Occasionally on fire and forever associated with the word “bog”, peat is many things to many people.

Gardeners guiltily sprinkle it on petunias, while tweedy gun people gad about on it shooting grouses in the face.

To the boss of Heathrow, however, it’s the answer to all those knotty questions about carbon emissions, and to Michael Gove it’s the inspiration for an outrageously smutty speech. Oh for peat’s sake.

We dig around to uncover why rotting plants are suddenly so important for the climate.

Also this week, more planet-saving heroism from young people. Christ knows we need it.

Sustainababble is your friendly environment podcast, out weekly. Theme music by the legendary Dicky Moore – @dickymoo. Sustainababble logo by the splendid Arthur Stovell.

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