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In this episode we chat with broadcaster and property expert Kunle Barker to unpack a practical, hopeful blueprint for net zero in the real world. From the state of decarbonisation to the retrofit reality, Kunle explains why we won’t build our way to 2050 targets and how policy, funding, and design can unlock action at scale.
We explore the power of “carbon budgets” for everyday life—clear, kilo-by-kilo guidance that helps people choose high-impact steps without the guilt spiral. Then we zoom out to neighbourhood scale with “zero-bill streets,” where fabric-first upgrades, rooftop solar, and shared systems bring costs down and comfort up when delivered across entire terraces.

Then nature takes centre stage as infrastructure, not ornament. Kunle shares how nature-based solutions cool overheated streets, manage stormwater, improve mental health, and even lift property values. We talk biophilic design plus CyanLines—a bold plan to connect Manchester’s green and blue assets into a citywide network you can actually walk.

If you care about sustainable cities, healthier homes, and practical climate action, this conversation will give you ideas you can use today—from personal carbon choices to street-by-street transformation.

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