Costing the Earth (Series 11-20)

Series 11

Into the Arctic

In 2010, the Arctic saw its warmest year on record and with the melting ice, the resources such as gas, oil, uranium, and iron ore seemed accessible. A number of countries are planning on exploiting these resources, however questions have been posed as the to the future of the area, and if political issues could arise.

Arctic Dreams

As the Arctic continues to melt, it is local people who feel the impact the greatest. New businesses are arriving to exploit available resources, but they also threaten the environment and further impact the culture. Tom Heap visits the Arctic to learn about the impact on flora and fauna, and the native population.

Digging Britain

This episode poses questions relating to the problem of metal detecting. As the practice continues to increase in popularity, a number of people worry about the impact on historic sites with objects being taken away potentially impacting future archaeological digs.

The Real Eco Warriors?

By the time a gallon of fuel reaches the frontline in Afghanistan, its cost is expected to be around £250. This episode looks at whether the army could lead the way in green developments, and also takes a look at what strategies are in the place already such as alternative fuels and solar power.

OK Coral

Coral is arguable the most under-threat ecosystem, with around ninety percent estimated to be at risk. The main cause is ocean acidification, however tourism is also playing a part via water pollution and litter.

Fur or Faux?

Tom Heap looks into the claims that real fur is more sustainable than the fake alternatives. Speaking with a Mink farmer in Denmark, the questions include how to deal with animal abuse and the position of anti-fur campaigning groups.

Carbon Trading

The carbon trading scheme which tried to halt global warming, boost invest in green technologies and make money for traders has failed. Tom Heap looks back to the 1990s to find out how the scheme came about, and why it failed to achieve its stated goals.

Britain's Nuclear Future

Britain's planned nuclear developments have hit stumbling blocks related to cost, and with the events in Japan, Tom Heap questions whether they have been dealt a fatal blow with the combination of safety issues and low-cost of alternatives.

Alien Invaders

The threat to wildlife from invasive species is recognised as one of the greatest issues, and it continues to grow. Recent studies have indicated the rise is due to international trade, with climate change also contributing. However, not all invasive species are worth eradicating.

Fields Paved with Gold

Due to government funding changes, the future of solar looks uncertain. Changes in Spain and Germany have also meant that the market has affected. This episode looks at the relationship between politics and the solar industry, and what the future options are as the technology continues to develop.

Deepwater Horizon - The Real Damage

Tom Heap reports from Alabama one-year on to find out how bad the Deepwater Horizon disaster was. This programme looks at the true economic cost and environmental impact, and also whether the media reaction further damaged the region.

Peak leak

Shipwrecks from World War Two litter the oceans, and seventy years of rust is starting to open up further problems. The primary issue surrounds munitions and oil which are being released into the environment, and for decades, governments have ignored the problem.

Cocoa Loco

The growing of Cocoa is hitting problems in Africa and South America due to the rising cost. Chasing low-cost production, farmers have failed to replenish the soil which means future crops could be even more expensive. This episode looks at the impact on food manufacturers.

Greening the Teens

This episode looks at how younger people can be encouraged to care about the environment that they are going to inherit. It also looks at the UK Youth Climate Coalition which is launching a campaign to have six hundred and fifty kids adopt a politician and keep climate change at the top of the agenda.

The Real Avatar

A number of celebrities are trying to stop the construction of Belo Monte Dam, but as oil and gas prices spiral upwards, dams are projected to come back. With the building, the Xingu river will be diverted with ecological damage and local tribes being significantly affected.

California Gasping

California's population continues to expand as does its farming, however it has a chronic lack of water. A new plan is intended to solve the issue by 2012 however it needs to find a difficult balance between farmers, consumers and the environment.

Nature's Medicine Cabinet

This episode looks at what medical problems can be solved by using nature. Medical science has also been isolating the ingredients to create drugs which is good news for patients, but potentially bad for endangered wildlife.

