The Norwich Science Festival is an annual event that is aimed at educating the public – children and adults alike – about some of the latest scientific developments. From lectures on the science of sweets to presentations on the increasing role of DNA studies in the field of archaeology to explorations of the evolving field of climate action, the Festival offered events for anyone and everyone.
For me, it was the ‘Climate of Change: Time for Action’ event that drew my attention. Chaired by Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, the panel offered a discussion on the implications and impacts of different forms of climate action – who could resist?
From the UEA School of International Development, Professor Adrian Martin opened up discussion about the links between environmental change and social justice noting that two thirds of those in extreme poverty are located in sub-Saharan Africa – a large majority of whom are Black – which is increasingly one of the most severely affected places by climate change. Professor Martin then went on to explain that economic, rather than social, factors were the main drivers of environmental policy change today. The message was clear: wealth, race, and climate change are inextricably linked.
With the need for positive change set out so clearly, Dr Jordan Harold, an applied cognitive psychologist working in the UEA School of Psychology, went on to explain the many barriers to change – including the perceived cost and familiarity of new technologies and policies. Building on this, Dr Irene Lorenzoni explained the important role that participation and imaginative approaches to policy-making can play in responding to climate change. Finally, Dr Samantha Earle explored the impact of different social imaginaries – the background ideas and practices that constitute the meaning structure that guides society – on our approaches to climate action and advocated for the impact of the individual in affecting positive change.
Throughout, Clive asked a number of probing questions that sort to tease out the impact of wealth and cultural disparities between developed and developing nations. In response to these, the panellists began to paint a hopeful, though fragile, image of a world in which climate action could not only halt environmental harm but also bring a new wave of sustainable development. The contingent to this new vision for the future? The participation and engagement of diverse and informed communities, ranging from the local to the global.
The message was clear: wealth, race, and climate change are inextricably linked.
Professor Adrian Martin emphasised the links between environmental change and social justice throughout the lecture.
Despite the obvious limitations of converting previously tactile and interactive events into digital presentations, this lecture ran incredibly smoothly and left the audience feeling hopeful and empowered. It also had the added benefit that, for those, like me, finding themselves increasingly time-deprived, it was made available on the Festival’s YouTube channel after the event had finished.
It is hoped that the Festival will return to the hands-on, in-person experience that it has been in previous years in 2021 and I, for one, can’t wait to attend – watch this space!
BioSphere 