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Scientists first warned of the possible effects of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions in the early 1970s. By the mid to late 1980’s, there was a consensus view that if emissions remain unabated a range of catastrophic impacts on humanity could ensue. In the intervening period this perspective has remained unchanged and has largely been reinforced by the significant volume of ongoing research that has been undertaken. The cornerstone international response to the science was defined in 1997 (The Kyoto Protocol) under the auspices of the United Nations. This established emission reduction targets for developed countries which are binding under international law. Numerous follow-on international meetings, discussions and negotiations have been held, national government departments established and rafts of policies introduced. However, in spite of these substantial resources, derisory progress has been made and CO₂ emissions continue their inexorable rise. We can have no real confidence that disastrous outcomes will be avoided.
In this presentation the case will be made that it is, in fact, unsurprising that we are in this position as we are pursuing a strategy that is both intellectually flawed and ethically unsound. An alternative route forward is proposed.
Dr David Williams was trained as a research scientist and held academic research posts prior to moving to industry. For the following 30 years he held managerial and executive positions in science based businesses and multi-national companies. During this period his responsibilities included product development, business management and strategic planning for a division of a major US international corporation, where he was a Vice-President. He subsequently returned to academia and for the last 6 years his areas of interest have included climate change policy.
Chair – Prof. Evan Parker
Ever since being a 6th former Evan Parker has had abiding interests in how we might improve society and, in religion (although he is not religious). He has worked in industry and has spun out a company on solar energy. He held the Chair in Semiconductor Physics at the University of Warwick for 24 years and is currently Professorial Research Fellow. He currently works on nano-technology for medical applications and also on climate change. He has held leadership roles in many European programmes and published widely on scientific matters and also written a book on his childhood in a remote Cotswold village.