‘Eight amazing things I learned’ – Kate Quilton talks new RSPCA podcast

From robot pets, to meat grown in labs, and so much more

Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton has revealed eight amazing things she has learned hosting the RSPCA’s brand new podcast.

Kate is hosting the RSPCA’s new ‘Animal Futures‘ podcast – which explores, with expert guests, how the decisions society makes today will affect the future for pets, wildlife and farm animals.

It is part of the charity’s wider Animal Futures project – which urges the public to consider what the world may look like for animals in 2050, and how everyone has a role to play in shaping that.

Currently, the charity is gauging the views of the public through an online ‘Big Conversation’ – and hopes the podcast will help stimulate discussion on issues such as the future of farming, the impact of technology on animal welfare, and the status of animals in society today.

Guests include David Halpern MBE, President Emeritus of the Behavioural Insights Team; Melanie Challenger, bioethicist, and author of ‘How to be Animal’, and environmentalist and author Dr Mya-Rose Craig.

Kate is best known for presenting a number of series on Channel 4, including Food Unwrapped since 2012 – and she was “stunned” by some of the things she learned hosting the show.

She said: “Podcasts have exploded in popularity – and a good pod can be a great conversation starter.

“So it was an honour to be asked by the RSPCA – a charity I am proudly an ambassador for – to host their brand new podcast; which aims to get people talking about animals of all shapes and sizes, and what their world may look like in 2050.

” ‘Animal Futures’ takes a deep dive into what lies ahead for animals. It’s part of the RSPCA’s ‘Big Conversation’ – which aims to get as many of us as possible involved in a discussion about what future we want to see for animals, and what actions we can take to secure it.

“My career has meant that I’ve seen a lot of the world and seen some pretty incredible things along the way. But even I was stunned by what I learned hosting this new podcast – interviewing an amazing array of guests from the world of entertainment, academia, food, politics, and more.”

Here’s eight things Kate learned behind the mic for ‘Animal Futures’:

1. Some people are buried with their beloved ROBOT pets.

“Robot pets can be controversial – but they’re a growing trend. New RSPCA polling found 26% of us would consider one – and while many people are horrified at the idea these could replace our much-loved cats and dogs; there’s no doubt that robot pets can have real benefits in some situations – like for people with dementia, younger children and others unable to take on a real animal. But I was bowled over by the connection some people have with their robot pet. One of the biggest manufacturers of robot pets told me that some elderly owners in hospices loved their companions so much they were buried alongside them. In other situations, robot pets have encouraged people who’ve been non-verbal in care settings for years to rediscover the power of speech. Amazing!”

2. Robot pets could even become sentient in 50 years time

“As artificial intelligence improves, there’s even a school of thought that machines like robot pets will gradually develop thoughts, feelings and emotions. Which begs the question, if a robot feels things, do we need to give them some legal rights? It sounds fanciful but some even think legal rights for robots is a reality we’ll need to face up to in the next 50 years.”

3. We could be only two years away from lab-grown meats in our supermarkets

“I’ve spent my career finding out about where our food comes from – and whether our food systems are sustainable, healthy or affordable. But with the global population growing, it’s difficult to escape the fact that we use billions and billions of farm animals worldwide just to feed ourselves. And arguably, it’s woefully inefficient – 18% of the calories we consume come from animals, but 80% of our agricultural land is used to farm those animals. The cultivated and lab-grown meat industry is ambitious – and, while there are a lot of political and regulatory hurdles to come, there’s some hope that it could be in our grocery stores and restaurants in two years time. Food for thought.”

4. Governments have been nudging us to eat certain foods for centuries

“One of the big challenges to the success of lab-grown meat will be whether people are prepared to try it. Polling for the Food Standards Agency has shown there could be big resistance. But Governments have actually been steering us towards eating certain foods for centuries – using so-called ‘Nudge Theory’. From making the humble potato appear more prestigious by labelling it a ‘Royal food’ in the 1600s, to how lobster got ‘upgraded’ from being perceived as a dirty food to a delicacy, history is littered with decision-makers nudging us towards rethinking our relationship with food – whether we knew it, or not. Are alternative proteins next?”

5. Immersion in nature can be great for wellbeing and mental health – and is even prescribed by the NHS

“Nature can be a powerful healer – a fact recognised by the NHS which has been prescribing ‘green’ treatments for several years now. So alongside pills or other medication, for some, healthcare professionals are referring patients to engage in nature-based interventions that can be a great way to improve physical and mental health. But different communities can have very contrasting attitudes towards accessing nature. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Plus – the cost of living crisis, perceived cultural barriers and a lack of access mean too many people aren’t getting to experience nature and wildlife up close. But there’s loads of amazing programmes out there that can help get people closer to nature, to reap the benefits it offers all of us.”

6. Of all mammals, the numbers in the wild account for a tiny fraction compared to the number of farmed animals 

“We know nature, and wildlife, are so important – but far, far more of our mammals are actually found on farms. Globally, wild mammals make up only four percent of the Earth’s mammal biomass. By contrast, livestock – used primarily for food production – are making up an astonishing 60%+ of the global mammal biomass. Is it right that so much more biomass can now be found captive on farms, rather than where nature intended?”

7. We might soon be able to communicate with sperm whales and elephants – but our pets might be less bothered

“I heard about some astonishing research which says cats make nearly 300 facial expressions – with artificial intelligence now being used to unpick the meaning of what our feline friends really think of us. This could be really important for understanding welfare, and what pets are really thinking. You might also never watch cat YouTube videos in the same way again. But some scientists think this could all go even further, and AI could one day allow us to have real conversations with animals, with some research already edging us closer to this. But the reality could be that while some animals like sperm whales and elephants might one day be able to talk to us, our beloved pet cats and dogs might be much less interested in the interaction! One expert told me that pets wouldn’t like to “clutter their brain” with things that concern humans, and may not be too bothered about what we think anyway!”

8. Countries risk being under water in our lifetime.

“There are communities on Earth at threat of being under water within a matter of years. Unlike in much of the world, where the very worst impacts of climate change are considered a far-off concern – in these places, impending climate disaster is the number one concern right now. Such looming tipping points may change how we think of the climate. The impacts on animals are obvious – from shrinking habitats, and the loss of prey availability, to rising human-wildlife conflict and serious extinction risk. But there is hope – and the way we treat animals can help mitigate some of the worst excesses of climate change, and deliver a more sustainable future – from reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to agriculture, to more efficient land use, and having grown-up discussions about our consumption; can we help create a better future for animals, the planet – and ourselves?”

Kate Quilton is a journalist, broadcaster and host of the RSPCA ‘Animal Futures’ podcast. The podcast launched on all major platforms on February 5 – with new episodes landing right up until the beginning of April. Members of the public can join the RSPCA’s ‘Big Conversation’ at: www.rspca.org.uk/bigconversation.