Series 12

Cave Carnage

In Croatia, there is a vast network of unexplored caves which are home to a variety of species. However, their habitat is under threat due to waste dumping, agricultural pollution, and the development of highways and hydro-electric plants.

Bug Mac and Flies

Tom Heap set about finding whether eating insects is better for the planet than a steak. With bugs such as crickets, locusts and caterpillars all easily converted into food with high levels of protein, he questions how viable the new food source is.

The Air That I Breathe

British air quality regularly breaches European regulations, with big cities as well as London also suffering from air pollution. Tom Heap asks what individuals can do, and sets about finding where the problem is at its worst. He also looks at new developments which could aid the fight.

A Very Large Hole in the Sahara

Scientists are looking at different ways to halt sea-level rise including an idea to flood low-lying parts of the planet such as a section of the Sahara. Another idea is to position floating mirrors to deflect some of the Sun's heat. Miranda Krestovnikoff investigates which futuristic geoengineering concepts which could become a reality.

Waters of Arabia

Sana'a, the capital of Yemen once had an elaborate irrigation system which brought water into the mosques and large gardens. This provided a green burst in the midst of the desert. However, the city is now on the verge of a crisis provoked by a shortage of water and an expanding population.

High Speed Hell?

Tom Heap consults experts to find out whether HS2 between London and Birmingham will cause a noise nuisance for those who live in the vicinity. A look is also taken at the environmental impact and asks what more can be done to limit the damage.

Gold of the Conquistadors?

Five hundred years ago, the Spanish enslaved populations of South and Central America in the hunt for more gold and silver. Today, the mining industry is booming again with driving forces of demand for copper and other precious metals. The Andes are particularly at threat due to the water demands of the mining process.

March of the Pylons

As Britain's electricity network approaches obsolescence, there is the potential for more pylons having to be installed or replaced and there are some fears that they may be installed in beauty spots. With power generation now more spread out, Tom Heap asks whether there are any alternatives.

Let It Snow!

The winter of 2010 saw the country brought to standstill due to snow and freezing conditions which lasted several weeks. The demand for gas, gritting of roads, and closure of schools raised questions about whether this was the future for winter in the UK, or a freak occurrence.

Series 13

Bottle Bank Wars

Recycling in San Francisco is profitable enough to mean that gangs battle over bottle banks. In search of cans and bottles, the city makes it very easy for residents to recycle however the blue boxes which are put out for collection are often emptied before the official company can get to them, as gangs take them for the few dollars they can earn.

Adapting Insects

Genetic modification is becoming advanced enough that insects bodies and minds can be controlled, and Dr Alice Roberts wonders whether this can be used to humans advantage. Suggestions include making insects do work to prevent the use of pesticides.

Bambi Bites Back

The number of deer in Britain are rising, and this is taking a toll on forests and ground-nesting birds. Tom Heap presents this programme and asks whether a cull is in order to keep the numbers in check, and whether making a profit while doing it is the right thing.

Tunnel Beneath the Thames

Alice Roberts looks into the state of the Victorian sewage system below London which is prone to flooding. This causes raw sewage and rainwater to overwhelm the man-made tunnels. A proposed solution plans for a fifteen mile long tunnel buried beneath the river, however the cost and disruption is controversial.

Nuclear Power Without the Nasties

The Fukushima disaster has impacted the chances of a nuclear revival, and alternatives are likely to be required. Thorium is another radioactive element which offers the prospect of producing power without the chance of meltdown or long-lived waste. This episode looks into its viability.

Rebel Without a Car

The car is being shunned by younger people, with the numbers of late-teens holding licenses dropping. This episode looks at whether the fall is purely cost-based, or if the youth are becoming more environmentally aware.

The Power of Peat

Peat bogs are one of the worlds assets in term of climate change, as they can absorb more carbon dioxide than a similar sized forest. However, they are still being destroyed at a high rate due to requirements for gardening, energy production and use by peat-cutters.

