It was a full house at the Swindon Science Café on Tuesday 5 November, as people from across the town came together for a lively discussion on how to engage people with climate change with Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, an environmental psychologist from the University of Bath.
Professor Whitmarsh is a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and regularly advises governmental and other organisations on low-carbon behaviour change and climate change communication. Her research projects have included studies of meat consumption, energy efficiency behaviours, waste reduction and carrier bag reuse, perceptions of smart technologies and electric vehicles, low-carbon lifestyles, and responses to climate change.
Dr Roderick Hebden, Director of the Festival of Tomorrow, said: “After an incredible start in October, we were delighted that even more local people turned out on a chilly November evening to join the discussion. It’s a real testament to the passion and enthusiasm of local people to tackle difficult subjects head on and explore different viewpoints and ideas together – in a friendly and sociable way!”
The event was the second in a new series of evening events exploring research, innovation, and ideas. Held on the first Tuesday of every month at the iCAST Creative Hub, the Swindon Science Café brings science to life with engaging short talks and informal discussions in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Participants can expect a friendly, two-way conversation between researchers and an audience of curious minds over a drink, rather than long, formal lectures. The Science Café is organised in partnership between the University of Bath Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (or iCAST), Royal Agricultural University Swindon, Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology and the Festival of Tomorrow.
Anyone wanting to find out about upcoming events should sign up for updates on the Festival of Tomorrow website and follow us on social media.
Here’s sneak preview of the intriguing events planned for the next three months:
- 3rd December 2024: Soil Health with Dr David O’Connor, Royal Agricultural University
- 7th January 2025: Not Just for Christmas: Making the Most of your Christmas Tree with Professor Matthew Davidson, University of Bath / iCAST
- 4th February 2025: Is Hydrogen the Fuel of the Future, with William Mezzullo, Head of Hydrogen at Centrica
