Net Zero: A Very British Problem

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Matt Winning looks at what lies ahead if Britain is to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

The carbon savings we've made so far have been the easy ones. Comedian and environmental economist Matt Winning looks at the changes we need to make in Britain to reach net zero.

The UK is a global success story when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. Committed to reaching net zero by 2050, we've surpassed targets for 2012, 2017 and -  already - 2022. We are ahead of all EU countries and other leading economies. 

On paper we look good, but it's about to get a lot tougher...

The carbon savings we've made so far have been the easy ones. To reach net zero, we need to start changing the way we live and work. We need to rethink our homes, our heating, our transportation and our food. We can't reach net zero without these changes impacting on each and every one of us. 

In this lively series, comedian and environmental economist Matt Winning looks at the ways in which unique aspects of British culture have shaped how we generate carbon, how we've managed to reduce emissions, and the challenges we now face to eliminate them completely. Travelling around Britain - from terraced houses to the tiniest of crofts, and from golf courses to cement factories - Matt reveals how our energy consumption is bound up with who we are.

The big question now is: can we change?

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Net Zero: A Very British Problem: Future Proofing

Future Proofing

BBC Radio 4 - Net Zero: A Very British Problem, Future Proofing

The UK is a global success story when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. Committed to reaching net zero by 2050, we've surpassed targets for 2012, 2017 and - already - 2022. We are ahead of all EU countries and other leading economies.

On paper we look good, but it's about to get a lot tougher…

The carbon savings we've made so far have been the easy ones. To reach Net Zero, we need to start changing the way we live and work. We need to rethink our homes, our heating, our transportation and our food. We can’t reach net zero without these changes impacting on each and every one of us.

In this series, comedian and environmental economist Matt Winning looks at the ways in which unique aspects of British culture have shaped how we generate carbon, how we've managed to reduce emissions, and the challenges we now face to eliminate them completely. Travelling around Britain - from terraced houses to the tiniest of crofts, and from golf courses to cement factories – Matt reveals how our energy consumption is bound up with who we are.

The big question now is: can we change?

Produced by: Victoria McArthur & Julia Johnson
Additional production by: Amanda Hargreaves
Research by: Alice McKee
Presenter: Matt Winning
Sound mix: Sean Mullervy
Senior Producer: Peter McManus
Based on an original idea by: Kate Bissell & Glyn Tansley

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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