Outbreak

Schmallenberg disease is affecting some sheep and cattle in Britain, and the outbreak is a reminder that diseases can spread and kill before authorities have a chance to react. Scientists are working hard to understand viruses, and this episode posits what else can be done to raise the alarm sooner.

Sands of Time

Tom Heap joins the battle to save sand dunes which are being impacted by developments that prevent their natural movement. With their loss, numerous species such as birds and frogs will be affected. However, hope has appeared in some locations with reconstruction plans in progress.

Frozen Fish

Chef Gerard Baker travels to South Georgia to find out more about our last remaining healthy fish stocks where tight regulation and vicious weather keep most trawlers away. However global demand could entice more fishermen into the waters.

What Lies Beneath

Tin and tungsten prices continue to rise, and this brings the prospect of mining returning to the South West. Rare earth metals are vital for technology, and the relative poorness of Cornwall and Devon means that digging the land has become profitable.

Britain in Flames

Last spring, large portions of British countryside were on fire. The coming year looks to continue in the same vane with a dry winter and drought orders in place. Tom Heap investigates the causes of moorland and forest fires, and what innovative methods can be used to fight them.

Cruise Ships and Creeks

Falmouth in Cornwall has the third largest natural harbour in the world, but it isn't deep enough for modern ships. The project will create hundreds of jobs, however it would also involve digging up calcified seaweed called Maerl which is protected by law and lies in a special conservation area.

Genetically Modified Brunch

Genetically-modified crops provoked objection from many environmentalists and food campaigners in the 1990s, and a new wave is on the way with scientists claiming they will offer clear benefits to people. This episode looks at whether consumers will welcome the second generation as they arrive on shop shelves.

Return of the King

Coal consumption is rising throughout the world, and Tom Heap sets about finding the causes of its return and the failure to find cleaner alternatives. As China continues to build coal-fired power stations, other developed economies continues to rely on it including Germany, Poland, and Australia.

Pushing Water

Tom Heap investigates the feasibility of moving water from those with plenty to those in drought, and why water companies seem reluctant to solve the issue. This episode looks into whether the water shortages are as much to do with economics as the lack of rainfall.

Jellyfish Invasion!

Miranda Krestovnikoff investigates the claims that Jellyfish are taking over the world's oceans and the impact they have on other animals. This programme covers the potential for jellyfish to drive marine ecosystems back to the primitive Cambrian era.

Series 14

Britain from 2060: The Land

In 2060, Britain is projected to have a climate similar to that of Madeira. Tom Heap travels to the Portuguese island and finds out how life would have to be changed to accommodate the weather, and whether the system of water pipes on the island will have to be imported to ensure that the parched south-east can be fed water from the north.

Britain in 2060: The Seas

Rising sea temperatures have already started to bring in species that do not usually frequent the British Isles, and our diets may change as the content of the sea does. Looking fifty years in the future, our dinner plates may be made up of more tropical species to replace cod.

Britain's Wilderness

Miranda Krestovnikoff visits Ennerdale Valley in the Lake District to discover the progress of an attempt to rewild the area, with the focus on returning natural flora and fauna. The aim is to find out whether this scheme can be a model for other areas of the country.

People Power

Tom Heap looks at how energy burnt off while playing sports can be used to power other devices. Starting with the wind-up radio which has revolutionised access to information in parts of Africa, he looks at some technologies which are already in use.

Chinese Salmon

In 2011, the Scottish government announced a deal to supply salmon to China which may bolster the fishing industry. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of the practice, the spread of disease, and the impact on the rest of the environment.

Cruel Harvest

2012 was disastrous for harvests around the world, and Tom Heap asks whether at times of crisis, food should be grown for people rather than for fuel. Visiting Missouri and Bedfordshire, the programme looks at how turbulent weather patterns will affect harvests in the coming decades.

