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Join host Doctor Xand van Tulleken for Season 4, Episode 5 of Public Health Disrupted.
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The development of wastewater systems in the 19th century was one of the greatest achievements of public health, but in recent years there has been growing concern and scrutiny of water quality and sewage pollution. The critical issue of sewage contamination in the UK's rivers and seas is having a profound impact on environmental sustainability and recent reports have urged upgrades in wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of the public.
In this month’s episode, our experts James Cheshire (Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, UCL Geography) and Sam Nichols (Water Quality App Manager, Surfers Against Sewage), analyse the causes, health effects, and innovative mapping techniques used to combat sewage contamination.
James discusses the historical context and modern challenges of the UK's wastewater infrastructure, emphasising the role of mapping in identifying and addressing contamination. Sam highlights the health risks of sewage pollution, particularly for recreational water users, and stresses the importance of community-driven initiatives and citizen science in monitoring water quality.
Listen to understand what action is required from policymakers and the public to address sewage pollution and ensure our waterways are safe and clean for future generations.
Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
GUESTS
James Cheshire is a Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography at UCL Geography. He is co-author of the London: The Information Capital, Where the Animals Go and Atlas of the Invisible. James has received a number of prizes for his work, most notably the Cuthbert Peek Award from the Royal Geographical Society and the Corlis Benefideo Award from the North American Cartographic Information Society.
Sam Nichols is the Water Quality App Manager at Surfers Against Sewage. Over the last 30 years, Surfers Against Sewage has grown into one of the UK’s most successful marine conservation and campaigning charities. They are a campaigning charity made up of water lovers who protect the ocean and all it makes possible. They take action on the ground that triggers change at the top (action from the beachfront, to the front-bench). Through their innovative and ambitious campaigning and education programmes, Surfers Against Sewage builds a community that cares deeply about the planet we live on and knows the difference people power can really make.