Tuesday 25th July sees the first of two brand new programmes from The Open University (OU) and BBC titled What They Really Mean For You, beginning on BBC One at 20:00, presented by BBC’s Climate Editor, Justin Rowlatt.
The first episode, Electric Cars: What They Really Mean For You, investigates people’s frustrations with electric cars and difficulties faced in building the UK’s charging infrastructure and why it’s not happening fast enough. We meet the companies building the charging network and questions if it’s possible to meet the government’s targets and the needs of electric car drivers and discovers the future of car charging.
Justin Rowlatt takes a ride in an electric Beetle
Justin also explores if the UK is on track to hit the government’s targets to stop emitting greenhouse gases by 2050 and whether electric cars are good enough to replace petrol.
The second programme ‘Heat Pumps: What They Really Mean For You’ due to air a week later, examines radical change in how we heat our homes as the government begins to phase out gas boilers. Our presenters consider whether green alternatives are possible and if the country is ready for an entirely low-carbon electricity network.
Justin then visits Salford to explore a futuristic house used to test new home heating technologies in extreme conditions. From minus twelve degrees to the comfort of central heating, he gets to grips with heat pumps, a technology the government is betting on.
Gareth Neighbour, Head of School, Engineering & Innovation, acted as an academic consultant on the series, providing expertise and insight
“Both ‘What They Really Mean For You’ episodes delve into the depths of some of the key challenges facing society’s quest for better travel and heating in the context of meeting Net Zero. I was very fortunate to work on the series bringing my experience of working with the automotive and energy sectors over the last 35 years.
The programmes provide an honest account outlining some of the lesser-known complexities at the heart of the debate, hopefully making a provocation on what we need to do next. There are some amazing insights told from the many perspectives and unique footage of leading projects that support our pursuit of protecting our planet and achieving sustainability.”
Further information
This programme was commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, with particular relevance to
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), BSc Design & Innovation, Energy and Sustainability, and Renewable Energy.
The series is also supported by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, with particular relevance to BA (Hons) Social Sciences, BA (Hons) Environmental Studies, Global challenges: Social Science in action and Environment: Journeys through a changing world
- Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast & Partnerships
- Academic Consultants – Dr Gareth Neighbour, Dr James Warren and Prof. David Humphreys
- Media Fellows – Dr Andrew Potter and Dr Alison Penn
- Broadcast Project Manager – Jo Weeks
- Digital Content Producer – Chris Belson
Supporting Online content:
Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect where you can find extensive resources and information on topics related to this programme. Find out if you’re a Net Zero Hero in our interactive quiz where you’ll be categorised based on your personal contribution to climate change!
Picture credit: Attaboy TV