Apocalypse Then and Now

In Laos, more American bombs were dropped in total weight than Germany and Japan during World War Two combined. Unexploded bombs litter the countryside, and people live in fear of stepping on one. However new technologies have been developed to help clear the land, which is changing the environment in significant ways.

Wave Goodbye?

In the choppy waters around Orkney, waves machines are being tested to discover the best way of harnessing the power of the sea. Tests of wave power have been ongoing for four decades, and Britain appears to be on the verge of solving the problem - with money being the stumbling block.

Tsunami Debris

Since the Japanese tsunami, millions of tonnes of debris has been making its way across the Pacific. Tom Heap questions what problems this poses as it reaches land, whether the debris can be beneficial or detrimental to wildlife, and how it can be returned to its rightful owners.

Series 15

Future Forests

The future of Ash trees in Britain came as a shock to the public and politicians, and with stressed trees dealing with climate change and new pests, the future looks bleak. Tom Heap questions what changes will need to be made to guarantee the future of our forests and woods.

Berlin's Big Gamble

Germany's government has agreed to close the country's nuclear plants, and slash its coal, oil and gas usage. However, questions remain as to whether renewable energy will be able to provide enough power to industry. Tom Heap takes a trip to talk to villagers and politicians about the future.

Robot Farmers

Presented by Sarah Cruddas, this episode explores how future technologies such as satellite technology and advances in robotics will impact the future of farming. She speaks to a number of scientists to experience the labour and fuel saving precision farming.

When Nettles Attack!

Tom Heap looks at whether the future problematic plants in the wild are not actually invasive foreign species, but those we all know such as brambles, nettles, and ivy are marching across the countryside and choking out sensitive species.

Dash for Ash

By 2020, Britain has to reduce its landfill requirements. Suggestions are that burning of waste to produce energy is a viable alternative to burying below ground, however questions are being asked about the impact this will have on carbon dioxide emissions and whether recycling should see a renewed focus.

Electrifying Africa: The Power Beneath

A geothermal energy revolution is set to take place in Africa, and Tom Heap visits the Rift Valley in Kenya where there is an abundant source of energy waiting to be tapped. He speaks to locals about the current power situation and engineers working on the infrastructure projects.

Electrifying Africa: Beyond the Grid

Tom Heap investigates the impact of solar power which has reached parts of Africa that the electrical grid cannot. He also looks at the use of Kerosene lamps which were both expensive to fuel and dangerous to operate, and if the change to solar will lift some people out of poverty.

The House That Heats Itself

Miranda Krestovnikoff looks at where you should start if you want to build a eco-home. Visiting Ashley Vale in Bristol, she takes a look at a community of self-build houses to find out if the green homes built were a success after a decade. This episode also views the latest materials which intend to improve the efficiency of new homes.

Green Babies

Dr Alice Roberts looks into the projections that pregnancies are set to increase in 2013, and finds out whether a rising population is the biggest environmental threat. The episode also explores what can be done to reduce the impact of children on the world.

Exotic Pets

This episode is presented by Miranda Krestovnikoff and takes on the impact of removing exotic animals from the natural environment and keeping them as pets. She questions whether the practice should be banned and looks at the smuggling operations which occur through ports, however members of the pet trade say it has come a long way in twenty years.

The Urban Farmers

Old brownfield sites can become repurposed, and some have been converted into productive land used for growing food. From back streets of terraced blocks to disused railway banks, the plots are now feeding communities. Alice Roberts asks whether this can be part of the new future for farming.

CSI Rhino

Tom Heap finds out how a DNA database of living rhinos in South Africa can aid the fight against illegal poaching and trading. The hope is the reduction in available horn will see demand drop, however some are arguing for farmed rhinos which would have their horns shaved.

The Deepest Lake on Earth

Tom Heap presents this programme on Lake Baikal which is the world's deepest and oldest lake. He also looks into the exploration missions which are trying to understand the history of the water, and also the problems posed by today's pollution, mining, and rising population.

