© Pint of Science, 2024. All rights reserved.
…Or is it? Combating the ever-growing problem of climate change is undeniably one of the biggest challenges facing our planet. Tonight, three researchers will give Pint of Science a whistle-stop tour of the ever-changing environment on Planet Earth, and highlight the importance of green spaces for both the health of the human race and our animal neighbours.
How Planet Earth Prepared for Animals
Prof. John Parnell
(Professor of Geology & Petroleum Geology, University of Aberdeen)
The planet was already more than four-fifths through its history before animals first appeared. Then a succession of worldwide volcanic activity, deep glaciation, and a new atmosphere created a copper-rich environment that allowed animals to flourish. We will look at the evidence, including from Scotland.
Our carbon budget is running out, our excuses too
Dr David Vega-Maza
(Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering)
Swedish 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, and thousands of children will not be able to solve the climate crisis before they inherit its consequences. They remind us that we are acting like spoiled, irresponsible kids. Government indifference ignores the elephant in the room: we already have all the facts, and we are running out of time to abate greenhouse gases. I plan to discuss climate change evidence, impacts and projections. I want to show you mitigation strategies, because, paraphrasing Greta: “Yes, we are failing, but we can still fix it. We still have everything in our hands.
What has Duthie Park ever done for us?
Dr Michaela Roberts
(Environmental Economist at the James Hutton Institute )
We will take a virtual tour of Duthie Park to investigate how green spaces can improve our lives. This will include how greenspace helps us with our physical and mental health, reduces air and noise pollution, and provides spaces for food growing, recreation, and nature. We will also take a look at some of the valuable data citizen scientists contribute to understanding green spaces, and how you can get involved.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.