Professor Paul Palmer, Professor of Quantitative Earth Observation, presents "A Brief History of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide". In this talk Professor Palmer will discuss measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide and how they a) are used to understand the nature and geographic origin and fate of carbon dioxide, and b) can be used to underpin the development of effective emission reduction policies to mitigate the effects of future climate change. This lecture is part of the University's "Our...

Professor Ian Bryden, Chair in Renewable Energy, presents "Sustainable Technology: Meeting Our Future Needs and Aspirations". This talk will cover what is meant by sustainable engineering, including what is meant by engineering itself. Professor Bryden will introduce some of the tools used to assess sustainability and then considered the increasingly difficult issues associated with long term development. This lecture is part of the University's "Our Changing World" public lecture series,...

Dr Michael Shaver, Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Chemistry, presents "The Intertwined World of 'Peak' Oil, Renewables and Sustainability". In this lecture he looks at both petroleum resources and renewable feedstocks as sources of our chemical needs, and the relationship between energy and sustainability. This lecture is part of the University's "Our Changing World" public lecture series, which examines the global challenges facing society, and the role of academia in meeting these...