Fish - The Next Fight

Tom Heap meets activists who are hoping to bring an end to illegal fishing by getting in the way of pirates who use drift nets which were banned in 1992. The organisation, Black Fish, wants to ensure that fish species can become plentiful once more.

Amphibian Extinction

Frogs, toads and amphibians are becoming a rarer sight in ponds and gardens, with some scientists believing the planet is in the midst of a sixth extinction event. Tom Heap investigates the key causes including habitat loss, diseases, and climate change.

Bees Fight Back

This episode analyses the impact of pesticides on honey bees and what the future holds for industry if neonicotinoids are banned. Environmentalists however believe it is a vital step to ensure bees are saved, however issues around loss of habitat and disease also remain.

The Cost of Cruising

Julian Rush visits the site of the Costa Concordia sinking which occurred in January 2012, and finds out whether supersized ships are going to pose further problems for the seas and coastlines in the future.

GM Update: Pig 26

Tom Heap updates on the latest developments in genetic modification technology, and visits the University of Edinburgh for the latest on genome engineering. This includes breeding disease resistance into chickens and pigs, and also discusses whether GM foods would ever be accepted into Britain.

Series 16

Electric Cars Recharged

As electric cars look to become viable, Tom Heap visits a factory which produces its electric car alongside petrol and diesel. He also discovers that electric car success will depend on EU regulations, commercial developments, and improved technology.

The Palm Oil Palm Off

In Singapore, thick smog has descended with the cause attributed to illegal burning of forests in Indonesia to clear land for palm oil. Tom Heap asks whether due to the widespread use of palm oil, we have turned a blind eye to issues it causes.

Waste Watchers

A 2011 report produced stark warnings about the state of the future food supply. It remarked that food growth needs to be more sustainable, however thirty percent of food is never eaten. Kat Arney looks at the people who are trying to reduce the waste.

Sharks Attacked

Over thirty species of shark live in UK waters, and many are being pushed worldwide to the brink of extinction. Shark Fin Soup is a delicacy, and the fins are also used in Chinese medicine with the rest of the shark being thrown back into the sea to die. Miranda Krestovnikoff takes a look at what can be done to save the creature.

Burn That Fat!

Tom Heap takes a tour of the London sewer system to see the problems fat poses to the underground tunnels and environment at alrge. However, fat can also be used in energy generation as he visits a recycling plant which specialises in using fat as fuel.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Tom Heap reports on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and joins a panel of experts including scientists and thinkers to discover what the reports impact will be on climate change over the next few decades.

CSI Landfill

A look at landfill mining, Tom Heap sets about finding what items have been thrown away which have value. With many old landfills containing metals, ceramics, plastics, and minerals, there are rich pickings which are valuable to those looking to recycle.

Mind the Gap

The cost of coal in price and to the environment is increasing, and with six coal power plants shutting by 2015, the switch to renewables is increasing. Carbon Capture and Storage has also been suggested as an alternative, however this has recently stalled.

Our Neighbours are Elephants!

Julian Rush presents and looks at how urban sprawl is impacting the environments around expanding cities. A number of reports ask what can be done to ensure that the relationship between humans and animals can remain harmonious.

Hot in the City

Tom Heap explores the future of cities as heatwaves and temperature rises increase in frequency. With cities providing 'heat islands', new technologies and new design may be required to ensure people can survive in concrete jungles.

The End of Plastic

Eben Bayer is determined to eradicate plastic and polystyrene packaging, with its replacement being a bio-degradable fungus. A group of scientists also look at other options to find out what will be a game-changer in the thirteen billion packaging industry.

Series 17

A Toilet for the 21st Century

Dr Kat Arney looks at how more of the world can have access to basic sanitation to reduce the number of people who die from diseases such as diarrhoea. She heads to a London festival to check out designs that can be applied to a range of environments across the globe.

