Dr Laura Major, was nvited as a guest expert on the Local Zero podcast episode “Water Scarcity: A Growing Problem” (published 20 May 2025), which explored the rising challenge of water scarcity across the UK in the context of climate change. The podcast was aimed at a wide public audience including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on place-based sustainability and energy transitions.

This episode featured a discussion between Laura Major, Jen Roberts (Co-Investigator on the EPSRC grant), and Ellie Willmott, Principal Hydrologist in the Water Resources Unit at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Together, they examined the drivers and impacts of water scarcity in Scotland, and the challenges and opportunities for future resilience.

Dr Laura Major contributed insights from the interdisciplinary EPSRC-funded work on rural water systems and infrastructure, particularly in island and rural contexts. The episode highlighted the relevance of engineering and environmental research for real-world challenges, and the importance of integrating scientific and community perspectives.

The podcast has a well-established national audience. Initial outcomes include positive engagement on social media.