Podcast
Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Hosted by University of Southampton · EN
Welcome to the Green Gown Award winning Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton!
This podcast explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge.
Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast.
In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders.
The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world.
Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of Southampton
Podcast editors: Jack Dinham, Ellie Howell, Mya Harvey, Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton
Podcast communications: Tyler Domone-Hollands, Hannah Parish, Alexander Ayerst, Maya Stevens, University of Southampton
Please do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.uk
Follow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Sustainable Food Systems: Corporate vs Individual Responsibility
3d ago00:14:13Tap to summarizeFrom discussions surrounding food packaging waste to food waste itself, this student takeover episode of the Meliora podcast explores the notion of “who is really responsible” for these issues in sustainable food systems. Is there a lack of action on individual and household levels, or is it more corporate and systemic faults? Listen to this episode and find out more about what guest speakers Leah and Jessica have to say for each side of the argument.Episode host – Kathryn RhodesEpisode guests – Jessica Morgan, Leah NormanEpisode editor – Kathryn RhodesEpisode researchers and scriptwriters – Kyra-loana O’Connor, Ella MillardThis episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.
Transcribe →Sustaining our Coastlines: Pressures and Pathways for Coastal Futures
4d ago00:15:03Tap to summarizeThis student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast is hosted by Sandeep and colleagues David, Evelyn, and Dalma. The episode explores some of the major human pressures the coastlines face and how that impacts sustainability, along with potential solutions. Coastlines are important in a range of contexts from social to economic to environmental making it essential to improve its sustainability to protect people livelihoods (Neumann et al., 2015). Coastlines are home to ~ three quarters of the global population and 12 of the 15 largest cities. The ocean economy contributes ~$1.5 trillion annually supporting diverse cultures. It is also one of the largest carbon sinks, taking up 25% of anthropogenic emissions and it holds so much of the earth’s biodiversity. Major threats to the coastline include tourism, coastal management (erosion), aquaculture, sea level rise, pollution and many more. This episode will discuss the impacts and potential solutions for tourism, coastal management, and aquaculture. Want to read more about the issues and solutions for sustainability at the coastlines? We recommend the following papers: · Noor, N.M. and Abdul Maulud, K.N. (2022). Coastal Vulnerability: A Brief Review on Integrated Assessment in Southeast Asia. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, [online] 10(5), p.595. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10050595.· Phillips, M.R. and Jones, A.L. (2006). Erosion and tourism infrastructure in the coastal zone: Problems, consequences, and management. Tourism Management, 27(3), pp.517–524. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.10.019. · Klinger, D. and Naylor, R. (2012). Searching for Solutions in Aquaculture: Charting a Sustainable Course. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, [online] 37(1), pp.247–276. doi: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-021111-161531.Episode Host: Sandeep KourEpisode Guests: Evelyn O’Connor, David Ramm, Dalma PellerEditor: Ethan StubbsThis episode is part of the student takeover season and is a group project from the University of Southampton “Global Sustainability Challenges” module.
Transcribe →World Cup Sustainability: Qatar 2022 vs North America 2026
5d ago00:14:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we discuss sustainability in sports comparing the 2022 Qatar and 2026 United States, Canada, and Mexico FIFA World Cups. We discuss similarities and differences in consumption, infrastructure, resources, transport and energy use evaluating their sustainability in relation to the sustainable development goals.Episode host – Mackenzie NorrisEpisode guest – Raphael MattiEpisode editor – Rapheal MattiEpisode researchers and script-writers – Kira Owen and Samuel PagetThis episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →The Impacts of Fishing for Sustainable Futures
6d ago00:15:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we address sustainability in our oceans, specifically focusing on how the environmental, economic and social impacts of fishing shape our futures. We discuss mangrove deforestation for fishing and most vulnerable communities affected, overfishing causing population decrease and the impacts of people's diets on fishing and the environment, and how fishing pollutes the oceans, while linking to Sustainable development goals 3, 12, 13 and 14.Episode host - Cassie Chapman Episode guests - Jessica Cullinane and Millie Clarke Episode editors - Rebecca Keen and Scarlett WhitfieldEpisode researchers and script writers - Cassie Chapman, Jessica Cullinane, Millie Clarke, Rebecca Keen, Scarlett Whitfield This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →“Is AI for good?: A sustainable synergy”