Britain Under Water

Tom Heap sets about finding a long-term solution to Britain's vulnerability to flooding. With parts of the country hit by torrential rain, he talks to an expert panel to discuss the challenges of climate change and to find the best answers science can offer.

A Greener Way to Go

This episode looks at the greenest way to die. With over seventy percent of the population of the UK choosing cremation, and the majority of the rest being buried, some worry that fossil fuels or toxic embalming fluids may be used in the process being laid to rest.

Nuclear Waste's Final Destination

In this programme, Rob Broomby takes a look at the best ways to dispose of nuclear waste. He travels to France were more than three quarters of power is generated by nuclear power stations and views how the waste is stored.

Future-proofing Forests

Julian Rush visits Wentwood in South Wales which suffered from an infection of Larch trees resulting in felling over seventy acres. He also talks to scientist to find out if woods can be bred to have a natural resistance, or whether more tree diseases are going to take hold throughout the country.

Feeding the Crops of the Future

Tom Heap looks at the future of Phosphorus which is an essential element in fertiliser. All of Britain's is imported, and Morocco holds eighty percent of the worlds reserves, which potentially leaves the United Kingdom with concerns about the future.

Britain's Green Capital 2015

2015 will see Bristol named European Green Capital, and this episode looks at what the title means. It discovers how the city has been managed to ensure it is environmentally friendly, and what else it can do to learn from previous winners of the award.

A Resilient World?

Tom Heap and a panel discuss how nations and populations around the world will have to adapt and prepare for the effects of climate change in the coming decades.

Flight from Disaster

Julian Rush returns to Andalucia where in 1998, millions of litres of poisonous sludge poured out of a zinc mine and devastated lands for miles around. The site is also on a prime route for migrating birds. Julian discovers what the last effects have been.

Living It Small

Due to space and cost, more people are having to live in smaller homes and Tom Heap looks at whether this is having a beneficial environmental impact. This episode looks at whether small houses have become desired, or if people are simply buying into overcrowding.

Power of Scotland

Scotland is the primary source of Britain's renewable energy as well as oil and gas, Tom Heap questions what independence would mean for the energy market. This episode looks at the effect on clean energy in England, the continued subsidisation of wind and tidal energy in Scotland, and prices for both.

Chemical Weapons: 100 Years On

At the end of April, Syria will have reached the deadline for President Assad to sacrifice his arsenal of chemical weapons. Tom Heap looks at how these will be disposed of, and hears how the neutralisation process has its own problems.

The Future of Our Food

This episode features a panel discussion on the future of food. As the planet is projected to see a population of nine billion by 2050, the group discuss how the extra people will be fed and the impacts of climate change and resource depletion.

Energy Storage

Tom Heap looks at the future of storing energy, and where the answer lies as to the best solution. The ideas include massive batteries, compressing or liquefying air, and gravel reservoirs. As the world continues to move to renewable energy, this episode questions how it can be best utilised at times when it is not needed.

Britain's Overseas Wildlife

A new report from the RSPB suggests that ninety-four percent of unique UK species live beyond our shores in locations such as the Falkland Islands and the Caribbean. However, many are also at threat from tourism and invasive species.

Series 18

The Diesel Decade

Air quality in towns and cities has remained polluted over the last ten years despite tightening regulations on car emissions. Research is showing that the dramatic rise in diesel cars during this time could be the cause of the problem. Although diesels have become cleaner, real world driving suggests they emit more pollutants that manufacturers claim.

Texan Drought

Texas is in the midst of a years-long drought with well and reservoir levels at a fraction of what they should be. Tom Heap questions what is being done to ensure that the water supplies are maintained and there is enough to go around.

When Mosquitoes Attack!

Jheni Osman investigates the threat of mosquito-borne disease in the UK, and sets about baiting in Kent to see whether the bugs have migrated into the country. Waste tyres exported for recycling have aided the spread, however the boom in water butts may also be part of the cause.

