C4 reveals climate change slate

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Chris PackhamChannel 4 has unveiled a trio of programmes aimed at exploring solutions to the climate crisis, with names including Chris Packham and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall leading the charge.   


Chris Packham: Is it Time to Break the Law? (w/t) sees the wildlife presenter and environmentalist examining the role of activism in fighting climate change.


Packham has always believed in peaceful protest, but in the new programme he asks if more extreme and disruptive measures might now be justified. 


David Dehaney said: “Proper Content are thrilled to be following Chris as he grapples with this vital question of how far individuals could, or should, go to stand up for the planet. This journey of standing up to injustice while forging a positive blueprint for change is one that we often feature in our programmes but never before has it felt so urgent, or universally resonant.”


In the three-part series The Big Climate Fight (w/t), Kevin McCloud, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and Mary Portas aim to kickstart real change, by identifying the practical steps that governments and big business can take to eliminate our carbon emissions.


The series will explore how Britain can truly move to a carbon-free way of life, and set out a vision of a future UK that is greener, happier and healthier – powered by abundant, cheaper sustainable energy.


Will Anderson, executive producer for Keo Films, said: “We are proud to have Kevin McCloud, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and Mary Portas on board as our expert presenters. Their combined knowledge and expertise make the complex issue of climate change accessible and understandable for all viewers. We hope this series tackles the urgent issue of climate change in a positive and inspiring way.” 


The third of the trio of programming is Beef vs Chicken (w/t), a documentary from Zandland hosted by  Ade Adepitan. It looks into the argument that some experts are now making that, by eating chicken instead of beef, there could be a positive impact on the climate – in the UK, the climate cost of beef is around five times that of chicken. 


Executive producers Ben Zand and Josh Reynolds said: “We don’t think there’s anyone better to take on such a radical and impactful campaign than Ade. Asking a nation to give up one of its most beloved foods won’t be easy, but the data of its impact on the environment is eye-opening. At Zandland we try to push the boundaries of journalism and entertainment, and this show is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference.”
 

Alf Lawrie, head of factual entertainment at Channel 4, said of the new programming slate: “Viewers know climate change is happening, and they are scared about it. What they don’t know, is how to stop it. This series – and our upcoming season of films - is designed to start plugging that knowledge gap.”