Radical action must begin now if we are to minimise the worst effects of climate change, according to an Aberdeen expert.
*SOLD OUT LECTURE CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS*
Professor of Soils & Global Change at the University of Aberdeen, Pete Smith says it is vital the UK and Scottish governments act immediately to achieve their target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, in order to avoid severe consequences for human life and ecosystems worldwide.
Fundamental changes need to be made to the way we lead our lives across all sectors, from agriculture and building to transport and industry says Professor Smith, an author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a group of approximately 2000 scientists tasked with informing governments across the globe on climate change.
Professor Smith will provide an insight into the ways in which society must change at his lecture Global Warming: the View of the IPCC which takes place at King's College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen on Thursday 5 February.
He will outline the IPCC's ongoing efforts to better understand the reasons for climate change, how to adapt to its consequences, and most crucially how to reverse the trends in greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, in his presentation which will open the new Energy Controversies lecture series hosted by the University.
Professor Smith said: "Climate change is the most serious threat we are facing this century and it is paramount that governments across the globe work together to pool expertise and advance knowledge on how we can tackle its effects and take action to reduce its causes."
"My work with the IPCC has focussed on what measures we can take to reverse trends in greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, and analysing the various actions that we can take across the sectors of energy, buildings, industry, transport, agriculture, forestry and waste."
"In the short term, identifying the most cost-effective options – those which are either inexpensive or that actually reduce costs – is key in terms of tackling climate change in a way that we can afford. For example, the building sector is one area where energy efficiency can be improved at a relatively low cost, or even with cost saving, by creating homes with better insulation and more efficient heating systems."
"Or in terms of agriculture and forestry, we are looking at the feasibility of increasing tree planting or amending farming practices to the benefit of the environment."
"Inaction is not an option. Radical action to deal with climate change must start now to avoid dire consequences to our planet and the way we live, Developing countries could be particularly hard hit, experiencing some of the worst effects of climate change like droughts and floods, and having the least capacity to deal with these impacts."
Professor Smith's lecture will begin at 6pm and will be followed by a drinks reception in the James Mackay Hall, King's College campus.
Attendance to the lecture is free and online registration is now live at www.abdn.ac.uk/energycontroversies .
The Energy Controversies lecture series brings together leading international industry and academic experts to discuss the current challenges and debates facing the energy sector.
Aimed at influencing energy and social policy at a local and national level, the series will feature seven public lectures and a discussion panel event.
Highly topical issues to be covered over the course of the series include:
- The exhaustion of fossil fuel reserves and their decline as an energy source
- The impact of the changing political climate on the energy industry
- The concern surrounding the environmental impact of our continued use of fossil fuels
Dr Jim Buckee, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Talisman and Dr Peter Jackson Senior Director for Oil Industry Activity at Cambridge Energy Research Associates, will be amongst the lecture speakers, providing their unique insights into critical issues high on the energy agenda.
For full details of the lecture series programme and to book a free place visit www.abdn.ac.uk/energycontroversies or telephone the University of Aberdeen Events Office on 01224 273874.