29 April 2009

Chaired by Vivienne Parry, Writer and Broadcaster  

Keynote Address from Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE, Minister for Sustainable Development and Energy Innovation

The Institution hosted its first ever question time debate on climate change at its One Birdcage Walk headquarters on 29 April. The debate discussed how we should tackle the greatest environmental challenge of our time.   

The starting point for the debate was the fact that up until now, the UK Government has prioritised reducing emissions. A key question that was raised was: with new innovative approaches to climate change emerging, is it time the UK assessed the balance and emphasis of its environmental policy? Eminent scholars and advocates presented all the policy options. 

Professor Gordon MacKerron Director of SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research) at the University of Sussex advocated mitigation.  Dr Tim Fox, Head of Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers presented adaptation, and Professor Brian Launder, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Manchester proposed geo-engineering. As part of their presentations, each expert considered the relative merits and potential of their respective approaches to climate change.  

The debate was an opportunity for the audience to listen to and engage with experts on issues surrounding climate change. Lord Hunt, Minister of State at both DECC and Defra, was guest of honour and opened the evening’s proceedings. He also took questions from the floor.