Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by Philosophy undergraduate Molly McEwen to discuss her dissertation "How has COVID-19 impacted the engagement of children with the school system in the UK".

This research sought to understand the lived experiences of teaching staff in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, as existing research focuses mainly on parents' experiences or has analysed the impact of the pandemic on education through quantitative means. The main aim was to recognize the value in the perceptions and perspectives of the interviewees, as they faced the reality of trying to re-engage young people in the wake of the pandemic.  The most interesting aspect of the collected data was that the children most affected in terms of attainment, behaviour and social skills were those who missed transitional stages of their education. A common view amongst  participants was that pupils with additional needs or from disadvantaged economic backgrounds were disproportionately impacted when compared to their peers.

Rudling et al. (2023) . Education and Equity in Times of Crisis: Learning, Engagement and Support | SpringerLink

Tracey et al. (2022) The Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Children’s socio-emotional well-being and Attainment during the Reception Year. Education Endowment Foundation. EEF-School-Starters.pdf (d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net) 

Education Endowment Foundation. 2022. The Impact of COVID-19 on Learning: A Review of the Evidence. Impact_of_Covid_on_Learning.pdf (d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net)

Education Policy Institute. 2020. Preventing the disadvantage gap from increasing during and after the Covid-19 pandemic - Education Policy Institute (epi.org.uk)

Episode guest: Molly McEwen
Episode host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode editor: Libby Kale
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In this episode of the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton, we are joined by third-year BSc Environmental Science student Billy Weir for an exploration of his dissertation research titled: ‘Should we reintroduce Lynx to the United Kingdom? Discussing the potential locations and benefits of reintroducing the Eurasian Lynx to the UK'

The United Kingdom is one of the most nature-deprived countries in the world and is in dire need of restoration. Rewilding has come to the forefront of conservation and ecological restoration in recent years, and reintroductions of predators are important for restoring ecosystems and increasing biodiversity. Predators such as Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) are a good candidate for reintroduction to the UK. Eurasian Lynx would provide many ecological benefits, and potentially social and economic benefits too. This episode discusses these ecological benefits and impacts, as well as the practicality of a potential reintroduction of the species. 

Useful papers: 

Hawkins, S.A., Brady, D., Mayhew, M., Smith, D., Lipscombe, S., White, C., Eagle, A. and Convery, I. (2020). Community perspectives on the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) to the UK. Restoration Ecology, 28(6). doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13243 

Johnson, R. and Greenwood, S. (2019). Assessing the ecological feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) to southern Scotland, England, and Wales. Biodiversity and Conservation, 29. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01909-2.

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Guest: Billy Weir (Third-Year BSc Environmental Science Student)
Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Editor: Lily Killner

If you are interested in engaging with more sustainability-related material take a look at both Instagram and X: @meliorapodcast

As part of our 'Student Take Over Season', editors Sophie Green and Lily Killner were insistent we should have an episode 'in defence of Taylor Swift' after she was criticised for her environmental impact in our 'Tax Taylor Swift' episode in Season 2.  

So, here it is, released on the day that Sophie finally got to see her idol at Wembley Stadium!  We discuss private jets, female empowerment, the cultural significance of her music, the footprint of concerts, fan travel, and most importantly of all for many, just how important her music is for the well-being of millions of people across the globe.

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!

Episode Hosts: Sophie Green & Lily Killner
Episode Guest: Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Sophie Green

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Engage with us on instagram or X @meliorapodcast, or email us at: [email protected]

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by Emma Robson (BSc Environmental Science) to discuss her Independent Research Project 'Assessing the Impact of Volcanic Activity on Submarine Cable Infrastructure to Megacities: Case Study of Jakarta, Manila, Mexico City, Tokyo'. 

As the world becomes more globalised our reliance on communication cables has increased, however the infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable from natural hazards, especially volcanoes. As a result, humanity is becoming ever more vulnerable. Although to what extent is unknown. Therefore, this project aims to assess which Megacity’s and key communication cable infrastructures are most vulnerable from volcanoes within a 100km buffer. The project objectives include producing a map of communication cable infrastructure in relation to volcanoes to establish which megacities can therefore be further investigated. The investigation  includes designing, calculating and implementing a vulnerability index for each key megacity’s communications based on cable infrastructure, cable age, volcano elevation, recent volcanic activity and population. 

The results are compared against literature to analyse, discuss and evaluate why people/communities/megacities are in such close proximity to volcanoes. Throughout the investigation Manila, Mexico City, Tokyo and Jakarta were analysed. Overall Manila was the most vulnerable Megacity, Mt Taal being the most threatening volcano by a considerable score. This research can be used to help understand where cable infrastructure requires more protection and therefore which populations are most vulnerable to information ‘cut-offs’ in the event of cable damage. In addition, this vulnerability index could be used on a wider scale to measure against volcanoes globally.

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Episode Guest: Emma Robson 
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Jack Dinham

Engage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by Amy Berry (BSc Geography) to discuss her Independent Research Project: '“I think everyone can do it, I just don’t think everyone is willing to do it”: Investigating attitudes, intentions, and behaviours of those environmentally knowledgeable towards climate change and plant-based diets'.

Plant-based diets have lower attributed emissions of approximately 50% in comparison to the average omnivorous diet. Students enrolled in the modules Global Sustainability Challenges and Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy have sufficient knowledge regarding the detrimental impact of animal-based product production and consumption upon the environment. 

However, in the dissertation research completed by Amy Berry, it is found that this environmental knowledge is insufficient in informing a pro-environmental behaviour shift. In this episode we discuss identified barriers to a pro-environmental behaviour shift which explain why those with advanced knowledge on the topic still consume such products, as well as background literature, the methodological approach, and other results from this research. Implications of research are also discussed, including how we may be able to increase the uptake of plant-based diets by removing key barriers to this sustainable behaviour.

