Challenges for a changing planet

Environmental decisions depend on judgements when data are scarce, knowledge is incomplete and decisions are imminent. Decision makers rely on expert advice to fill the gaps. Yet, recent evidence suggests that in many circumstances, experts have a poor idea of the limits of their knowledge. This presentation outlines some of these expert frailties, and how to remedy them.

Water shortages are a big issue. The ‘water footprint’, like the ‘carbon footprint’, is used to examine the environmental impacts of products, and persuade individuals and companies to be more sustainable. But what goes into a water footprint – and when does it really matter? We’ll look at these issues, and more, in relation to a product close to our hearts: beer.

Matt has managed to combine his two loves of comedy and environmental economics in his third, sold-out solo comedy show called 'Filibuster'. Built as a lecture on climate change, it proved a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, and has received critical acclaim.