In 2020, the Royal Institution’s famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES explored how human activity has become an overwhelming geological force – disrupting the finely tuned systems that have kept our planet running smoothly for billions of years. In 2021, we will continue to explore how we can achieve a sustainable future for planet Earth through a series of livestreams in partnership with the Grantham Institute of Climate Change. We start with a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ri is the home of John Tyndall, whose research outlined the principles of global warming, and we have recently joined with the Grantham Institute to establish a new centre for climate change innovation. So it is fitting that the we once again lead the discussion about adapting our lives to reduce our impact on the environment. This strand of livestreamed events will bring together experts from science, engineering and beyond to highlight cutting-edge solutions to our planet’s greatest challenge.
What new technology is around the corner? Is CO2 reduction enough or do we need to build up our defences? How do we accelerate the cleantech innovation? How much must we change our everyday activities? How should the world work together?
Science holds the answer to radically reducing the causes and effects of human-made environmental damage. It is the ultimate example of the application of science for the benefit of society, and something we should all be thinking more critically about.
