What on Earth?

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May 2026

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Environmental Investigation Agency Podcast We investigate and campaign against environmental crime and abuse.

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May 12, 2026Episode 6431 min

How the future for rhinos still hangs balanced between enforcement and trade

In recent years, rhino poaching and horn seizures have become less visible in the news – but that doesn't mean these majestic creatures are free from the threats posed by poachers and illegal trade. In this episode, we dive into two recent reports from our colleagues at EIA US which shed light on the complexities of rhino horn trafficking, particularly focusing on an analysis of enforcement efforts in China and the ongoing push in South Africa for a legalised trade to allow exports of horn to other countries. Taylor Tench, a Senior Wildlife Policy Analyst at EIA US, joins EIA UK Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman to talk about the key findings of both reports.

April 30, 2026Episode 6332 min

Why the cobalt we need for our electric cars is costing lives in Africa

Recent findings from an investigation by our colleagues at EIA US reveal a shocking truth about cobalt production in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt is an essential element in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles in the Global North – but its production in DRC has left communities grappling with severe respiratory issues linked to the pollution from a new processing facility. In this episode, EIA US Africa Programme Campaigner Luke Allen joins EIA UK Senior Press & Communications Officer Paul Newman to discuss the findings of the investigation, documented in the report Toxic Transition.

February 18, 2026Episode 6125 min

Why do the world’s whales still need saving from commercial hunting?

Why do the world’s whales still need saving from commercial hunting? The International Whaling Commission effectively banned commercial whaling from 1986 and yet the world’s amazing and environmentally essential whales are still being hunted for their flesh and blubber. EIA has joined forces with several partners to launch a new global petition calling on the last three whaling nations to join the 21st century and to stop the slaughter for good. In this episode, EIA Senior Ocean Advisor Clare Perry talks with Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman about the history of whaling, the countries that defy the ban to keep on hunting and the new petition we’ve launched with partners to press for a complete end to the appalling and unnecessary practice. You can make your voice heard by signing the petition at https://endcommercialwhaling.org/– and do please share it with family and friends.

December 3, 2025Episode 6023 min

Understanding the impacts of nitrous oxide and why it matters for the climate

In recent years, nitrous oxide has gained attention as a significant environmental threat, yet many people remain unaware of its implications for the climate, the integrity of the Earth’s protective ozone layer and for human health. While nitrogen is essential for life, excessive reactive nitrogen results in substantial pollution issues … In this episode, Climate Campaigner Tom Nickson talks with Senior Press & Communications Officer Paul Newman about EIA’s nitrous oxide campaign and unpacks some of the complexities surrounding the gas and its negative effects.

November 26, 2025Episode 5928 min

Tackling the methane challenge: Why it matters and what we can do

Methane is widely regarded as the second most important greenhouse gas the world needs to address in the fight against runaway climate change. Tonne per tonne, it’s 82.5 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and is responsible for a third of the warming that has occurred so far. In this episode, EIA Climate Campaigner Jack Corscadden and special guest Christophe McGlade, an energy expert with the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, discuss the impacts of methane and what’s being done to tackle the problem with Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman.

November 12, 2025Episode 5836 min

Green Crime: What drives the criminals devastating our wildlife and environment?

Environmental crime is rated as the third or fourth largest organised criminal activity globally, but what motivates those carrying it out, from wealthy kingpins at the head of transnational syndicates to poachers at the other end of the scale? A new book – Green Crime: Inside the minds of the people destroying the planet and how to stop them – takes a deep dive into the world of eco crime, estimated to generate $110-281 billion annually in criminal profits. In this episode, Green Crime author Dr Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist, writer and TV and audio presenter, talks with Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman about her book, which features a number of major case studies, including EIA’s 2017 investigation into and exposure of the notorious Shuidong wildlife trafficking syndicate.

November 3, 2025Episode 5626 min

How well are major retailers doing in the switch to climate-friendly cooling?

EIA’s report Cooling the Climate Crisis analysed the climate impact of supermarket refrigeration and revealed that up to 70 per cent of a supermarket’s emissions stem from cooling. Our Climate campaigners have been directly engaging with the retail sector since 2009 to make it aware of the serious impacts of using climate-harming refrigeration while simultaneously sharing information about the alternative systems available. In this episode, EIA Senior Climate Campaigner Fin Walravens talks with Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman about the positive progress in the supermarket sector.

October 29, 2025Episode 5743 min

Climates of fear: Five eco-themed chillers to watch for the Halloween season

Fantastical cinema has long been a place where audiences can confront their darker fears in a safe environment, albeit often dressed up in the guise of shambling monsters and unknown alien threats to keep them at arm’s length. In this episode, we’re taking a look at five unsettling films with environmental themes – just in time for Halloween! Join EIA Senior Technical Services Manager Chris Buckler and Senior Press and Communications Officer Paul Newman as they share their thoughts after viewing The Last Winter (2006), The Bay (2012), Silent Running (1972), Prophecy (1979) and Soylent Green (1973).

September 16, 2025Episode 5515 min

Despite commendable efforts, Vietnam remains a hub for illegal wildlife trade

Our latest report, A Pivotal Player – Vietnam’s ongoing fight against the illegal wildlife trade, concludes that, although the country has made significant inroads, it still faces significant challenges. In this episode, the report’s main authors, EIA UK Senior Wildlife Campaigner Linh Nguyen and EIA US Senior Wildlife Policy Analyst Taylor Tench, discuss the latest findings and talk about what more Vietnam and other countries need to do to tackle wildlife crime with Senior Press & Communications Officer Paul Newman.

August 27, 2025Episode 5430 min

After the collapse of Global Plastic Treaty talks, where do we go from here?

The final round of talks to hammer out the detail of a Global Plastics Treaty opened in Geneva in early August – and almost two weeks later collapsed with no agreement at all, due in large part to the blocking tactics employed by a handful of petrostates and a multitude of lobbyists working to safeguard corporate fossil fuel interests. To discuss what went wrong in Geneva and what the way forward for a plastics treaty might look like now, in this episode EIA Ocean Campaign Lead Chris Dixon talks with Senior Press & Communications Officer Paul Newman.