health crisis, how the world might cope with the next pandemic, and why doctors may feel like they can save lives through activism.
Alexis Gauthier, a multi-award-winning French chef and successful London restaurateur who turned vegan in 2016, and Dr Alice Brough, a former livestock vet who has become a climate, animal and human rights activist, discuss veganism, why taste is so important to make people change their diets, the meat and dairy industry, and the risks of industrial animal farming.
Lucy Hogarth, an astrophysicist and climate activist, discusses why you don't need to be an ecologist or climate scientist to engage with climate activism, and how her late autism diagnosis has helped her to process the climate crisis and understand why others might find it hard to do so.
Zoë Blackler, investigative journalist and co-ordinator of whistleblowing platform TruthTeller, and Steve Tooze, a former tabloid journalist and climate activist, consider how much the media shapes the way we think, how coverage of the climate crisis has changed over the years, the challenges facing journalists at the beginning of their careers, and what drove them to become activists.
Paul Stephens, a retired Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant and climate crisis campaigner, discusses how policing is changing, his involvement with Extinction Rebellion as police liaison, and why protesting is a vital part of survival and our civilisation.
Todd Smith (former airline pilot and Co-Founder of Safe Landing) and Magdalena Heuwieser (author and Co-Founder of the Stay Grounded network) discuss life as a pilot, the aviation industry, sustainability, luxury travel, cheap flights and the issues caused by 'green solutions' in the Global South.
Actor, comedian, presenter and writer Robert Llewellyn explores whether comedy, and celebrities, can play a part in educating people about the climate crisis, and discusses the role of technology, car sharing, individual action versus legislation, what Kryten would have to say and much more.
Athletes Laura Baldwin (Olympic sailor and coach) and Etienne Stott (London 2012 canoe slalom gold medallist) discuss cruise ships and supermarkets, owning up to a high-carbon history, plant-based diets for athletes, and the role that sport can play in raising awareness of environmental and climate issues.
Reverend Tim Hewes, retired dentist and part-time priest, and Reverend Sue Parfitt, retired family therapist from Bristol, discuss their experiences of environmental activism, prison, why "oldies" should become activists, Christianity, colonialism and the climate crisis, and much more.
Evolutionary biologist and author
Dr Tristram Wyatt discusses his research into the evolution of pheromones and animal behaviour, the urgency of the climate and ecological crises, the role of scientists and natural history documentaries, his work with Extinction Rebellion, his involvement with Extinction Rebellion's LGBT+ subgroup, why diversity and inclusion matters, Insulate Britain, and the role of the police.
