The Climate Question Podcast: Are Wetlands Our Secret Weapon in Fighting Climate Change? – My Thoughts

While there are many points associated with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) that I don’t necessarily agree with, it’s clear from their content that they feel strongly about climate change and are using their reach to help others take the matter seriously. 

After coming across one of their articles on climate change, one cold and rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided to check out their climate change podcast, which they’ve called ‘The Climate Question’. What I love about this podcast is the fact that they don’t sugarcoat anything. They don’t ask whether climate change is real because they assume we all know it’s real. Instead, they look at solutions and at what we can do to tackle climate change before it’s too late. 

Each episode lasts around 30 minutes, though it feels like half that. They pack so much into each episode and aren’t afraid to ask the difficult questions. One episode in particular, that really stood out for me, was ‘Are wetlands our secret weapon in fighting climate change?’ It’s this episode I’ll be reviewing for you today. 

Are Wetlands Our Secret Weapon in Fighting Climate Change?

Originally released in 2024, this 26 minute episode delves deep into whether wetlands could be the solution for carbon-induced climate change. 

Wetlands are basically parts of a country where water meets land. Think of marshes, bogs, riversides, lakes, and places of that nature. Not only are they lush with greenery and home to a huge variety of different creatures, they could also be integral for tackling climate change. 

What I really enjoyed about this episode, is the fact that it looks at wetlands in contrasting parts of the world. In one section of the podcast, the episode looks at wetlands in East Anglia in the UK. The other section covers wetlands in the Bay of Bengal. 

Despite both locations being hugely different to one another, the wetlands found in each can play a huge role in fighting, and even reversing, the harmful effects of climate change. The presenters not only look at their local wetlands, but also highlight the fact that many are being neglected or endangered.

With so much emphasis being placed on carbon neutrality, recycling, and going plastic-free, you have to wonder whether the world’s wetlands are being overlooked. I love that this episode really hammers this question home.

How Can Wetlands Help Save the Planet?

In the episode, both sets of presenters looked at wetlands located in very different parts of the world. Despite both having different climates and wildlife, it’s clear that they play a very important role. 

In the episode, they look at how wetlands store so much carbon and function as carbon sinks. Not only are they home to all manner of different flora and fauna, but the soil itself is also highly nutrient dense and helps to store vast amounts of carbon which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. 

I agree wholeheartedly here as the more greenery we have, the cleaner our air will be. Natural plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and other greenery are better than any artificial air filter. Not only do they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, but they also convert it into oxygen. They’re literally nature’s air purifiers. They’re also home to a number of species, with each one playing a key role in local biodiversity. 

Another very real danger that is becoming more common with each passing year is flooding. Climate change isn’t just about warmer temperatures, it can also mean wilder weather and more rainfall. Each year, it feels like we hear about catastrophic flooding somewhere in the world, resulting in multiple losses of life, highlighting the fact that something has to be done. 

Another thing I enjoyed about this episode was the fact that it looked at how wetlands can act as natural flood defenses too. The boggy, marshy ground helps to soak up excess water, thereby reducing the risk of flooding. Instead, they store the water which can also help mitigate the harmdul effects of drought. As I write this, I understand that many parts of the UK are experiencing drought conditions, with many reservoir stores at all-time lows. 

I agree with many points raised in the podcasts. For the most part, wetlands are self-sustaining, they require little maintenance, they’re home to countless species and play a key role in the local biodiversity. We need to do more to protect them. If we do, future generations will thank us, should they get the chance.