The free virtual lectures, which will be held online in October, are part of BGS’ Geoscience Solutions for Net Zero campaign (#Geo4NetZero) and will feature a range of topics delivered by experts in geoscience.
The lectures aim to share knowledge and broaden understanding about how the UK can build resilience to the impacts of climate change and drive solutions which aim to decarbonise the planet and support the green energy transition.
Each will last around 60 minutes with opportunities to ask questions at the end. Those interested in attending should register for their chosen event on Eventbrite:
Tuesday 5 October: 2.00 pm -3.30 pm
Chasing carbon: An onshore and offshore challenge
Tuesday 12 October: 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Climate change impacts on the UK: geoscientific perspectives on mitigation and adaption
Wednesday 27 October: 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Couch to Net Zero: What does geology and climate change mean for you?
A family friendly ‘Couch to net zero’ lecture will explore what achieving net zero will look like in our everyday lives and how geology will have an impact on the way we heat our homes, the cars we drive and the technologies we use.
For those with a more advanced or technical interest in geoscience, the series will start on 5 October with a lecture on ‘chasing carbon’ exploring how geoscientific projects and research can provide the fundamental backbone for our energy transition, with topics including geothermal heat, hydrogen and wind energy.
A further lecture will explore the role of geoscience in boosting our resilience to environmental hazards and the impacts of climate change, from our urban spaces to our groundwater resources.
The BGS says that geoscience has a big role to play in our future energy transitions and cleaner, sustainable growth.
With an increasing human population and rising demand for natural resources, concerns about a changing climate, rising sea levels, food and water security, and natural hazards, it is essential that we fully understand our Earth systems and embed these observations into actions for sustainable planet.
The BGS adds that oil resources, minerals, metals and building material resources, our coastal systems, groundwater supplies and environmental processes all rely on a deep understanding of the ground beneath our feet.
It adds that climate leaders must integrate geoscientific expertise if they are to drive the long-term solutions that will be under the spotlight at COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.
Professor Mike Stephenson, BGS science director, decarbonisation and resource management, said: “The BGS wants to join UKRI and NERC colleagues to highlight the UK’s role in climate action and demonstrate where UK geoscientific research and innovation can assist emerging climate action.
“I’m pleased that we can encourage collaboration, share knowledge and help more audiences to recognise that whilst the rocks beneath our feet may be out of sight for most of us, what lies underground matters to us all when it comes to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
The BGS says spaces are limited so people are advised to register in advance.
Links to all events can be found on the BGS website.