El Nino: Driving the Planet's Weather

Meteorologist Peter Gibbs investigates the impact of El Nino on the worlds weather which causes flood, famine and drought. He speaks to Peruvian fishermen who are often the first to notice signs of El Nino, as well as looks at the potential positive effects of the weather.

Power to the People

Communities across the country are starting a variety of schemes to generate their own energy. The result is a reduction in bills and improved community spirit, but what happens when people power can be measured in volts and watts?

A Decade of Fracking

Texas has seen a decade of fracking and communities are still arguing over the pros and cons of shale gas. The industry is set to move into Lancashire, and Tom Heap sets about comparing the arguments from the southern US state to the Fylde coast.

Saving the Caribbean

Tom Heap travels to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean to find out whether the islands are prepared for the worse that nature can throw at them. The small lands are particularly at threat from rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes.

Scuba Squad: Cleaning the Ocean

Miranda Krestovnikoff joins a group of scuba divers who clean the ocean floor one dive at a time. Off the coast of Pembrokeshire, they recover a range of littler including bottles, cans, fishing gear, trolleys and even who cars. This episode analyses the impact of marine litter on the sea bed, and how to combat the problem.

Making a Splash

Tom Heap meets Darren Reynolds, a health and environment professor who has developed a mini-treatment plant which can turn dirty water into clean. The aim is to make it viable for use in countries where clean water is scarce.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Tom Heap looks at protected plants which are being bought and sold on the internet. This practice is threatening a number of species including orchids, cacti, and cycads. However, flora often receives less attention than fauna, with the Border Force and Kew Botanic Gardens trying to monitor and police.

Arctic Future

An Arctic Circle conference of leads from polar nations try to map out the future of the region as sea ice retreats. Questions range from the role of oil and gas extraction, the potential for warfare and conflict, or further funds for scientific study.

Series 19

Taming Australia

Julian Rush investigates the impact of the Australian governments plans to develop the Northern Territory and attempt to bring in agriculture and mining. As both require significant amounts of water, the impact of dams and groundwater abstraction are causes for concern.

The Ice in Iceland

Iceland is warming at a faster rate than most countries with two to four times the global average temperature rise. The countries wildlife is also having to cope with the rapid change. Tom Heap travels to gauge the impact on the landscape and the people and whether the world can learn any lessons.

Bristol: Green Capital?

The 2015 Green Capital of Europe is Bristol. This episode focuses on whether people in the city will see any difference to their environment. Plans include solar panels for public buildings and encouragement to insulate homes, as well as education programmes and wildlife corridors.

Hunting the Beefalo

The hybrid 'Beefalo' - a cattle and bison crossbreed - is running wild across the mid-west of the United States after a failed experiment. Its numbers have now reached a point which is impacting damage to the landscape and affecting Native Americans.

Greening the Green Belt

With the housing crisis in the UK, questions are posited as to where homes can be built. Many people point to ample green space around towns and cities, however Green Belt is particularly important for people and the environment. Tom Heap sets about finding out whether the fields need to be realigned for our time.

Lava: A Dangerous Game

This episode interviews scientists who have been studying the impacts of volcanoes on people and the environment. Technologies have been developed to aid the detection of eruptions, however there are questions on whether more can be done to educate people about the dangers they pose.

The Price of Cheap Oil

As oil prices drop, this programme analyses what the affect will be on the environment. The fluctuation in prices is complicated as people can use more, companies struggle to make profits, and production can rise or fall. Tom Heap looks at the potential political and economic facts.

Climate Change: Inconvenient Facts?

Arctic sea ice is shrinking, however the opposite is happening in the Antarctic. This episode looks at the anomalies in climate models, and Tom Heap is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the impact of uncertainties of the changing climate.

