Local Zero

As renewable electricity generation grows and more sectors electrify, the UK needs a bigger and stronger electricity network to transport clean power where it is needed. But what does this unprecedented expansion mean for the communities hosting new grid infrastructure?In this episode, Matt Hannon and Jen Roberts explore the experiences of people living on the frontline of the UK's electricity grid expansion. How are communities being affected by the construction and disruption associated with new transmission infrastructure? And what challenges and opportunities does this present for the electricity network companies responsible for delivering it?To discuss these questions, they are joined by Clare Harris, Scotland Lead for the Local Storytelling Exchange, which shines a spotlight on local experiences of the green transition, and David Murray, former Executive Director of Sustainability First, an independent charity and think tank focused on improving environmental, social and economic wellbeing across UK utilities.Together, they explore how the UK's grid expansion can support both the transition to net zero and positive outcomes for the communities at its heart.

Public attitudes play a crucial role in shaping climate policy—but what can the May 2026 election results tell us about how people really feel about net zero? In this episode, Matt and Jen reflect on the outcomes of the UK’s devolved administration and local council elections in May 2026 and explore what they might reveal about public views on sustainability and climate change. Are current approaches to net zero resonating with voters, or is there a need to rethink how climate action is framed and delivered? To unpack these questions, they’re joined by Professor Tavis Potts, Professor of Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance at the University of Aberdeen, and Daisy Powell-Chandler, Partner and Head of Energy and Environment Practice at Public First. Stick or twist? Why the UK's net-zero strategy is faltering and may need to change https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/publications/stick-or-twist-why-the-uks-net-zero-strategy-is-faltering-and-may/fingerprints/ environmental, climate change, sustainability, education

New episodes of Local Zero Podcast are on the way!After a bit of a break, we’re back with fresh conversations—featuring new guests alongside some familiar voices. In the meantime, you can catch up on all past episodes and explore full transcripts on your favourite podcast platform or at www.localzeropod.com.We’d love to hear from you—drop us a line at [email protected] or contact us on LinkedIn.Local Zero 

After 113 episodes, reaching 35,000 unique listeners, in 150 countries - the award-winning Local Zero podcast is having to say 'bye for now'.Sadly, we’ve reached a point where continuing to fund production of Local Zero has become a challenge. We are working hard to identify a way forward, and hope to have a resolution early in 2026, so we can begin publishing new episodes again. We are extremely proud of all that we’ve achieved so far, and have had tremendous fun along the way.Particularly, we've loved hearing from people who've got in touch to let us know how listening to the podcast has helped them shape their approach to sustainability and local climate action. To all our past guests, our listeners, and especially to anyone who has ever got in touch or shared positive reviews - thank you!All past episodes and transcripts will remain available on podcast platforms - and searchable on the website www.localzeropod.comIf you'd like to get in touch with the team - especially if your organisation has ideas for funding or commissioning episodes of Local Zero or if you have stories to share about the impact of the podcast or of particular episodes - we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at [email protected], or contact us directly on LinkedIn. We hope to be back soon. Stay following Local Zero, so that new episodes - when they come - land straight onto your device.

Matt and Fraser explore the UK Co-Benefits Atlas, a new, interactive platform for communicating the co-benefits of reaching net zero across the UK. Co-benefits are the positive changes that could happen as a side-effect of cutting carbon emissions – such as cleaner air, healthier homes, and better diets.This is the third and final episode in our series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). Our guests are Dr Andrew Sudmant, Data Programme Manager at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and co-lead of the EHL’s “Financial Pathways” theme, and Dr Sean Field, Director of Policy and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Energy Ethics at the University of St Andrews and Lead Analyst at the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33edLinks:Local Zero homepage: https://www.localzeropod.com/UK Co-Benefits Atlas: https://ukcobenefitsatlas.net/Dr Andrew Sudmant: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/team-1/andrew-sudmant-2/Dr Sean Field: https://energyethics.st-andrews.ac.uk/people/sean-field/