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One Planet: Richard Branson, uranium and algae

Factual: Science & Nature

16/09/2010

Richard Branson, uranium and algae

BBC World Service - One Planet, Richard Branson, uranium and algae

Richard Branson tells us about clean fuels, the need for nuclear and a life changing bath

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin business empire, sits down with Mike this week to talk about how a soothing bath cost him billions of dollars. In 2006, while scrubbing himself down, the entrepreneur decided to invest $3billion in clean energy projects. He tells Mike why progress on developing clean fuels has been slower than he hoped, and explains that - despite being the owner of airline Virgin Atlantic - he wants strong oil prices. 

We also ask him about the celebrity climate change bandwagon, and the social responsibility of the world's billionaires. Plus we play him a report on turning urine and algae into electricity - sources of clean energy to tempt the business mogul.  

We also hear from Arizona as debate rages over whether to allow uranium mining to continue there. The area is rich with the mineral, and as global interest in nuclear power rises, so too does the world's appetite for uranium. Last year, global production was up 15%. But many locals blame the mines for contaminating water supplies and causing the rapid rise in cancer rates which their communities have suffered in recent decades.

As ever, tune in, listen and let us know your thoughts. You can always email the team at oneplanet@bbc.com, or join us on Facebook - Mike can usually be found reading through your comments there.

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