Green Originals

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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Emily Williams

David Prest

Whistledown Productions

Green Originals: Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau

BBC Radio 4 - Green Originals, Jacques Cousteau

Reflections on the modern pioneers of the environmental movement. Today, Jacques Cousteau.

Champion freediver Tanya Streeter assesses the influence of underwater explorer and film-maker Jacques Cousteau.

A pioneer of the aqua lung and nature documentaries, Jacques Cousteau’s groundbreaking series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau had an enormous impact on the 1970s, gripping an entire generation of children with its kaleidoscopic beauty. The stunning films of sea-life, coupled with Cousteau's natural history lectures in romantically accented English, are credited with spawning the environmental movement. 

Cousteau spent more time filming underwater than probably anyone else and, as such, was alert to the devastating impact of over-fishing and pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean. Away from the camera, he lobbied tirelessly for tighter government regulations to protect the marine environment and biodiversity.

Champion freediver Tanya Streeter reflects on the life and work of the explorer and film-maker turned oceanographer and considers the challenges that remain for the protection of our Oceans.

“Cousteau’s inventions opened up the underwater world to exploration,” she says. “He inspired us to see the planet in an entirely new way.”

Producer: Emily Williams
Series Editor: David Prest
A Whistledown production in association with The Open University.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Reflections on the pioneers of the environmental movement over the last sixty years.

Reflections on the pioneering scientists, campaigners and communicators of the last 60 years who've swum against the tide to influence our opinion and behaviour on the environment.

The series which assesses the work and impact of the pioneering scientists, campaigners and communicators of the last 60 years who've swum against the tide to influence our opinion and behaviour on the environment.

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