1w ago00:15:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we ask 'Is our continued use of AI a sustainability problem solver, or is it just creating new issues'? This episode explores both sides of the debate, investigating the modern-day uses of AI, including its role in education, and the subsequent impacts on sustainability. We discuss AI’s potential to support and sustain climate ac-on and sustainable innovation, alongside its growing environmental carbon footprint and governance challenges. This podcast links findings to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, 2025), and stirs a key conservation: is AI ultimately accelerating or hindering sustainable development?Roles:Episode host: Maisie KempEpisode guests: Oliver S-les and Jacob KopparambilEpisode Editor: Oliver KingEpisode Researchers and script writers: Lewis Kerekgyarto and Lily Silvester-WheelerThis episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →“Behind the Screen: The Sustainability of Remote Work”
1w ago00:12:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Takeover Season, we explore the sustainability of remote working and whether it is truly a long-term solution or comes with hidden costs. We discuss its social, economic, and environmental impacts, linking to key Sustainable Development Goals including health and wellbeing, decent work, reduced inequalities, and life on land. Through this, we consider whether working from home supports or challenges a more sustainable future. Host: Mia Guests: Emily and JohnnyThis episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →Do as I say, not as I do: The Sustainable Behaviour Gap
1w ago00:13:11Tap to summarizeWhy do people say they care about sustainability but struggle to act on it? In this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast we explore the ‘sustainable behaviour gap’- the disconnect between environmental values and everyday actions. Drawing on academic research and real-world examples, the discussion unpacks why awareness alone doesn’t lead to change and how factors like habits, social norms, cost and accessibility shape our decisions. This episode goes beyond individual responsibility, examining how structural barriers, corporate practices and policy limitations can make sustainable choices difficult or even impossible. From consumer behaviour to greenwashing and energy systems, the conversation highlights how deeply embedded this gap is within our society. Linking to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action, the episode considers what meaningful change could look like. Can small interventions like “nudges” shift behaviour? Or do we need larger systemic transformations? Ultimately, this episode asks a critical question: "Is the problem really that individuals aren’t doing enough or that we haven’t created a world where sustainable behaviour is genuinely possible?" What do you think?Host: Hannah AlidinaGuests : Olivia Thompson-Richards, Jack Austin, John Craig Santiano and Alice Burr Editor: Hannah AlidinaThis episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →Uncovering the Masked Environmental Costs of the COVID-19 Crisis
2w ago00:15:28Tap to summarizeWe know that the COVID-19 pandemic caused an urgent global focus on public health, however what were the costs to our planet? This episode aims to uncover the masked environmental costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, delving into the overlooked costs and the surge in medical plastic pollution. This podcast looks into how these single-use plastics, such as PPE, impacted our environment. The risks of future pandemics and what is being currently underway to improve sustainability in healthcare. Host: Charlotte Harris Guests: Guy Gillott and Zephan Griggs Editor: Emily Highett Researchers and Script Writers: Emily Highett, Guy Gillot, Charlotte Harris, Zephan Griggs, Songyu Jinang This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →The Sustainability of Coffee
2w ago00:15:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Meliora podcast Student Takeover Season, we explore UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the lens of one of the world’s most consumed commodities…coffee. With an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed globally every day, coffee plays a significant role in modern lifestyles, cultures, and tourism worldwide. But behind every cup lies a complex global coffee market chain. From ethical sourcing and production to distribution, consumer behaviour, and post-consumption waste, this episode investigates the sustainability challenges surrounding coffee and asks whether this global commodity can truly be produced and consumed responsibly, bean to cup.Episode host: Aaron BhandariEpisode guests: Maryam Cheema, Holly Barros, and Bethany Bailey Episode editor: Maryam CheemaThis episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
Transcribe →Uncovering Curitiba: The Hidden flaws of Brazil’s ‘Environmental Capital’
2w ago00:13:12Tap to summarizeIn this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast we discuss whether Brazil’s environmental capital Curitiba is a blueprint for sustainable city design, or just too good to be true. We address the planning and development of Curitiba which has created the city’s sustainability reputation. The episode continues as we discuss how everything may not be as it seems, including flaws in Curitiba’s sustainability design and why the discourse surrounding the city does not match the reality. Episode Host: Joeseph Bly Episode Guests: Imogen Entwistle and Megan Durham Research and Production: Izzy Donovan-Conway and Bryan Udo This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.
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