 Relevant articles for those interested in the topic of plant-based diets and pro-environmental behaviour:

1. Poore, J. and Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392). Pp. 987-992.
2. Kollmuss, A. and Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the Gap: Why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behaviour? Environmental Education Research, 8(3). Pp. 239-260.
3. Markowski, K.L. and Roxburgh, S. (2019). “If I became a vegan, my family and friends would hate me”: Anticipating vegan stigma as a barrier to plant-based diets. Appetite, 135. Pp. 1-9. 

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Episode Guest: Amy Berry 
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Lily Killner

Engage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by (Meliora Editor) Sophie Green (BSc Geography) to discuss her Independent Research Project 'Evaluating the efficacy of tree planting for atmospheric carbon sequestration, in the Ardochy Forest, Scotland.'.

This study evaluates the efficacy of tree planting for carbon sequestration in Scotland, through assessing the impact of species and of land management. Practical recommendations are based on the findings and aim to guide current tree planting projects in Scotland. The study has an experimental research design, involving manipulation of tree species mix in the Ardochy Forest and using mixed methods to create qualitative and quantitative findings; remote sensing displayed temporal analysis and calculations based on the CSORT model were used to quantify carbon stocks, project future trends, understand ecosystem dynamics, and evaluate management practices. Ecological succession theory and carbon saturation theory were applied as theoretical frameworks to to understand the dynamic processes of carbon sequestration over time. Analysis indicates a strong relationship between species and carbon sequestration, suggesting species should be considered in the planning phase of tree planting. Sitka spruce caused the greatest amount and highest rates of carbon sequestration. While deciduous trees were discovered to be most beneficial for carbon sequestration, a mix of native and non-native species is recommended for future projects. The study concluded that the Ardochy Forest’s LMP had limited benefits for carbon sequestration. This dissertation aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land. The dissertation's focus on evaluating tree planting for carbon sequestration contributes to understanding how nature-based solutions can mitigate climate change effects, while touching on the contribution of tree planting to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services. Furthermore, the study is indirectly linked to Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Tree planting initiatives may promote the use of sustainable consumption patterns by fostering awareness about the environmental impact of consumption habits, while also contributing to creating more sustainable and resilient communities by enhancing green space and improving air quality.

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Episode Guest: Sophie Green 
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Sophie Green

Engage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by (Meliora Editor) Lily Killner (BSc Environmental Science) to discuss her Independent Research Project 'The Impacts of Houseplant Production'.

Houseplant demand has been growing rapidly since the Covid-19 pandemic, causing concerns for sustainability due to resource demand (SDG 12), energy requirements (SDG 7 and 13) and pollution (SDG 14). A life cycle analysis was conducted to identify the components of production with the greatest carbon footprint; with substrate, fertilizer and pots scoped in, followed by analysis of alternative materials. There was no significant difference between the three substrates scoped in, but nitrogen was found to be the largest emitter compared to the other components of fertilizer. Fertilizer and substrate were found to have significantly higher footprints compared to pots. Barriers to implementation and possibility to mitigate the footprint and additional impacts were identified to fully evaluate the materials scoped in.

Further reading:
Bulgari, R., Petrini, A., Cocetta, G., Nicoletto, C., Ertani, A., Sambo, Paolo., Ferrante, A., Nicola, S., 2021. The impact of COVID-19 on horticulture: critical issues and opportunities derived from an unexpected occurrence. Horticulturae, 7(6), 124. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060124

Darras, A. I., 2020. Implementation of sustainable practices to ornamental plant cultivation worldwide: a critical review. Agronomy, 10(10), 1570. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101570

The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.

Episode Guest: Lily Killner 
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Lily Killner

Engage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast

This episode of the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton is part of the Global Sustainability Challenges module student takeover season where we discuss whether sustainable food systems should be the 18th Sustainable Development Goal. 

We address the concept of sustainability and food systems while exploring the impacts and implications. The conversation develops further when discussing the benefits and problems faced with introducing another SDG, specifically the idea of sustainable food systems as a new SDG18.

Recommended links from the guests:

Adapting to climate change and sustaining food security - https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.56. 

Healthy sustainable food patterns and systems -  https://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2021.07.8436 

Episode host: Rhyanne Phillips

Episode guests: Jake Wallis and Lucy Benson

Research and Production: Maddie Hardy, Tom Dixon and Will-Lloyd Kyere

Engage with us on Instagram / X: @meliorapodcast

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In this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton, we are discussing the sustainability of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Through separating the SDGs into economic, social, and environmental issues, we place a lens over the progress the industry has made in addressing sustainability.

The Pharmaceutical Industry plays a crucial role in contributing to the achievement of the United Nation’s SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing - addressing healthy lives, access to medicines, innovation, and pandemic preparedness. In the meantime, numerous goals around environmental sustainability are abandoned, with the manufacturing and supply of medicines greatly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the pollution of toxic chemicals into water systems. This episode highlights areas for improvement, suggesting ways in which the industry can become more sustainable, as well as celebrating the successes of pharmaceutical companies over the last 40 years, in improving life expectancy.University of Southampton

Episode host: Sophie Saunders

Episode guests: Benjamin Bulley, Billy Weir and Georgina Norton

In this student takeover episode  of the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton we investigate the issue of voting rights at the crucial annual IPCC Conference of Parties (COP) meetings.

Episode team: Sandy Menezes Covre, Sharon Pun, Arthiga Raguragavan, George Robertson, Xinyu Sheng and Connor Snellgrove.

This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast, and is a group project from the University of Southampton 'Global Sustainability Challenges' module.