As summer kicks-off, UCL Generation One dives into the intersection of sport and sustainability – exploring how sport contributes to climate change, and how the climate crisis is already affecting how and where we play.

Mark and Simon are joined by Sofie Junge Pedersen, professional footballer and climate campaigner (Inter Milan, Denmark national team) and Dan Hall (Sustainability Engagement Officer at UCL, Communications Manager for Football For Future). Dan and Sofie discuss the role of grassroots initiatives and player-led advocacy in promoting climate consciousness in the beautiful game.

We also hear from Dr Russell Seymour, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Sport Business from Loughborough University, and the Chair of the British Association for Sustainable Sport. Russ breaks down the impact of climate change on sport, and the necessity for stronger government and organisational regulation to tackle climate change.

From grassroots campaigns to global initiatives, tune in to hear what clubs, venues, and fans can do to build a more sustainable future for the sports we love.

Link to Action FC actionfc.org/aramno-campaign

Transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 12 and 23 May 2025

Duration: 49:51
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee
Guests:
Dan Hall (UCL Sustainability, Football For Future)
Sofie Junge Pederson (Inter Milan, Denmark national team)
Dr Russel Seymour (Loughborough University, British Association for Sustainable Sport)
Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin Mullin

It’s crunch time for the oceans and shipping sector, and tensions are high. Dr Simon Chin-Yee brings you this special episode of #UCLGenerationOne in the midst of critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Simon speaks to colleagues who have travelled across the oceans to the IMO: the UN agency responsible for regulating the shipping sector. In April 2025, countries came together to negotiate the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including a set of ‘mid-term measures’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with 2023 targets.

In this episode, Fijian performing artist and climate advocate John Taukave (Pacific Coordinating Group) and Eldine Glees (Maritime Policy Consultant) discuss the importance of a just and equitable transition for small islands and developing countries.

And as the dust settles, Simon picks up with Opportunity Green’s Emma Fenton to break down what actually happened, and what it means for the future of green shipping.

The stakes are huge: will the IMO agree to decarbonise global shipping while ensuring no one is left behind? Find out in our podcast Talanoa!

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/ucl-generation-one-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 5 and 16 April 2025

Duration: 55:40

Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 
Guests:

John Taukave, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

Eldine Chilembo Glees, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

Emma Fenton, Senior Director, Climate Diplomacy at Opportunity Green

Producers:

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

In the months of both Ramadan and Lent, Generation One joins in with reflections on the relationship between food, community, and health with our fifth episode of Season 5.

Hosts Mark and Simon explore not only the impacts of climate change on global food availability, but societal behaviour around food and decision-making. Examining the intersecting issues of food security and consumer culture, they uncover the effects of both on nutritional health.

They’re joined by two UCL experts: Mark Miodownik (Professor of Materials & Society) who deconstructs the supply chain to highlight the damaging effects of packaging and microplastics. And Gail Taylor (Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences), who explains how the latest developments in plant science and agrotechnology can help make food more nutritious and widely available.

We also heard from Dr Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundation. And from UCL students Carson and Valentina, leaders of the Students’ Union’s Zero Food Waste project, which aims to tackle food waste on campus.

Zero Food Waste: studentsunionucl.org/volunteering/o…ero-food-waste
Transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 6 and 21 March 2025
Duration: 55.46
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee
Guests:
Professor Mark Miodownik, UCL
Professor Gail Taylor, UCL
Yat Hin Carson Chan, UCL Students’ Union
Valentina (Hye Won) Chang, UCL Students’ Union
Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin Mullin