Can you imagine the UK having high incidence of malaria and thousands of people dying because of high temperatures? Is it possible that the Gulf Stream would stop and Europe would cool significantly?

During the first Spotlight of Science talk tonight, Dr Roderic Jones from the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the Department of Chemistry will discuss the underlying principles of global climate change as well as the predicted climate changes over the next year.

According to Dr Jones, it is important to address the misconceptions about the greenhouse effect as well as the extent of the severity of the problems our children might face in the future.

“This is very serious,” said Dr Jones. “I don’t want to scare people but at the same time I think it’s important that they understand the situation and most importantly the need to do something about it. The Kyoto protocol is highly significant, however, as it stands, it is not sufficient to stabilise carbon dioxide.”

“People should not, however, wait for the Government or scientists to do something about this but can change things in their everyday lives that could make a difference. One aspect is being more conscious of their actions and their consequences. On the one hand they could use more energy efficient transport, and better insulation, but on the other they should recognise the need for Governments to act on this global problem.”

The lecture takes place on today, Wednesday 16 March, at the Babbage Lecture Theatre, New Museums Site, off Downing Street, from 7.30-8.30pm

For more information on the seminar or The Cambridge Science Festival, please phone 01223 766766.

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