Matt and Fraser discuss some of the highlights from our event at Strathclyde Business School, "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE).

The event featured a keynote speech from Michael Shanks, Under-Secretary of State at the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a lively panel discussion between Minister Shanks, Professor Keith Bell from Strathclyde University, Claire Mack, CEO of Scottish Renewables, and Zoe Holliday, CEO of Community Energy Scotland.

Links:

https://www.localzeropod.com/

Professor Keith Bell profile: https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/bellkeithprof/

Scottish Renewables: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/

Community Energy Scotland: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/

Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

We're all familiar with the concept of Net Zero – but what about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)? Joining Matt and Jen to explain BNG and its implications is Tom Butterworth, Nature Lead at ARUP for the UK, India, the Middle East and Africa.

Onward links:

Episode 74 with nature writer and journalist Kate Bradbury: how can our gardens protect the environment?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/74-how-can-our-gardens-protect-the-environment

UK Government guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain

Local Zero is produced and edited by Katie Revell at Bespoken Media podcasts

As we start the new year, Matt and Jen reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, and share their hopes and expectations – and a few fears – for 2025. Plus: there’s exciting news on the future of the podcast.

Links:

https://www.localzeropod.com/

Episode 76 – Water, water... everywhere?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/76-water-watereverywhere

Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities: https://www.strath.ac.uk/business/huntercentreforentrepreneurship/sisc/

Surfers against Sewage: https://www.sas.org.uk/

Episode 97 – Election special with Sir John Curtice and Daisy Powell-Chandler: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/97-election-special-with-sir-john-curtice-and-daisy-powell-chandler

Episode 101 – What to expect from COP29, following Trump’s victory?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/101-what-to-expect-from-cop29-following-trumps-victory

Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

What is shared ownership of energy? What opportunities and challenges does it present, both for communities and private companies? And how might it help accelerate the transition to net zero?

Fraser and Matt are joined by Jake Burnyeat, Director of Communities for Renewables CIC, and Jessica Hogan, Energy Analyst at Regen, to discuss Regen's new report, "Sharing Power: Unlocking shared ownership for a fast and fair net zero transition".

Links:

https://www.regen.co.uk/publications/sharing-power-unlocking-shared-ownership-for-a-fast-and-fair-net-zero-transition/

https://cfrcic.co.uk/

https://www.localzeropod.com/

Joining Matt and Jen for a look-ahead to COP29 are Dr Simon Evans, Deputy Editor and Senior Policy Editor at Carbon Brief, and Professor Francesco Sindico, Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Strathclyde Law School and Director of the Climate Change Legal Initiative.

Relevant links:

https://www.wri.org/insights/cop29-climate-summit-what-to-expect

https://www.localzeropod.com

It's a landmark episode! Somehow, this is the 100th episode of Local Zero. A big thanks to our listeners, guests, and supporters, without whom, we definitely would not have made it to three figures.

One last time, we're joined by our co-host Becky, who has some news to share about her new adventure.

The team mull over their highlights since starting the pod in 2021, and what the next 100 episodes might look like!

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/07/chris-boardman-premier-league-football-sport-england-climate-change?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

https://thegreatplantbasedcon.com

After the unveiling of a new co-host (!!!), and some discussion about recent visits to Orkney and Ayrshire, we are joined on the pod by Laura Young (@LessWasteLaura) and Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland to examine how we can avoid creating unnecessary food waste in the home.

Reducing Food Waste at Home bitesize course: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/bitesize-food-waste-course

Matt and Fraser return after a (washout) summer to share their expectations, hopes and any potential concerns about the new Labour government's Net Zero manifesto and policies.

There is also an important update on the future of Local Zero.

Linkedin - Local Zero Podcast

https://www.localzeropod.com

The long-awaited 2024 General Election is just around the corner - but how important will climate change be in the context of voting intention? Joining Matt and Fraser to discuss this, and analyse the key differences between the manifestos, are Daisy Powell-Chandler from Public First, and Sir John Curtice, political scientist and Professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, who you'll all recognise from election nights gone by.

https://www.publicfirst.co.uk/

https://www.meyland.co.uk/podcast

https://www.carbonbrief.org/uk-election-2024-what-the-manifestos-say-on-energy-and-climate-change/

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/environment-energy-resources/news/2024/jun/comparing-party-manifestos-energy-policy

How do agriculture and food production affect climate change and biodiversity, and can we fully decarbonise this industry?

Becky, Fraser and Matt are joined by agriculture and environment consultant Keesje Avis, and Mike Robinson, Chief Exec of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and Co-Chair of the 'Farming for 1.5 Degrees' report.