Changing climate, changing lives?

Royal Geographical Society with IBG takes the heat out of climate change debate with new exhibition

The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers, with funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is taking the initiative in educating the public about climate change with a provocative new exhibition, Changing climate, changing lives?, at the Societys headquarters in London until August 22, and then on 4-20 September.

With climate change rarely out of the headlines, the Societys exhibition explores the science behind the phenomenon, projections for the future and the possible effects which the UK might experience in the future. It will also explore the actions we might take to mitigate against future change, alongside how we might adapt and hopefully thrive in a warmer world.

In addition to informing the wider public of the challenges that climate change presents, a new website has been developed in partnership with schools to engage 11-19 year old students and support the geography curriculum, and which can be visited at www.yourclimateyourlife.org.uk

Average temperatures in the UK are predicted to increase by 2oC by the turn of the next century and Changing climate, changing lives? looks in particular at some of the impacts that climate change might have on the UK, from an increased risk of flooding in London to effects on food production; and the kinds of flora and fauna we might expect in the British countryside.

With the scale and magnitude of climate change so enormous, it can be difficult to know what difference individuals can make to help mitigate global warming. In addition to addressing and exploring the big issues, the Societys exhibition provides practical suggestions and advice on how communities can become more sustainable, and small changes we can all make such as using energy-saving lightbulbs and adjusting the central-heating thermostat which, collectively, can make a significant difference.

Steve Brace, head of education at the Royal Geographical Society with IBG, commented:

Climate change is one of the most important issues facing the world's people, places and environment and the most prominent geographical question of our age. In exploring the science behind climate change and outlining how we can all make a difference in reducing our carbon footprint, we hope the Changing Climates: Changing Lives? exhibition will paint a clearer picture of the issues surrounding climate change and how we can all play a part in combating it.

The Changing Climate, Changing Lives exhibition is currently on display at the Royal Geographical Society with IBG until August 22 and can be viewed at the Societys headquarters located at 1 Kensington Gore, London between 9:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Notes

1. For further information please contact Henry Rummins, Press and PR Officer, on 020 7591 3019 or email h.rummins@rgs.org

2. The Royal Geographical Society with The Institute of British Geographers is the learned society and professional body representing geography and geographers. It was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities, and has played a key role in geographical and environmental education from its foundation. Today the Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning - supporting education, teaching, research and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography. www.rgs.org