Reds Return

This episode explores the consequences of the return of the Pine Marten and how it can lead to a reduction in Grey Squirrel numbers and an increase in Red Squirrels. Meeting researchers who found the connection in Ireland, investigations are underway to see if the same is happening in Scotland.

Cycle City

Work has commenced to build London's 'cycle superhighways' which are intended to reduce carbon emissions using segregated lanes and infrastructure. This episode questions whether more cities and towns will head in the same direction.

Eco-Cities

Green cities have long been touted as the future, however one in China has failed to be built, while the development of another in Abu Dhabi has stalled. Looking at the facts, this episode tries to understand whether the eco label is simply branding.

China's Water Revolution

China's development has been powered in large by water, and its demands for the resource are increasing. However, the requirements have also come at great cost with the forcing of millions from their homes, pollution of natural lakes and rivers, and pushing wildlife to extinction.

Britain's Environment: The Debate

Tom Heap leads a debate at Bristol's Food Connections Festival. This episode tackles the questions of how the government can tackle environmental problems, and if the 2015 election has aided raising issues that need addressing.

The Ozone Hole Thirty Years On

The hole in the Ozone layer was discovered thirty years ago by British scientists, and Peter Gibbs tells the story in which CFCs were banned in 1987. This programme also looks into the discovery of new chemicals which are also impacting the atmosphere.

Electric Island

The Scottish Island of Eigg is leading the way in teaching remote communities in how they can power themselves with clean energy. Tom Heap visits the locals who've built the system, and also talks to international guests who are eager to learn.

Series 20

Sounds of the Seas

Tom Heap looks into whether the noisy environment under the sea is affecting wildlife. As many of the animals beneath the waves require sound to communicate, this programme investigates whether man-made rumbles and crunches are inhibiting them.

Britain Rules the Waves

A number of islands around the world such as the Pitcairns, Bermuda, and Ascension are part of the United Kingdom. Tom Heap questions whether these islands can be used to protect marine environments by using the territories to prevent overfishing and development.

Oceans of Acid

When oceans absorb man-made carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction occurs which causes them to become more acidic. This has a profound impact on animals which are made up of calcium to form shells and skeletons, and marine biologists are investigating what the outcomes may be.

Where Have All Our Gardens Gone?

Although many front gardens are small in the United Kingdom, they collectively make up a vast area. However, the trend is that paving over the space has lead to a significant environmental problem that is literally on the doorstep. Jheni Osman presents.

Lungs, Lies and Automobiles

Tom Heap looks into whether the public has been lied to about the quality of air that we breathe. This programme investigates whether farmers, car manufacturers and regulators have explaining to do with regard to emissions into the atmosphere.

Paying for Our Parks

The budgets allocated to national parks from central government has been reduced in the last five years, and many are considering how they can market themselves with new commercial opportunities. However, there are questions as to how far this commercialisation should go, and whether corporations should have any involvement.

Coast: 50 Years of Change

A report from the National Trust has documented how the cost of Britain has changed in the last fifty years, and this programme questions whether we have become better at protecting the nation's key asset after the rapid urbanisation which occurred during the 1960s.

Antipasto Agony

Olive trees are succumbing to a new disease, so Tom Heap reports from Puglia on the problem facing the region of Italy which is suffering. The issue is an outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa which kills trees used to produce olive oil.

River Quality

Campaigners claim that British rivers are under threat from pollution, however the government claims they are the cleanest they have been in the last twenty years. Tom Heap visits the rivers Itchen and Thames to find out where the truth lies.

Murder in Cambodia

Peter Hadfield travels to Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to investigate the illegal Siamese Rosewood trade. As the tree has become endangered due to logging, the wood is traded on the black market leaving environmental devestation and death to continue their practices.

In Conversation with David Attenborough

To preview the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, Tom Heap talks to David Attenborough and discuss whether leaders can reach an agreement to save the warming planet. Tom also talks to director James Cameron, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and David MacKay, the government's former chief scientific advisor on energy policy.