Using the Earth's Resources: Metal Ore Extrac...

This episode details the key ingredients in fertilisers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It outlines the chemical production of nitrogen-based fertilisers, specifically ammonium nitrate, highlighting its rich nitrogen content due to its dual sources. We explain that phosphat ...  Show more

In this episode, we look at plants and nitrogen.Plants require nitrogen to produce proteins necessary for growth. While the atmosphere is full of nitrogen gas, plants cannot directly utilise this form. Instead, they absorb soluble nitrates from the soil. Crop harvesting depletes ...  Show more

Rising demand for critical minerals to fuel the green energy transition means an expansion of mining around the world. New mines are opening, existing mines are being scaled up. In the fourth programme in our series, we find out about the impact of mineral mining on the planet an ...  Show more

In this episode, we discuss deforestation.Deforestation, the clearing of forests for purposes like agriculture and biofuel production, has significant environmental repercussions. One key impact is the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide due to burning trees and reduced photos ...  Show more

Long abandoned metal mines are having a huge impact on rivers across the UK. BBC Inside Science reporter Patrick Hughes visits Cwmystwyth in Wales, where he finds lead, zinc and cadmium seeping into waterways. It’s the costly legacy left after hundreds of years of mining. Roma Ag ...  Show more

Peter Nixon and Professor Heather Viles discuss the challenges and opportunities we face today in caring for and studying the natural environment.